A Step-By-Step Approach To Teaching Remixing and Composition
This session will begin by looking at arranging techniques and compare multiple versions of a single song. Using a looping program like GarageBand (Mac), Mixcraft (PC) or Acid (PC), we’ll rearrange our own song while focussing on tangible musical aspects like structure, texture, timbre, harmony and form which incorporate key arranging and listening skills.
We’ll move on to the creation of original material – in bite-sized pieces at first – by creating loops from scratch which can be added back into your loop library. Next, we’ll move on to composing (or improvising) a new melody that fits with our backing and we’ll record it using a MIDI keyboard or on-screen keyboard.
We’ll discuss ways you can adapt repertoire you are currently using in class and we’ll learn about (and be inspired by) the art of professional remixing by looking at the audio-visual creations of artists like DJ Kutiman and Pogo.
We’ll discuss some copyright dos and don’ts and talk about ways students can contribute back to the music community by uploading their remixes and original material to music-sharing websites. Lastly, discover a range of free music and loops by exploring some of the fantastic copyright-free material that is available from websites such as ccMixter.
Skills covered:
- setting up a project
- importing loops
- editing loop length
- the importance of snapping
- creating new loops
- saving loops into the library
- layering
- selecting and changing instruments
- adding effects
- fade-ins and fade-outs
- volume envelopes
- panning envelopes
- recording from a MIDI keyboard
- editing MIDI
- using notation
- mixing skills
- saving and exporting projects
Software Options For This Workshop
- GarageBand (Mac)
- Mixcraft (PC)
- Acid Music Studio (PC)
Students
Suitable for students in Years 5 – 12.
I’m interested in this workshop. What’s next?
Contact Katie to arrange a workshop at your school (or other location):
Arrange a workshop at your school
Check the
Upcoming Events page for scheduled public workshops:
Upcoming Events calendar
