Lenape High School (Medford NJ)
- Instructor: Leonard G. Nicholas
- Class Title(s): Music Technology I and II
- Grades Levels Included: 9 thru 12
- Structure of NTM Class(es): Full year, 5-day-a-week classes, 15 students per section, grades 9-12, two levels of music tech. A wide range of music tech tools are explored and used in music creation: GarageBand, Reason, Digital Performer, Finale, Toast, Final Cut, Photoshop, Peak, etc.
- Software Used: Digital Performer, Reason, Finale, Garageband, Final Cut, Photoshop, Toast, Peak
- Hardware Used: iMac, Yamaha S30 keyboards
- Class NTM Activities: Students learn some music theory, then write simple chord progressions and sequence them using GarageBand, moving to more complicated sequencing and editing in Digital Performer, including audio recording. Other activities include: adding music to video, using Final Cut, adding sound effects to a narrative using DP, adding music to old silent films using Digital Performer, Sound Foley with Digital Performer, programming synth sounds using Reason, programming drumbeats using Reason and Digital Performer, using effects in Reason and much more!
- History: I started the program in the 1980's. Through tireless effort I wrote and continuously revised the curriculum, advocated for funding, recruited students, and championed their work. Starting with Mac Classics and Passport MasterTracks to today's full range of powerful tools, the journey has been exciting!
- Success Stories from NTM Activities: Students have gone on to major in RTF in various colleges, open & run private studios, and work for network news departments in NYC.
- Advice to Others Starting NTM Project: Have a solid plan. Think about priorities when purchasing. Champion your students work, so the school community is aware of what you are doing. Advocate for music technology every chance you get! Be skilled on as many software programs as you can find time for.
- Additional Comments: Music Technology is the way of the world today and the "Digital Natives" we teach should be exposed to the latest trends in our profession. Always remember that it is about the "Music" and never let the technology get in the way of a good musical experience.
- Date Submitted: December 2009