Put the PLAY back in music.
We can help.
IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL
No matter what this year throws at you, week by week, we help you reach your students where they are.
Whether in-class, online, or hybrid, our step-by-step activities are designed to engage students and drive collaborative learning.
WHAT KIDS WANT
Real-world projects like songs, podcasts, movie scores, and jingles engage students in standards-based learning, build career skills... and are super FUN and connective!
*Soundtrap EDU License required.
Learn more about Soundtrap
EDUCATOR SUPPORT
We offer live, online, and asynchronous expert help and coaching, because your success is our mission.
We know that you may not have much music tech experience, and we're here to help get you going, (and even enjoying it!)
In partnership with educators from school districts including...
How Light the Music works, in 3 minutes:
50+ game-based activities & lessons
Use one in a quick "Fun Friday" break for ensembles, OR sequence them into your music tech curriculum.
Units include:
The journey begins by learning music business fundamentals and creating stage personas. Choose to be a solo artist or join in collaborative virtual bands!
Learn the basics of a digital audio work station (DAW) and experiment with compositional tools to create a sound collage.
Can you harness the power of music and video? Learn to create alchemy between the story arc and the emotion in your score.
Explore cultures, history, and production techniques, by creating a track in a chosen genre.
Flexible solutions for diverse classrooms
IN PERSON
Light the Music is a safe and fun alternative for ensembles navigating COVID-19 protocols at school.
VIRTUAL
With flexible activities, Light the Music is designed to bring students "together" even in asynchronous learning.
HYBRID
For educators balancing remote and physical classrooms, Light the Music succeeds across locations and schedules.
“ I started last year literally in tears, not knowing anything about music technology, and after working with Light The Music, I'm now writing my own music tech curriculum for this year!”
Logan Fellenstein
SCPS Music Tech and Orchestra
I'm happy to learn about your needs
and give you a quick tour of our
program and support services.
Steve Van Dam
Founder, Light The Music
My passion for music began in the band room of my elementary school. I went on to earn a degree in Music Composition and Theory from JMU, tour the world with my band Everything (our hit was "Who Got the Hooch"), compose and produce over 1,000 tracks for TV and film, and - for the last decade - use my experience to inspire a new generation of student musicians.
