At South High School, a fresh educational tune is resonating through the halls. A Music Technology course is equipping students with the skills needed to not only make music but to cleverly design it using the tools of today's industry. "I love making music," freshman Alex “AJ” Hayes expressed to Columbus City Schools News. "In this class, I learned how to use software. Mr. Thomas also taught me how to identify notes; I didn’t know my notes."
The course curriculum introduces students to popular software like GarageBand, Soundtrap, and BandLab, allowing them to produce original music tracks. According to Columbus City Schools News, music technology instructor Tony Thomas has fostered an environment where students like Hayes can fully engage with hands-on projects and begin to develop a genuine interest in music-related careers. It’s a place where students don't just play but interact with music on a whole new level.
What started as a solution to teach music over Zoom during the pandemic, South High’s Music Technology course now stands out as one of its most dynamic offerings. "I love this class. I wake up every morning thinking about what I’d like to teach my students," Thomas told Columbus City Schools News. The classroom’s atmosphere echoes that of professional studios where students learn industry-relevant skills and have a tangible outcome for each project.
It's not just about laying down tracks; the sound engineering aspect is critical too. Students delve into Adobe Premiere Pro and other digital media tools, learning how to piece together a polished final product. These skills, as reported by Columbus City Schools News, not only underscore the importance of organization and problem-solving but also broaden their horizons within the digital media spectrum.
While Thomas remarks on the lasting influence of the class, Christy Nickerson, principal at South, highlights the importance of cultivating a technological skill set in students, equipping them with the confidence to envision careers within and beyond music. With every beat and mix, South High’s Music Technology course is redefining what it means to study music, preparing students to harness both creativity and technology for future opportunities.
