Music Classes

This course is designed for the student who is new to music technology and has an interest in composing and creating music. The focus of this course is on MIDI basics hands-on exploration, skill development of electronic instruments, notation and sequencing, and using various types of music software. Historical developments in digital media are also covered.

This is a Dual Enrollment course taught at RMHS within the student schedule. Intermediate audio production. Planning and executing recording sessions which involve a variety of musical ensembles under diverse recording conditions; live-performance /concert recordings; multi-track recording, overdub, and remix procedures; and research in recording techniques.

This class is for the beginning piano student. Taking place in our music lab, each student will have access to their own digital piano keyboard. The class will focus on two primary areas, learning to play the piano and learning the technical side and features of operating a digital piano keyboard. On the piano playing side of things, you will learn to play melodies, chords, scales, and basic songs so that you are comfortable with your hands performing on the keys in various capacities and contexts. You will learn the basics of reading traditional sheet music, lead sheets, and chord charts. On the digital instrument side of things, you will learn the basics of operating your digital piano keyboard. 

If you want to make music and don’t want to sing or play a band instrument, this is these courses are for you. You will learn how to play guitar. Guitar 1 is for students who have no guitar experience and will explore the use of technology for guitar and the basics of musicianship. The class will be instructed on reading music and chords (major, minor, sevenths, and sixth), strumming with a pick, finger picking, etc. Guitar 2 will pick up where Guitar 1 left off, and the emphasis will be placed on individual note notation, barre chords, power chords, and ensemble playing

Take this trip through history (from the early 1900s to present day) using rock and roll as your tour guide. You will experience the early years of rock and roll, discovering its origin and how it has evolved over time. Students will listen to (and dissect) rock and roll music from each era, finding out why this music means so much to the youth of each generation.

This course is designed for students who already understand the basic written language of music. More complex aspects of the musical language will be introduced, such as time signatures, minor scales, transposition, two-part harmony, and basic triads and choral harmonies. Aural skills and ear training will be further developed through rhythmic and melodic examples, as well as the introduction of sight-singing. Related concepts will be introduced to build upon the students’ vocabulary.

Dual Enrollment Audio Production is an advanced, hands-on course designed for students interested in exploring the art and technical aspects of sound design and sound engineering, offering students 3 college credits through a partnership with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Students will gain proficiency in recording equipment, field recording, live sound event recording, and Adobe Audition and Premiere software. The course covers Foley sound effects, sound design for film/TV/theatre, and storytelling through sound. Students will also explore vocal performance techniques for voice-over work and narration. This dual enrollment course offers students a comprehensive foundation in audio production, preparing them for careers in the entertainment, media, and technology industries, and fosters an appreciation for the role of sound in the creative process.