Bethel Park High School is striking a new chord in music education with its innovative “Introduction to Music Production” course, launched this school year. The class is designed to open doors for students passionate about music who may not have formal training in traditional performance. Blending creativity, technical expertise, and audience engagement, the course allows students to explore the dynamic world of digital music production.
Led by veteran music educator Mr. Jonathan Derby, the course provides a supportive and engaging environment for students to discover and refine their musical talents. “The goal of the introductory class is to provide students with the essential skills they need to think like a DJ and understand how to produce music for an audience,” said Derby. “Many students come to us with a passion for music but may not have a traditional performance background. This course is designed for them.”
Building Musical Foundations
The course curriculum introduces students to digital audio workstations (DAWs) and teaches foundational music production techniques. Over the semester, students learn to craft drum patterns, chord progressions, bass lines, and melodies. Beyond the technical aspects, they also focus on essential musical elements like rhythm, harmony, and melody and strategies to captivate listeners.
A hallmark of the course is its emphasis on hands-on, real-world projects. Students will create soundtracks for video games, commercials, pop songs, and podcasts, providing practical experience that builds problem-solving, collaboration, and critical listening skills.
For example, Derby’s class collaborates with Mrs. Nicola Hipkins’ public speaking students to produce radio commercials. Hipkins’ students script and record voiceovers, while Derby’s students compose background music and sound effects, integrating their skills into a cohesive final product.
A Pathway for All Students
With 14 students enrolled in the inaugural class, many are expected to continue to the next level, “Production Through Performance.” This follow-up course will help students refine their production skills while introducing them to performing their original compositions.
Derby emphasizes that even students who may not gravitate toward traditional performance will be equipped to express their musical ideas effectively. “Even if they are not natural performers, I will try to provide them with the necessary skills to create music efficiently,” he said.
Cultivating Creativity and Independence
One of the course’s early focuses is developing a “critical listening mindset,” which involves analyzing songs and solving creative challenges. The program encourages students to take risks, experiment, and collaborate with classmates, fostering a culture of mutual inspiration and creative exchange.
Derby envisions reaching a broader range of students who might not feel at home in traditional band, choir, or orchestra settings as the program evolves. “This is a space for students who love music but might play an instrument on the side or have a passion for music production without wanting to perform on stage,” he explained.
A Vision for the Future
The music production sequence is designed to guide students from basic skills to advanced techniques, including mixing, mastering, and songwriting. Each level builds on the previous one, creating a comprehensive pathway for those serious about potentially pursuing music production as a career or hobby.
“As they progress, students will have even more opportunities to deepen their technical skills, work collaboratively, and prepare for possible careers or further education in music production,” said Derby.
Bethel Park High School’s commitment to expanding music education through digital production reflects its forward-thinking approach to fostering diverse student interests. The “Introduction to Music Production” course is already proving to be a vital resource, offering a modern avenue for young musicians to express themselves and develop valuable technical skills.
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