By associate professor Merlyn Luke Perez-Silva<\/p>\n
In this project I will create a course of video tutorials focusing on the craft of \u2018beatmaking\u2019. The videos will be hosted on DJMs intranet, available to stream for all Academy students, current and\u00a0 future. Beginning with the very basics, and ending with advanced techniques and workflows, the videos will serve as a virtual \u2018Valgfag\u2019, giving students access to specialised skills, and supporting their learning in other subjects concerning rhythm, composition and music production.<\/p>\n
Using the popular DAW programmes Ableton Live and Logic X to demonstrate, the videos will follow the\u00a0 familiar format of \u201cscreen recording and VoiceOver\u201d. A series of 15 \u2018bitesized\u2019 videos will introduce core concepts in the form of repeatable exercises, and a further 10 longer videos will focus on both extended techniques, and interdisciplinary conversations with teachers from the various departments of the Academy (classical percussion, rhythmic percussion, songwriting and electronic\u00a0 composition).<\/p>\n
I am constantly asked by my students to teach them to \u2018make better beats\u2019. Rhythmic electronic composition forms the basis of not only electronic genres, but more and more so in the classical,\u00a0 rock and jazz worlds. \u2018Beatmaking\u2019 in a contemporary context means the composition and production of rhythmic instrumental hooks, often forming the basis for toplines, raps or instrumental solos.
\nDelivering this teaching within our current educational framework is a challenge – the subject is too large to \u2018squeeze into\u2019 module plans without watering down the content, and detracting\u00a0 from other learning goals.
\nInstead of adding to an already large catalogue of Electives, I believe this technique-based practice could just as well exist as satellite learning, available to all who want it, regardless of their line of study or module choices.
\nI believe this is a vital subject and skillset in today\u2019s music industry, and that all of our students should have access to leaning it, during their time at DJM. Beginner students can take the videos in series, at a pace that suits them, and more adept students can jump in at recommended points to improve and expand on their skills.<\/p>\n
In this video I explain some of my ideas.<\/p>\n