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Digital Beat Composition

This 4-part series is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of music composition and beat programming. The course will culminate in students creating their own short-form loop-based content.
Paul Dunnaville
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(1)
Class
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What's included

4 live meetings
4 in-class hours
Assignments
1 hour per week. Students will be responsible for using the app to create 1-2 additional ideas, to demonstrate their understanding of the app.
Certificate of Completion
1 after class completion

Class Experience

Beginner - Intermediate Level
This class is a 4 part series hands on class that will teach students the basic elements of music composition and programming beats, using Figure, a free and easy to use music app.   During the class, students will learn detailed function of the app's  features.  I will also cover the following topics as they apply to the hands on lessons

1. basic audio concepts including frequency, tone and pitch
2. music theory concepts such as key signatures, rhythm, tempo, beats and bars
3. music production concepts such as pre-production & mixing  

The class structure breaks the process into 2 parts.  For the first part of the class, I will guide students step-by-step, working with them as a group and 1 on 1 if needed.  For the second part, they will be choosing their own sounds, and working on their own short form loop based content.  Students will be able to share their finished product with the class, if they'd like.  They can save their work in the app.  Each class will build upon the previous lesson.

Day 1: Drums
Day 2: Bass
Day3: Synth
Day4: Mixing it all together

This course is open to all students, no prior beat making or music experience is required.

My teaching style is engaging, supportive, and interactive. I believe in creating a fun and collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their creativity.  I also enjoy presenting new concepts and answering questions about topics that students may have questions about.

Students will have ample opportunity to interact with me throughout the course. This includes:

Live lectures and demonstrations
Q&A sessions
Personalized feedback on assignments
Group discussions and collaborations
I may utilize a variety of teaching aids, such as slides, video clips, and interactive games, to enhance the learning experience.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of music technology and how to use it in a unique and creative way
Students will gain a fundamental understanding of frequency, pitch, tempo, and rhythm.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Drums
 Introduction to Figure and its interface
Understanding drum patterns and rhythms
Creating drum beats using Figure's drum machine 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Bass
 The role of basslines in music
Creating basslines using Figure's bass synthesizer
Combining drums and bass to create a groove 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Synthesizers
 Introduction to synthesizers and their sound design capabilities
Creating melodies and harmonies using Figure's synth
Combining drums, bass, and synth to create a complete arrangement 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Mixing it all Together
 Understanding the basics of mixing
Balancing the levels of drums, bass, and synth
Adding effects and mastering the final mix 
60 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Must download and install Figure app from the App Store.  I can assist with that process on day1.  Figure is a free app, that requires downloading and installing. The app also will require an email address and password.  Here is the link to the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/figure-make-music-beats/id511269223
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined July, 2022
5.0
1reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Virginia Tech
I’m Paul and I’m excited to be offering classes in digital music here on Outschool!  I’ll be facilitating a variety of classes that will challenge your child's creative abilities.  

I’ve been teaching digital audio production for over 20 years.  
Since I started, I've learned how to use so many tools including apps, software, plug-ins and tricks.  I've been around long enough to see music transition from Vinyl to Tape to CD to mp3 to streaming.  Although the technology has advanced, the process of creating and producing music is still the same.

I'm currently enrolled at Southern Utah University (online) Grad School, pursuing a Masters in Music Technology with a Film emphasis.  My passion for learning and teaching go hand in hand.  

Providing students with a platform to grow and cultivate their own passions in music and art has always been at the core of my teaching.  For most my career, I've used the project based learning method.  

I've conducted workshops in many educational settings such as afterschool programs, summer camps, non-profit centers and recording studios.  I've worked in schools, churches, youth centers, and alternative education spaces. I’ve also done my fair share of freelance audio production projects, and have even put out a few independent releases over the years.  

I’m a home school parent which also shapes my pedagogy.  Home schooling gives children and parents bit more freedom and control over their learning and career path.  (My 2 children attend classes on Outschool. )

My three levels of focus in the classroom have always been: 
(1) using the latest state-of-art-technology...which is constantly evolving 
(2) training students for technical careers in radio, tv and film 
(3) having fun 

One of the music programs that I am most proud of is Inner Power Records, where I managed the space and taught students the music production process from start to finish--enabling them to write, record, perform and release their own music.  You can listen to some of the music we produced at https://innerpower.bandcamp.com/

I'm an audiophile.  I collect records.  I enjoy artists like John Coltrane, Kokoroko, J Dilla, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Robert Glasper, A Tribe Called Quest.  Anything with a good beat, I'm all about listening to.  I enjoy films too, one of my favs is Ghost Dog, ft. Forest Whittaker, soundtrack scored by The RZA of The WuTang Clan. 

I look forward to helping you learn whatever it is to get you to that next level.

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Live Group Course
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$20

weekly or $80 for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min

Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
5-18 learners per class

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