When most students think of a music class, they think of Band or Orchestra. This class is not like the others. Music Production is a class that teaches students to use Ableton Live to make songs like the ones a person might hear on the radio on the way to school.
Some students, like sophomore Payton Short, take the class because they simply like music.
“I just know that my dad, like, he really likes music,” Short said. “So I also kind of like music.”
However, other students, such as sophomore Tatum Brown, have specific goals for this class.
“My biggest inspiration is probably Pharrell Williams,” Brown said. “He’s very versatile with music.”
Music Production is unique to Prosper ISD, and other districts nearby “don’t have anything like this,” according to Thomas Greenlee, the teacher for the subject.
“The closest thing you would have to go to would be UNT, and they would offer courses like this in college,” Greenlee said. “But as far as public schools, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, they don’t have a course like this.”
When asked about common mistakes students might make, Greenlee says that one would be when students layer samples upon samples and hope that it will sound good.
“I try to say less is more, and I know that’s hard,” Greenlee said. “But when they start piling on a bunch of elements, it becomes a little too cluttered, and the results are usually not that good.”
Both Short and Brown have ideas of what music they want to make.
“I like jazz music,” Short said. “Or, like, classical.”
Differing from Short, Brown likes music that is less classic and more modern, opting to experiment with his artistry.
“I like to make Hip-Hop and RnB music,” Brown said. “I want to make a song that uses skills I have never used before.”
Greenlee teaches both Music Production and a history class, saying that while they share some similarities, the production class is much more “hands-on.”
“I see it as like an art class,” Greenlee said. “It’s more of a creative class.”
Instead of focusing on music theory and history, Music Production gives students a chance to learn about a genre or artist and then create their own version of that style. According to Greenlee, the class isn’t just for students already involved in band, orchestra, or choir. It’s for any student who has an interest in making music.
“I pictured that there are students at home on their own that are probably not in choir, not in band, not in orchestra, but they might be learning to play guitar on their own or they’re just interested in music and they might be using some kind of software and making stuff,” Greenlee said. “So I wanted to offer a class that could be open to anyone that’s willing to learn and create music.”
Unlike other music classes where students work together as a team, Music Production focuses more on individual artistic development. Greenlee said he gives the class a set of rules for a project, and while every student follows the rules, the final results are all different. This is also Greenlee’s favorite part about teaching the class.
“It’s just the creativity, the engagement,” Greenlee said. “I like the creative aspect. I like composing.”
Even when students struggle with creative blocks, Greenlee enjoys helping them find their voice.
“I feel like I’m also being creative, that I’m actually helping out a little bit,” Greenlee said. “I like jumping in there and trying to help them, guide them, give them some suggestions, and kind of point them in a direction.”
For the students themselves, the class is a place to confront creative challenges and pursue their passion. Though their musical tastes differ, both Short and Brown share a common goal of mastering the creative process.
“I really want to make a good song,” Short said. “Something I am proud of.”
Brown’s focus is on developing his own unique sound. While he hopes to create a song that uses new skills, he knows the biggest hurdle will be getting the sound just right. For him, part of that process includes getting a better handle on the fundamentals.
“My biggest challenge is probably going to be how to make certain sounds sound how I want them to, make something catchy,” Brown said. “I’m most excited to learn … probably music theory, like how to write catchy melodies.”
Short, who had never made music before taking the class, said she felt nervous about the learning curve. Despite this, she is excited to learn the technical skills needed to make her ideas a reality.
“I’m really nervous to mess up, and then also not have anything, any creativity for a song or whatever I’m making,” Brown said. “I am most excited to learn how to use Ableton, and then also be able to do it by myself.”
This article received edits from: Emily Logan, Polly Greaves, Victoria Byers, and Palak Agarwalla
