High School Music Technology

​Teacher: Matt Robidoux
Email: mrobidoux@stanbridgeacademy.org

Grading
  • 40% Zoom meeting participation
  • 40% Google Classroom and Digital Audio Workstation assignments
  • 20% Assessments
Description: In this course students will create, prototype, design and build musical instruments and controllers using a variety of methods. The class will be an introduction on electronic synthesis, basic circuitry/electrical engineering, and traditional instrument building techniques. In focusing on the technical side of music, we will work within digital audio workstations such as Bandlab, Ableton Live, and utilize visual programming languages like Pure Data. The atmosphere within the class will be conducive to the sharing of resources and knowledge.  Tools, materials, and instructional support will be offered in an environment that is team-oriented, supportive, multidisciplinary and facilitates cross-sectional learning.

Music Technology focuses on these five areas:
  • Creative problem solving
  • Fundamentals of circuit design
  • The intersections of musical culture and commodity
  • Social learning through collective work and group critique
Music Technology Curriculum Resources
Individual and group lesson plans are crafted by the facilitator based on frequent assessments of individual and collective skills. In addition, under the guidance of the facilitator, students may create online accounts and access curriculum within the following websites: 
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to do the following, with or without support:
  • Understand how musical elements are synthesized to create music.
  • Decipher a musical form by ear.
  • Build an electronic musical instrument from a “synth kit."
  • Compose and record original material using digital audio workstations/apps.
  • Create musical structure and improvise within it.
  • Identify cultural contexts of a written/recorded work of music.
  • Understand the symbiotic relationships between technological developments and musical aesthetics.
  • Work with peers in a cooperative, supported music making environment.
  • Build an electronic music “microcontroller” from household objects.
  • Explore music as a means for self expression.

Executive Functioning Support
In order to support long term planning, organization, and work completion, the following procedures are in place:
  • Classwork and homework is assigned on Google Classroom and/or Bandlab.
  • Classroom routines and procedures are specifically taught and posted visually in slideshows that accompany each class.
  • Each student establishes individual short-term and long term goals to be accomplished during this school year.
  • Assignments include clear, step by step instructions and a timeline for completion.
  • Specific skills are practiced daily during class.