Project-Based Learning (PBL) Modules
OVERVIEW
Personalized modules include virtual game board, facilitation guide, weekly play books, Soundtrap template guides, assessment materials and rubrics. Teachers organize students into ensembles of 3-5 players, paired with a producer, who serves as the team coach. The producer role can be played by student volunteers. Bands collaborate to complete creative challenges at a pace determined by the teacher. Each challenge is a building block that contributes to a final project. Players and producers can be evaluated individually.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Students experience fundamental concepts and vocabulary of music theory: rhythm, bass, chords, and melody, syncopation and tempo, melody and harmony in tonal centers, arrangement, and form. Most significantly, student players learn these concepts by direct application in their creative process and on any instrument they have handy - actual or virtual. For example: students learn about tonality by composing melodies over chords and receiving feedback from peers. Students learn voice leading by sequencing chords and bass lines.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are where 99% of the music in the last 20 years has been created, from hit songs on the radio, to video games, film, and television. As students create music together in Soundtrap, they develop DAW skills that unlock abilities to shape sound and to create any kind of music: from electronic to acoustic, and classical to jazz to modern. By the program's finale, students can compose with digital tools, record acoustic instruments, edit and combine these instruments (real and virtual), and mix sounds into cohesive compositions.
KEY SKILLS
Music provides such a rich environment for compromise and cooperation, and for connection. As students progress through structured units and activities, they create collaboratively within groups. Ensembles reach decisions regarding aesthetics and creative direction, and then execute those decisions. Along the way, players evaluate and discuss their results. Through practice, students learn to give and receive constructive criticism, and to feel safe and supported enough in a group to share and respond to musical ideas and creativity. Light the Music is aligned with 2021 VA SOLs, with focus on 5Cs:
Professional Development (PD)
Educators learn, create, and share support with peers, facilitated by expert coaches.
Personalized, hands-on, live online workshops: activities build skills with Soundtrap, game facilitation, and techniques for empowering student collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
Asynchronous creative challenges - teachers will receive technical training by composing and playing music together in Soundtrap.
Access to a private communication channel for ongoing coaching and peer support, inspiration, and on-demand advice.
Expert recommendations for tools and resources to further extend and enhance game experience.
