Curriculum

YEAR 3 – Introduction to Digital Music (Foundations) Goals: Understand what Logic Pro is and how to use it safely and creatively. Learn basic navigation, sound recording, and music creation. Term 1: Getting Started Introduction to Apple Logic Pro interface Understanding tracks (audio vs MIDI) Exploring Apple Loops Creating your first 8-bar song using loops Term 2: Rhythm and Beats Using the Drum Machine Designer Creating simple drum patterns (4/4 beat) Understanding tempo and bars Beat matching with loops Term 3: Melody & Instruments Introduction to software instruments Playing and recording basic melodies Piano Roll editor basics Term 4: Putting It Together Creating a short piece with intro, verse, and chorus Adding fade-ins and fade-outs Exporting projects to MP3 Project: Create a 30-second theme song using loops and basic MIDI.

YEAR 4 – Building Music with Structure Goals: Learn song structure and arrangement Develop confidence using MIDI instruments Understand basic mixing techniques Term 1: Layers in Music Learn verse/chorus/bridge format Copy, paste, and arrange clips Build songs using layers (bass, drums, melody) Term 2: MIDI & Melody Writing Compose your own melody using MIDI keyboard or Piano Roll Quantizing notes Adding harmony Term 3: Sound Effects and Ambience Using Logic’s built-in effects Record and manipulate simple audio samples Create ambient soundscapes Term 4: Final Composition Create a full-length (1–2 min) original song Use intro, verse, chorus, outro Use at least 4 instrument tracks and 1 audio recording Project: Compose a soundtrack for a short animation or story.

YEAR 5 – Developing Producer Skills Goals: Create polished, original compositions Understand EQ, automation, and effects Collaborate on group projects Term 1: Music Genres Explore different genres (Hip-Hop, EDM, Pop, Classical) Recreate a simple track in your chosen genre Use synths and samplers Term 2: Audio Recording & Editing Use a microphone to record voice/instruments Cut, trim, and fade audio regions Add reverb, delay, pitch shift Term 3: Mixing and Automation Introduction to mixing concepts: volume, panning, EQ Use automation to create dynamic effects (e.g., volume fade) Mastering basics: bouncing and exporting with quality Term 4: Group Music Project Plan and produce a song with a partner or small group Assign roles (beat maker, melody writer, mixer, etc.) Peer feedback and revisions Project: Group song production with final showcase performance.

YEAR 6 – Independent Music Creation Goals: Plan, design, and produce complex projects Build personal expression through music Develop a basic music portfolio Term 1: Remix & Mashups Import and remix existing songs (school-safe stems) Use tempo matching and key shifting Apply filters and transitions Term 2: Scoring for Media Compose background music for a short video, ad, or game Sync music with visuals (basic video import) Use mood and texture in music Term 3: Advanced Sound Design Create your own sounds using Alchemy or Sculpture Layering sounds for impact Use of filters, LFOs, and modulation Term 4: Capstone Project Students plan and create a 2–3 minute music piece Genre and style of their choice Prepare a presentation of the piece (audio, screenshots, process) Project: Capstone Portfolio & Presentation – student-produced song with explanation of their creative process.