SOUNDTRAP (Week 1) – 1/3/21

We began the seminar with a meditation, in order to focus and clear the mind. We were then introduced to SoundTrap, a web-based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION (DAW): Software allowing users to write, produce and record music and sound. Industry standards include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, ProTools, Cubase. Cheaper programs examples include Garageband and SoundTrap.

MIDI: Tells the computer what note to play.

AUDIO: Recording real audio files.

Through sharing his screen, James taught the group basic productions skills, such as looping, manipulating audio, splitting audio, how to find the piano roll, and sampling.

Individually, we created a short composition using synth presets and drum loops, and a few of us presented to the class.

I named by file ‘Gangsta Beatz’ and exported it to WAV; you can listen to it here, which I’ve embedded in SoundCloud.

So how does this relate to Music Education?

Personally, being an Ableton Live user, learning a free, web-based digital audio workstation was extremely beneficial and I can add this to my skillset as a teacher. It is a cost-effective way for schools to learn basic music production skills without using an overly complicated, expensive program.

We had a listen to Perfect Storm, created by Sydney Conservatorium students in 2016, and how it seamlessly transitions between electronic and classical composition, with film.

Listen here: http://www.odysseus.live/

We summarised the class by talking about PLN: Personal Learning Network, and how we can use this as a professional tool. For example, James has a twitter where he shares Music Education related posts. Although social media has its pros and cons, having an online presence for Music Education can be a way to establish professionalism and a greater, global outreach.