Princeton High School (Cincinnati, OH)
- Instructor: Lesley Schultz
- School Profile: Public H.S., grades 9-12, enrollment 1700 students
- Class Title(s): Music Technology and Production 1 and 2
- Grades Levels Included: 9-12
- Structure of NTM Class(es): Music Technology 1 is open to all 9-12 graders at Princeton High School. Music Technology 2 is open to 11th and 12th graders who have successfully taken Music Technology 1. Both are semester courses that meet every day for about 48 minutes. Princeton has a rich tradition of music for all, and Music Technology helps serve NTM students in our district. Initial enrollment was capped at 24 students per class, but has since been increased to 30 student per class.
- Software Used: GarageBand (2014-Spring 2017), Ableton Live (2017-current)
- Hardware Used: Macbook Pro, AKAI MPK 25
- Class NTM Activities: Level 1 focuses on developing composing skills of the parts of music including beats, melodies, chords/mids and bass lines. Some genre projects are completed after the initial skills are learned. Students also listen to lots of exemplar works from various electronic music genres and how electronic music is incorporated into today's recording industry. Lessons on copyright also occur, as students need to understand the music business and how copyright works in today's world.
Level 2 continues to expand where level 1 left off, with more complex electronic music genres being explored. The plan is to also have students use their composed music in more multi-media type project capable of showcasing in a capstone type capacity. Students will also complete listening assignments, and deeper aspects of electronic music history will be explored.
- History: Our music department was first approached around 2010 due to falling enrollment numbers in our 9-12 general music courses, and what we could do to reach more NTM students. Course offerings at the time included both year long and semester piano courses, a music in society course, and guitar classes, along with traditional and strong band, orchestra and choir programs. IB Music was offered every other school year. With administration support and development Music Technology 1 courses started in Fall of 2014 with the opening of our new high school. Music Technology 2 courses are scheduled to begin in Fall of 2017.
- Success Stores from NTM Activities: Administrators love the differentiation of instruction that occurs in my classes. I have had every type of student in my class from students who take a full load of AP/IB classes to students who are developmentally delayed, or english language learners. All students are able to succeed in my class, and no prior music knowledge is required to have success. This class at Princeton High School has generated more interest in all music classes at Princeton High School. Enrollment in all non-performing options (Piano, Guitar) is up since the class started in 2014. Enrollment is also up in our performing ensemble classes as well, which has been a very nice side-effect.
- Advice to Others Starting NTM Project: Take your time, good curriculum development takes time, and administrator support. You should attend several conferences and or take several classes (especially if you are not familiar with the content) before you start the class. I know that is not a reality for all programs, but many of us who have been doing this for a few years are totally willing to share our tips and ideas and how to advocate for your program. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it. Take the time to tailor the program to your school and community, it is worth the work.
- Data: Approximately 15% 1700 students in grades 9-12. 5 classes per day with an enrollment of 30.
- Date Submitted: August 2017