Embedded Files
All information for the class will be listed on this site. Please be sure to check back daily.
Please have your headphones in class everyday!
Mr. Goldschmidt - mgoldschmidt@rolla31.org
How to turn in Audio Engineering Assignments:
Save your Soundtrap file
Click the download Mp3 button
Drag the Mp3 file into your Google Classroom Assignment
10/23 Soundtrap Create Day
10/23 Soundtrap Create Day
Create with Soundtrap! Choose a Soundtrap Tutorial, Make A Beat, Record Lyrics, Write Music, Practice Backmasking, Have Fun!
Submissions for the Electronic Music Composition Contest?
Pick a Soundtrap Tutorial: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnRrlU_ooYvXYcbT5nUvVisS-jbWbOSWR&si=BpDzGZhpjq4y_O4R
10/21 Copyright Law For Musicians
10/21 Copyright Law For Musicians
Today we will begin our discussion of copyright law as it pertains to musicians. This unit will also compose of a group project that covers landmark music copyright cases. We will be going over this presentation in class, but it is linked below for you to view on your own as well. Additionally, we will be reading the article "How Music Copyright Lawsuits Are Scaring Away New Hits".
Presentation Link - Copyright Law For Musicians
ASCAP Music License Agreements: https://www.ascap.com/music-users/licensefinder
Reading Link - "How Music Copyright Lawsuits Are Scaring Away New Hits"
ASCAP Link: https://www.ascap.com/help/my-ascap-membership
BMI Link: https://www.bmi.com/faq
SESAC Link: https://www.sesac.com/frequently-asked-questions/
10/20 Music Composition Contests:
10/20 Music Composition Contests:
COMP Creating Original Music Project K-12 Competition
MMEA Electronic Music Composition Project
10/12 Pick Your Project:
10/12 Pick Your Project:
- Composing a Ringtone!
Over the past couple of weeks you have spent time learning about drum tracks, melodies and composing in Soundtrap. In this assignment you are going to put it all together. You will compose a 60-second ringtone.
We will listen to some ringtone examples. While listening ask yourself: Do they work? Why or Why not? What do you think makes a good ringtone? What is the purpose of a ringtone?
Assignment
Assignment
You will compose a 60 second ringtone
You will use your knowledge on writing melodies, chord progressions, and drum beats on this project.
You must have at least 5 or more tracks, 2 or more of them must be your own recorded with MIDI. Additional tracks can use loops or your own musical ideas.
Add Virtual Instrument Tracks and select the sounds you desire.
Use the Metronome and Quantize!!!!
Turn in your Project on Google Classroom:
Helpful Hints for Ringtone Assignment
Helpful Hints for Ringtone Assignment
Find a Chord Progression at https://autochords.com/
As the ringtone progresses add urgency – tempo, layer sounds
Don’t use an Introduction, ringtones are short...
Ringtone must grab the listener’s attention within the first 3-5 seconds
Double the melody in octaves on a different instrument
Create a parallel harmony by doubling the melody at an interval such as a 3rd or 5th
Add Compression to even out/bring out your Midi Recorded sounds
Be careful of using lots of bass! Phone speakers are small!
Be creative and Have Fun!
Sound Effects visit: Freesound.org, Soundbible.com. https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/ , https://www.freesfx.co.uk/ , or try NASA Sounds
We will listen to them on my phone (ringtone style) during class.
We will listen to them on my phone (ringtone style) during class.
2. Soundtrap Radio Commercial
2. Soundtrap Radio Commercial
Directions: Your task is to write a 60 second radio commercial for a subject of your choosing. Mr. Goldschmidt will approve all project subjects before recording. This is a very open ended assignment, so be creative.
STEP 1:
Listen to radio commercial examples. Listen for structure first, then content. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKB0rwlD01vKwC9fCECwrPbApfij1NJh4&si=C3cdT7YnvPd7AIlh
Commercial Form must be completed
Create Script of about 150 - 300 words depending on how fast you will speak. Think about using a slogan or catchphrase.
Try This - The Advertising Slogan Generator -
STEP 2:
Once your script has been written and you have proofread...
Open Soundtrap
Record Script slowly with microphone
Record dry and edit (remove breaths, pauses, breaks, mistakes, add effects and compression)
STEP 3:
Start creating musical bed (the background music). Can use loops or create your own.
Sound Effects - http://soundbible.com/
Freesound.org : Username - rhsaudioeng Password - bulldogs
Think about Audio Effects
Mix script with musical bed - Check levels
STEP 4:
Export as an Mp3 File to Google Classroom
Ideas to include in your commercial:
Ideas to include in your commercial:
•Interesting Main Idea or Subject of the Commercial
•Grab the listener's attention with your words
•Vocal Fluctuation. When recording, speak in a manner that someone would like to listen to.
•Music, background effects (create your own), Special Elements that make it interesting.
•Articulate and Simple. KISS
•Think about it as a listener: what's in it for me? How will it impact my life in a way that I think it will make my life better, happier, or easier?
•Anything else you can think of.
10/6 Recording With Microphones
10/6 Recording With Microphones
We will be recording with microphones today.
Plug-in the microphone properly (or audio interface)
Test Levels (No clipping). Make sure nothing is too loud or too soft.
Record. Think about breathing, pacing, tone, and inflection.
Edit. Clean up mistakes, breathing. Add audio effects.
Scary Story Assignment Sheet Here
Click Here To Start The Project
Pick a story to record: Scary Story 1 Scary Story 2
Pick background music: Scary Music 1 Scary Music 2
(Click on music and hit download button)
Sound Effects:
Soundbible.com – Download Mp3 files and import them
Freesound.org - Username: rhsaudioeng Password: bulldogs
or try NASA Sounds
MovieSoundClips.net - Sound clips and audio from thousands of movies
Create your own with voice or record in sounds.
10/2 Chords and Chord Progressions
10/2 Chords and Chord Progressions
Today we are learning about chords on the piano and then discussion different chords progressions and how to put groups chords together.
Today you will learn how to play a I Chord, V Chord, vi Chord, and IV Chord on the piano. Soundtrap also has a Chords Tool we can use after you understand how the chords function.
I - V - vi - IV Chord Progression
Click here to start the assignment: Recording Chord Progressions
1. Record Chord Progression (w/ Metronome) into Soundtrap with Piano
2. Change metronome preferred tempo and drum add loops
3. Create a melody with preferred scale mode over the chords progression.
4. Soundtrap Chords Options
Check out other chords progressions here: https://blog.native-instruments.com/common-chord-progressions/
Other popular chord progressions.
I - V - vi - IV
V - vi - IV - I
vi - IV - I - V
IV - I - V - vi
The order of the chords never changes ( I is always followed by V), but do change the chord that you start on. When writing a melody over these chords, feature a chord note in the melody when each chord is played.
9/29 Writing Melodies Using Modes
9/29 Writing Melodies Using Modes
Today we will be learning about scales and their modes. These scales are the base we use to write melodies.
Visit this website to discover Scales and Modes: https://learningmusic.ableton.com/advanced-topics/modes.html
Your assignment is below. If you need additional help or are absent, I have a video outlining the assignment below.
Assignment: You will be composing two separate melodies using two different modes. Your First Melody will use one of the scale modes: Ionian (Major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (Minor), Locrian. The Second Melody will use a different scale mode. Both of these scales should use only white notes on the piano. They are based on C.
Ideas to build a melody: Play around until you find something you like, take part of a favorite song and put a twist on it, combine multiple ideas, ask a friend.
Steps: Click here to get started: https://www.soundtrap.com/studio/assignment/1nqmVHKwRJmz1DlSAK961A
1. Add a Virtual Instrument Track and choose any instrument you want.
2. OPTIONAL: Pick a drum track loop or two that you want to create your melody with.
3. Set the metronome to 85 or slower if needed. You can always turn it up after you record.
4. Each Melody must be at least 8 measures long or longer. Record 1-2 measures at a time if that helps.
5. Stay in time with the Beat (metronome click and drums). Simple is better.
6. Quantize after you record.
7. Line the Melodies in Sequence (one after the other with a measure of space between). Feel free to add drums in the background to match your melody. Turn in on Google Classroom.
9/23 Melodic Dictation
9/23 Melodic Dictation
A Melodic Dictation is the ability to listen to a piece of music and then quickly write it down or play it back. You will develop listening skills and become more acclimated to the Midi keyboards.
Click Here for the Assignment File: https://www.soundtrap.com/studio/assignment/d1ebB15pTOGBXYMP_CGcnQ
Listen to the four melodies below. Recreate them in Soundtrap using the Midi Keyboard. You will only use the White Keys on the Keyboard.
Find the "Flute" Sound. Set your metronome to 85.
Listen Carefully to the Melody and find the note it starts on. Then, continue listening and figure out how to play the melody by experimenting with the notes on the keyboard. You may have to listen multiple times until it is correct.
Be sure to practice and use the metronome! QUANTIZE after you record. Quantize to the correct rhythmic value makes the recording perfect.
After recording all four melodies, line them up in sequence with 1 measures of space in between so they will play one at at time. Save, then download the Mp3, and upload to Google Classroom here
9/22 The Piano Keyboard
9/22 The Piano Keyboard
The Musical Staff and Piano Tutorials
The Musical Staff and Piano Tutorials
The Musical Staff and Piano: http://www.musictheory.net/lessons/10
Accidentals and the Piano: http://www.musictheory.net/lessons/20
Practice Exercise: 15 Questions
Practice Exercise: 15 Questions
Identifying Notes on the Keyboard: https://www.musictheory.net/exercises/keyboard/y9dyyynyydb
Paste the verification code for the practice exercise on Google Classroom:
9/20 Drum Beat Listening
9/20 Drum Beat Listening
9/16-18 Two 60-Second Drum Beats
9/16-18 Two 60-Second Drum Beats
Today and tomorrow, you will be working to create two different 60-second (or longer) drum beats. Use the following parameters:
Create them in two different projects.
Each should have a different tempo.
Please use different kits and instruments.
No loops please, only one shot samples.
Be sure to change something every 4 or 8 measures!
You can use the step sequencer or play on the keyboards to create your music.
Quantize, Quantize, Quantize
This is your chance to create!
Examples: Drum Beat 1, Drum Beat 2
When finished, upload both Mp3 files to the Google Classroom assignment. We will listen to them on Friday!
9/14/26
9/14/26
- Playing Drums with the Keyboard
MIDI Keyboards
Computer Keyboards
- Recording with the Metronome
- Quantizing - Automatically adjusting rhythms to match the metronome
RHYTHM DICTATION ASSIGNMENT
RHYTHM DICTATION ASSIGNMENT
Listen to the file “Rhythmic Dictation” below. You will hear a brief two measure rhythmic pattern.
You are to re-create (record) what you hear in Soundtrap
Assignment Procedure
Assignment Procedure
Open this linked SoundTrap Project to get started: https://www.soundtrap.com/studio/assignment/nJu4qMJgRIOaI79pKiUNWQ
Make sure the "Clean Red" Drum Kit is selected.
Set the metronome to 85.
Listen to the first example in the Rhythmic Dictation File.
Record the two-measure pattern on the drum track in Soundtrap
Record as close to the metronome as possible.
Record only the drum set sounds, not the metronome click in the background.
Quantize your recording.
Repeat for the other 5 examples in the Rhythmic Dictation file. Leave 1 measure between each recording. Keep them all in the same track.
Save the file when you are done and upload the Mp3 into Google Classroom
9/10/26 Drum Step Sequencers (Beat Maker)
9/10/26 Drum Step Sequencers (Beat Maker)
Finish Listening To Soundtrap Loops Project
Step Sequencer/Beat Maker/Pattern Maker
Rhythm Discussion - Quarter Notes, Eighth Notes, Sixteenth Notes, Rests
Drum Set Components: Kick, Snare, Hi-hat (Open and Closed), Toms, Cymbals, FX
Different types of rhythms for drum set - Practice creating these in Soundtrap
Step Sequencer Drum Patterns - Drum Patterns for step sequencers
9/2 - 9/9 Sound Systems Quiz and Soundtrap Loops Project
9/2 - 9/9 Sound Systems Quiz and Soundtrap Loops Project
Sound Systems Quiz!
Sound Systems Quiz!
Soundtrap Track Options
Soundtrap Track Options
Automation
Soundtrap Loops Project
Soundtrap Loops Project
Today we will be starting our first project! Click on the assignment sheet below for your instructions and rubric.
Soundtrap Loops Project Assignment Sheet
Click here to begin the project - Soundtrap Project Link (This will automatically share your project with me. Only use this link once, unless you want to restart completely!!!)
Downloading your Mp3
9/1/26 Soundtrap Basics & Audio Effects
9/1/26 Soundtrap Basics & Audio Effects
Review Sound Systems Components - Quiz Wednesday!
SoundTrap Loops and Interface Introduction
Snap, Grid Settings, Loop Settings
Loops, Loop Packs, Changing Key/Tempo, Metronome
Stretch, Loop, Edit Loops (Right Click)
Sound Effects
SoundTrap Audio Effects
Time Based vs. Gain Based
8/31/26 Sound Systems and Soundtrap Introduction
8/31/26 Sound Systems and Soundtrap Introduction
- Continue Sound Systems Discussion
Hardware and Sound Sound Systems Presentation
Effects
Sound systems quiz on Wednesday
- Soundtrap
Getting Started and Looping Basics
Getting Started and Looping Basics
Video Tutorial - Soundtrap Basics
8/28/26 Sound Systems
8/28/26 Sound Systems
Today we will listen to some of your Incredibox Mixes. Make sure you have recorded and saved your mix.
If we have time: Soundtrap Set-Up
Music Behind The Technology Presentation
What is Music?
The Six Elements of Music
Today: Please arrange and record a mix using your choice of Incredibox loops. Incorporate: Layering, Arranging, Timing, Texture, Solo, Tutti, and Form.
Submit your Incredibox recording on Google Classroom
8/26/26 Looping with Incredibox
8/26/26 Looping with Incredibox
Incredibox
What you will learn or show:
Arranging, Remixing
Layering, Texture (Timbre)
Timing, Conducting Skills
Solo & Tutti
The Art of Looping.
8/25/26 Welcome To Audio Engineering 1
8/25/26 Welcome To Audio Engineering 1
1. Computer/Google Log-in:
Username: StudentID@student.rolla31.org
Password: Fl-mmddyy
2. Audio Engineering Google Site - Go here first thing everyday! Bookmark site.
3. Syllabus
4. Google Classroom - Audio Engineering
5. Google Drive Clean Up Last Year and Create Audio Folders
6. Get to know you activity - Padlet
7. Sound Systems Knowledge Pretest
8. Bring your headphones tomorrow!!!
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