Collaborative Songwriting Lessons - Soundtrap
Collaborative Songwriting Lessons - Soundtrap
in Soundtrap
Collaborative Songwriting In Soundtrap
10 Week Course Overview
Descriptor:
Students will learn songwriting and electronic music production, with a particular focus on collaboration, analytical
thinking and respectful communication within a creative environment.
The course has been developed for students with little to no musical literacy, and encourages better understanding
of some of the modern genres of western music.
Rationale:
Students will work to identify, replicate and originate features of modern genres of western music, using Soundtrap.
Once students are able to utilise the tools within Soundtrap, they will produce 2-4 short pieces of music in groups,
demonstrating a knowledge of modern musical genres. Using an analytical approach, students will respectfully
communicate within the creative environment and make collaborative decisions.
Resources:
Pre-Lesson Setup Guide
Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment will be conducted week to week, and is included in each lesson plan.
Week 2 Understanding songwriting and the need for correct structuring Student shows
awareness of
● In small groups, students are to follow a basic song need for song
structure provided by teacher (Resource: "Let's Make A structure, can
Hip-Hop Beat!") to map out a project identify more
● Play the resulting song together and reflect than one section
● Discuss outcomes, emphasising the need for critical in songs, used
thinking, respectful communication and awareness of unique loops to
musical genres emphasise
different
sections of song
Y/N
Login Procedures
Provide students with login credentials, including unique Edu group code for students to join
school Soundtrap account and groups (See Pre Lesson Set Up Resource)
Gather students around one computer and enter the studio, select a demo song (Dubstep or Pop) and
listen.
15 mins
Students Explore Soundtrap
Students to return to their computer and explore Soundtrap, and become comfortable with navigating loops and
playback, and experimenting with combinations of sounds.
20 mins
Reflection
10 mins
Formative Assessment
Student can log in, navigate Soundtrap loops
and use basic editing features Y/N
Differentiation Strategies
Outcome:
Understanding the need song structure, working with the constraints of a specific
genre, successfully edit loop lengths, understand challenges of working in groups,
understand successful communication for creative projects.
Student Sign In
5 mins
Play song as a reference, discuss common elements of Hip Hop music (as listed on “Let’s
Make A Hip Hop Beat” resource
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6kPtxHzUfg
5 Mins
Discuss the purpose of song sections - Intro, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Outro
A fantastic resource:
https://ledgernote.com/columns/music-theory/basic-song-structure-essentials/
5 Mins
Student Task 1
Distribute Week Two Resource "Let's Make A Hip Hop Beat!" Students are to select or be
allocated an instrument to focus on (Beats/Drums, Bass, Melody Instruments, Producer -
fills, effects and uplifters). Allocate 15 Mins for the task. Include a 5 Min brainbreak to
discuss challenges and highlight the common features of Hip Hop music listed on the
resource.
20 Mins
Student Task 2
Using the chat feature, groups are to respectfully discuss the input of each other's work,
and whether it “fits” in the song. Students are expected to respectfully identify what will
make for a better overall outcome and make compromises.
10 Mins
Reflection
Once all students have saved and synced, gather the class and discuss challenges of
working on collaborative projects, mentioning some of the following examples:
● Varying tastes
● Opinions are fluid
● Varying levels of understanding about features of a musical genre
● People can be reactive and spontaneous
● People have varying levels of communication and social skills
● Understanding the need for honest but respectful feedback
● Compromising on individual needs for the overall group outcome
Choose 2 pieces of work to play and discuss with whole group. What went well? Does
the piece stay true to the style? What could help improve the piece?
10 Mins
Formative Assessment
Differentiation Strategies
Outcome:
Students will learn to utilise the record feature of Soundtrap, and record 2 original loops
using a MIDI keyboard (or the computer keyboard). Students will understand that getting a
“perfect take” isn’t necessary, using the Quantize and Piano Roll features to edit their
recordings - which creates a safe creative environment to experiment within.
The object of the class is to learn how easy it is to record, and edit original music. It’s
important to realise the recordings don’t need to be perfect, as we will be using the Quantize
and Piano Roll editing features to fix up any mistakes.
Mini-lesson/Demo
● Follow the “Musical Backbone” steps below and record a four or eight bar loop in front
of the students. It doesn’t need to be complicated, only a few notes are needed.
5 mins
Student Sign In
5 Mins
Musical Backbone
10 Mins
Student Task
10 Mins
The Quantize feature locks notes to the grid, rectifying any timing issues
● Again, hover mouse above newly recorded section and click on Piano Roll
● By clicking and dragging the start or end of the bars on the grid that
appears, you can edit the length of each note
● By clicking and dragging from the centre of the bars on the grid, you can
edit the position of the note - dragging left and right will alter the timing of
when the note plays, dragging up and down changes the pitch of the note
● By clicking and dragging over all of the notes, all notes will be selected
and can be edited at the same time
10 Mins
Student Task
● Students to edit first recording so the timing is smooth, and any recording
mistakes are easily fixed
● Students to record a second 8 bar section, using Quantize and Piano Roll
to ensure a perfect harmony to the first recording
● Save project and exit the studio
15 Mins
Reflection
You could use this time to showcase a couple of students work, or further
reflect on the benefits of these editing tools. Many students find it so difficult to
get the first recording done, because they expect it needs to be perfect the first
try. This is an important mindset we need to overcome as songwriters. Music is
all about experimenting and allowing yourself the freedom to fail and try again.
5 Mins
Formative Assessment
Student recorded two 8 bar sections, timing
and harmony was achieved using the Y/N
Quantize and Piano Roll Features
Differentiation Strategies
Students pushing ahead
● Record more layers of instrumentation
● Experiment with different instruments
Outcome:
Students will begin their first summative assessment project. In small groups, students will
choose a genre, observe an example, identify structure and characteristics, and
collaboratively replicate. Students can be guided with the “Characteristics of Modern Musical
Genres” resource
Hook/Class Milestone
The object of the class is to choose and explore a genre to use in their summative assessment,
then begin the project. Working in small groups, students will use loops to structure a song, and
record elements to replace pre-recorded Soundtrap loops.
Mini-lesson/Demo
● Students are to independently conduct mini-lessons once groups have been split up,
melodic/rhythmic responsibilities have been allocated, and genre decided upon.
● Students are to individually listen to an example of their genre, and identify characteristics
associated with their melodic/rhythmic responsibilities, noting at least 3 (instruments used,
loudness/softness, busy/calm, heavily effected/clean, layered/solo)
Student Sign In
5 Mins
Mini-lesson/Demo
See above
15 mins
● One student in each group is to create a blank project and invite other group members
and teacher
● Students to introduce different loops for each section (verse/chorus to have corresponding
loops)
● Save & Sync
● Communicate via chat function to negotiate and agree on complementary elements.
Emphasis on respectful communication
20 mins
Reflection
10 mins
Formative Assessment
Student communicated with respect for other Y/N
group members input
Differentiation Strategies
Students pushing ahead
● Students to begin introducing original recordings to project to replicate/emulate
Soundtrap loops, add harmony and preferably entirely replace Soundtrap loops
Outcome:
Students are to continue work on their summative assessment, with a focus on replacing
pre-recorded Soundtrap loops used in project.
Mini-lesson/Demo
● Students are to conduct mini-lesson to refresh their perspective on chosen project
genre
● Students are to individually listen to an example of their genre, and identify
characteristics associated with their melodic/rhythmic responsibilities, noting at
least 3 (instruments used, loudness/softness, busy/calm, heavily effected/clean,
layered/solo)
10 mins
Student Sign In
5 Mins
Group Discussion
● Listen to group project individually and use chat feature to discuss and allocate
tasks for the day’s session, with a focus on replicating, emulating and replacing
pre-recorded loops
5mins
Student Task
● Enter project and use notes from Mini Lesson to replicate, emulate and replace
pre-recorded loops
● Communicate via chat function to negotiate outcomes. Emphasis on respectful
communication
20 mins
Brain Break
● Optional
5 mins
Student Task
● Enter project and use notes from Mini Lesson to replicate, emulate and replace
pre-recorded loops
● Communicate via chat function to negotiate outcomes. Emphasis on respectful
communication
10 mins
Reflection
Class discussion on group progress
Are characteristics of chosen genres being observed?
Are all members contributing to the success of the project?
What are some ideas for introducing original recordings to replace loops in the coming weeks?
10 mins
Formative Assessment
Student communicated with respect for other Y/N
group members input
Outcome:
Students are to add a vocal take, and complete the project they have been working on to
present it to class.
Student Sign In
5 Mins
● Students are to complete project from previous weeks, without adding any more
original elements, using the editing tools - piano roll, pitch (harmonies), record,
effects, cutting loops
● Focus on communicating through chat feature to identify elements that require
attention
● Have every student contribute at least one original element in the post production
realm (adding effects, mixing track volumes, editing tracks to enhance feel/impact)
20 mins
Differentiation Strategies
Outcome:
Students will begin their Second summative assessment project. In small groups,
students will choose a genre, observe an example, identify structure and characteristics,
and collaboratively replicate. Students can be guided with the “Characteristics of Modern
Musical Genres” resource
The object of the class is to choose and explore a genre to use in their second summative
assessment, then begin the project. Working in small groups, students will use loops to
structure a song, and record elements to replace pre-recorded Soundtrap loops.
Mini-lesson/Demo
● Students are to independently conduct mini-lessons once groups have been split
up, melodic/rhythmic responsibilities have been allocated, and genre decided upon.
● Students are to individually listen to an example of their genre, and identify
characteristics associated with their melodic/rhythmic responsibilities, noting at
least 3 (instruments used, loudness/softness, busy/calm, heavily effected/clean,
layered/solo)
Student Sign In
5 Mins
Mini-lesson/Demo
See above
15 mins
● One student in each group is to create a blank project and invite other group
members and teacher
● Students to introduce different loops for each section (verse/chorus to have
corresponding loops)
● Save & Sync
● Communicate via chat function to negotiate and agree on complementary
elements. Emphasis on respectful communication
20 mins
Reflection
10 mins
Formative Assessment
Student communicated with respect for other Y/N
group members input
Differentiation Strategies
Students pushing ahead
● Students to begin introducing original recordings to project to replicate/emulate
Soundtrap loops, add harmony and preferably entirely replace Soundtrap loops
Outcome:
Students are to continue work on their second summative assessment, with a focus on
replacing pre-recorded Soundtrap loops used in project.
Mini-lesson/Demo
● Students are to conduct mini-lesson to refresh their perspective on chosen project
genre
● Students are to individually listen to an example of their genre, and identify
characteristics associated with their melodic/rhythmic responsibilities, noting at
least 3 (instruments used, loudness/softness, busy/calm, heavily effected/clean,
layered/solo)
10 mins
Student Sign In
5 Mins
Group Discussion
● Listen to group project individually and use chat feature to discuss and allocate
tasks for the day’s session, with a focus on replicating, emulating and replacing
pre-recorded loops
5mins
Student Task
● Enter project and use notes from Mini Lesson to replicate, emulate and replace
pre-recorded loops
● Communicate via chat function to negotiate outcomes. Emphasis on respectful
communication
20 mins
Brain Break
● Optional
5 mins
Student Task
● Enter project and use notes from Mini Lesson to replicate, emulate and replace
pre-recorded loops
● Communicate via chat function to negotiate outcomes. Emphasis on respectful
communication
10 mins
Reflection
Class discussion on group progress
Are characteristics of chosen genres being observed?
Are all members contributing to the success of the project?
What are some ideas for introducing original recordings to replace loops in the coming weeks?
10 mins
Formative Assessment
Student communicated with respect for other Y/N
group members input
Outcome:
Students are to add a vocal take and complete the project they have been working on to
present it to class.
Student Sign In
5 Mins
● Students are to complete project from previous weeks, without adding any
more original elements, using the editing tools - piano roll, pitch (harmonies),
record, effects, cutting loops
● Focus on communicating through chat feature to identify elements that require
attention
● Have every student contribute at least one original element in the post
production realm (adding effects, mixing track volumes, editing tracks to
enhance feel/impact)
20 mins
Differentiation Strategies
Outcome:
Students are to present their work to class, highlighting features they worked on to
create an authentic representation of the selected genres, and discuss working as a
team.
● Speakers
● Correct cabling to connect to speakers
Questions that could be discussed:
Formative Assessment
Student communicated with respect for other Y/N
group members input