Mixing It Up: Sound Recording and Music Production in School Music Programs

Abstract

Recent advances in music technology include practical tools for sound recording and production in school music classrooms. Secondary school music production classes allow students to make meaningful connections between school music and the music in their own lives. We offer several projects for teaching music production and sound recording; provide examples of authentic, performance-based assessments; and identify opportunities for collaboration through digital means. These projects are particularly well aligned with the United States’ Core Arts Standards related to creating music and may widen the door for students who are less interested—or less able to participate—in traditional bands, orchestras, and choirs or music appreciation electives.