Music Production & Engineering
High school · Grades 9–12 · One semester

Music Production & Engineering

You spent the first four weeks learning the hardware: the soundboard, microphones, cables, and polar patterns. Next you'll use Logic Pro 12 and other tools to build one original track, a piece at a time. Along the way you'll practice the music theory behind your choices, so you can make informed decisions as a producer.

5Units
15Weeks
45Classes
1Track you build

Units

01
Weeks 5–7

Logic Basics & Beats

Move from the soundboard into Logic. Record and edit MIDI, then program drums in the Step Sequencer and with Drummer.

You make: An 8-bar beat in a genre you choose

Open
02
Weeks 8–10

Chords, Bass & Synths

Play chords on the MIDI keyboard, use the Chord Track and Session Players, write basslines, and design your own synth sound.

You make: A 16-bar loop: your beat plus bass, chords, and one synth sound you designed

Coming soon
03
Weeks 11–13

Audio Editing, Stems & Sampling

Import MP3s from the class drive, split them into stems with Stem Splitter, chop and rearrange regions, and use Flex Time and Flex Pitch.

You make: A flip: a new piece built from a provided song and your loop

Coming soon
04
Weeks 14–16

Mixing

Balance levels and panning, then use EQ, compression, reverb, delay, buses, and automation. Each tool is compared to the soundboard.

You make: A mix of your project, plus a short written rationale

Coming soon
05
Weeks 17–19

Arrange, Master & Release

Shape your loop into a full song form, master it for loudness, export it, and learn copyright and sampling ethics.

You make: A finished original track, played at the class listening session

Coming soon

How this course works

Each unit adds a new layer to one project that grows all semester. Your Unit 1 beat gets chords and bass in Unit 2, audio chops in Unit 3, a mix in Unit 4, and a final master in Unit 5. Don't delete old work. You'll need it.

Every lesson page has

  • Learning targets: what you'll be able to do by the end of class.
  • New terms: each new word is defined the first time it appears. All of them are collected in the Glossary.
  • Try it in Logic: step-by-step instructions with the keys to press.
  • Soundboard connections: how a Logic tool matches something you already know from the board.
  • Practice checklists: your boxes are saved on this computer's browser, so you can pick up where you left off.
  • Quick checks and an exit ticket to see if you've got it.

Assessment (MYP Arts)

CriterionWhat it measures
A · InvestigatingResearching music, genres, and techniques
B · DevelopingBuilding and showing your skills in Logic
C · Creating / PerformingMaking original work
D · EvaluatingReflecting on and improving your work, and giving feedback

What you need

  • A Mac with Logic Pro 12, a MIDI keyboard, and headphones.
  • Your class folder for saving projects. Save as LastName_UnitX_Name.
  • Headphone volume at a safe level. If you can't hear someone next to you talking, turn it down.