Write Your First Songs as a Music Producer!

Ready to take your productions to the next level? Develop the music theory essentials that turn basic tracks into great songs: key, chord progression, basslines, melody, voice leading and arranging. Develop your self-expression as a lyricist through topic, theme and rhyme. Plus, recap and hone essential MIDI editing, rhythmic and structural skills.

This course forms part of Digital Media Academy’s Tech Accelerator program, our deep learning journey for 13-18-year-olds. Tech Accelerators fuse expert instruction with real-world partnerships to get you university- and industry-ready. Over sequential Levels, you’ll curate a portfolio of Real-world Client Briefs from our leading tech and creative partners, attend Industry Masterclasses, get one-to-one Pro Mentor support and build a Career Network. Tech Accelerators: Fuel your 21st-century career.

Standards Alignment

This course is aligned to national and international standards for technology education. Standards include: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), International Baccalaureate , UK National Curriculum, New Zealand Curriculum, and more!

Course Requirements:

• Laptop or desktop computer running Windows or macOS that meets the minimum specifications of the hardware and software listed below.
• Built-in or external microphone
• Built-in or external speakers or headphones
• Google Chrome browser
• Additional computer screen/monitor (recommended)

Hardware:

• 2+ octave MIDI controller (recommended: Akai MPK mini mk3)

Software:

• Ableton Live 11 Standard
  N.B. You are eligible to save 40% on Live Standard or Suite if you are in full-time education. You will need to verify your educational status within four weeks of purchasing.

By the End of This Course:

Graduate with up to three songs in verse/chorus form demonstrating a clear lyrical message and competent musical elements, accompanied by production notes on the topic, key, chord progressions and rhyme scheme.

Throughout this course:

Deep dive into the following areas of Songwriting & Structure, as meticulously planned by our expert industry professional curriculum designers:

• Key Signatures
  
• Time Signatures
  
• Melody & Accompaniment
  
• Complete Rhythms
  
• Advanced Rhythms
  
• Song Sections
  
• Song Form
  
• Chords in a Major Key
  
• Chords in a Minor Key
  
• Chord Progressions
  
• Basslines
  
• Masterclass
  
• Song Themes
  
• Intro to Lyrics
  
• Rhyming Schemes
  
• Melody & Voice Leading