Ignite musical creativity and collaboration in your classes.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) Modules
Students design artist profiles, form 'bands' of 3-5 players each and collaborate (virtually or in person), to progress through a series of music activities and challenges together.
Professional Development (PD)
Expert coaches deliver personalized workshops and continuous support. Teachers also receive technical training by composing and playing music with peers online.
Soundtrap Music Studio
Music-making takes place in Soundtrap EDU, a safe website for educators and students to create and collaborate on compositions using actual and virtual instruments.
Licenses sold-separately. Learn more about SoundtrapHow Light the Music works.
Music COMPOSITION, Performance, and Technology
The magic of creating music - for any student, online or in person.
Students create music together online in Soundtrap EDU Studio, where they perform with actual and virtual instruments - and compose and record with digital tools. Players experience the fundamental concepts and vocabulary of music theory, syncopation and tempo, melody and harmony in tonal centers, arrangement, and form. Student musicians learn these concepts by direct application in their creative process and on any instrument.
"I love the layers of depth and sequential learning it provides. You can delve deeper into music theory or keep it broad to accommodate student levels... Watching the creativity of my kids was AWESOME!!!! I’m not kidding when I said I teared up engaging with them again. Thanks for that, truly!”
Todd Tinsley
Band Director at Hungary Creek Middle School
Project-Based Learning
"The Game" - inclusive, creative, and collaborative projects.
Students form bands of 3-5 players, then progress through 30+ activities focused on rhythm, chords, bass, and melody. Along the way, players learn how to give and receive feedback to each other using the Code of KSHH, a framework for kind, specific, helpful and honest critique. The outcome: an original composition arranged and performed by each band. All skill levels, instrumentalists, and vocalists can play.
"Light the Music has 'lit the way' for music education to proceed. Students are able to apply real life music knowledge and understanding to a completely new format. This curriculum is student-centered and values student voice and choice in the creation of music that they connect with and relate to... Light the Music has unleashed creativity in my students that I have not seen before! I am excited to see the long term impact this curriculum has on my band program as a whole. I urge other music educators to join us on this journey."
Brianna Gatch, Band Director
Professional Development
Inspiration, guidance, coaching, and support for every educator.
Teachers learn, create, and share support with peers, facilitated by Light the Music's expert coaches. Teachers have access to personalized, hands-on workshops online, where they build skills with Soundtrap, learn game facilitation, and practice techniques that empower student collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
“Yes, the Light The Music materials are great! But their coaching and support are the greatest value for me in our program.”
Annamarie Bollino
President, Virginia Music Educators Association
Teaching & Learning Facilitator – Fine & Performing Arts, Stafford County Public Schools
Flexible solutions for diverse classrooms.
VIRTUAL
With flexible activities, Light the Music's program was designed for the complexities of virtual education.
HYBRID
For ensembles balancing virtual and physical classrooms, Light the Music scales across locations and schedules.
PHYSICAL
Light the Music is a safe and fun alternative for school bands navigating COVID-19 logistics on campus.
10+ units with over 50 activities.
The journey begins by learning music fundamentals and creating stage personas.
Learn the basics of a DAW called Soundtrap and collaborate to create a sound collage!
Players learn about rhythm by building beats with syncopation and variance!
Next, the band composes and remixes chord progressions and bass lines.
Players compose melodies by remixing familiar tunes and through improvisation.
Bands create an original composition with rhythm, chords, bass, and melody.
Players create a visual experience to match with their original song!
In the finale, players and bands step into the spotlight to share their work with each other!
Simple license options.
30-day free trial. Soundtrap EDU licenses sold separately.
ADAGIO
$300 / year / educator
- Access to 10 units with 40+ activities: curriculum and facilitation guides.
ANDANTE
$500 / year / educator
- Access to 10 units with 40+ activities: curriculum and facilitation guides.
- Access to private educator community for extra support and inspiration.
PRESTO
$800 / year / educator
- Access to 10 units with 40+ activities: curriculum and facilitation guides.
- Access to private educator community for extra support and inspiration.
- Personalized training and coaching workshops.
Get a 20-minute guided tour of Light the Music's project-based learning modules and support services.
SCHEDULE A DEMOYou'll meet directly with Steve Van Dam, founder of Light the Music.
Steve has been a music educator and curriculum designer for the last ten years.
In the 2000's, he composed and produced over 1,000 tracks for film and TV.
In the 90's, his band had a hit song called "Hooch" and toured the world.
Steve has a BFA in Music Composition and Theory from JMU.
