In this course, Shiv Nadar School students will unlock their potential as songwriters. Students moving through this course will learn how to reflect on their lives and create meaningful lyrics. They will also use the Digital Audio Workstation Soundtrap to produce their own original music. In addition to producing their own music, they will also use this program to record their voices. Students in this course will learn the basics of what makes someone a songwriter and a producer. The skills they will learn are directly applicable to careers in their adult lives. Materials: 1. students will need access to a computer 2. Students will need access to headphones 3. Students will need to create a free account at www.soundtrap.com 4. students may need a pencil and paper Course Overview: By the end of this course students will know the form of how songs are made; develop techniques to write lyrics; develop techniques for recording original music; develop techniques for producing original music; create their own original songs; create a song cover; and explore different genres of music. Weekly Overview: Week 1: intro to soundtrap/experimentation with loops Week 2: intro to voice recording + voice manipulation Week 3: Intro to recording midi instruments Week 4: intro to creating drum loops Week 5: intro to mixing and automation Week 6: create 3 twinkle twinkle little star covers in the pop style Week 7: create 3 twinkle twinkle little star covers in the hip hop style Week 8: create 3 twinkle twinkle little star covers in the rock n roll style Week 9: intro to lyric writing using limmericks, haikous and ABAB form Week 10: Intro to song forms and sections Week 11: create music based on a chosen song form Week 12: add lyrics into the form Week 13: record the song Week 14: record the song Week 15: mix and master the song Week 16: complete original song and showcase for feedback