Workshop Description

Waltons New School of Music’s Music Technology for Teens is a fascinating three-hour workshop that introduces participants to the myriad uses of music technology – in the classroom, at third level, and in the world of professional musicians.

Music Technology for Teens is available in two versions – an in-school version, which takes place in the New School’s Music Technology Lab, and online version, which takes place in students’ own homes. The workshop is available by group enrolment only.

In-School Version

Working at PC workstations and through a combination of demonstrations and hands-on activities, students will learn about the ‘tools of the trade’, including:

• Hardware. Computers, MIDI interfaces, synthesiser keyboards, sound modules, mixers, microphones, etc.
• Software. Recording software, sequencers, scoring applications and other compositional tools
• Techniques. Audio recording, notation, sampling, sequencing, sound synthesis

For the in-school version, a maximum of sixteen students can participate (two students per computer workstation), and teachers/supervisors must accompany and supervise students.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of both students and staff at the New School is of the utmost importance to us, and we have made a number of changes to the school, its equipment and our policies to make in-school tuition safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include:

• Perspex screens in every classroom.
• Installation of HEPA air filtration/purification units where necessary.
• Antiseptic dispensers available throughout the school.
• Cleaning and disinfection of both classroom instruments and furniture between lessons and classes.
• Regular cleaning of public spaces.

See our COVID-19 Safety Policy page for more information on what we have done, as well as the protocols we expect all in-school students and visitors to follow.

Online Version

Using Bandlab, an excellent, free online DAW (digital audio workstation) that is run on students’ internet browsers and doesn’t have to be downloaded, participants in the online version of this workshop will work both individually and collaboratively on a range of fun and educational mini music technology projects and will be able to save and share their creations as well.

For the onlinel version, a maximum of twenty students can participate.

Online workshop participants will need:

• An internet-connected laptop, computer or tablet. If using a computer, it should have an integrated or separate webcam, microphone and speakers.
• Ideally, internet speed at least 1.5Mb per second. (You can test your speed using Measurement Lab’s Speed Test.)
• Headphones or earbuds.
• A free account with Bandlab (see below).
• Free Zoom software or app.*

* If you haven’t learned music with Zoom before, please see our printable Zoom for Students information sheet for information on how to download and use Zoom for music tuition.

Bandlab

Participants will need to set up free accounts with Bandlab before the workshop begins. Here’s how:

1. Go the Bandlab website.
2. Click on the Get Started button, and a new window will open.
3. Add your name, email address and a password that is at least six characters long.
4. Click on the Sign Up button.
5. Be sure to keep a record of your password so you can return to Bandlab and your projects!

Workshop Details

• Day/Date • By arrangement
• Length • 3 hours (3.5 hours with 30-minute break)
• In-School Location • Music Technology Lab, Waltons New School of Music
• Number of Participants (In-School) • 16 students maximum (plus teacher)
• Number of Participants (Online) • 20 students maximum
• Fee €270 • €243 * (DEIS schools)
• Fee Per Student (In-School Version, 16) €16.88 • €15.19 (DEIS schools)
• Fee Per Student (Online Version, 20) €13.50 • €12.15 (DEIS schools)
• Equipment provided (In-School): PCs & sound cards • Cubase Elements music software, Reason Essentials virtual music studio, MuseScore notation software • Keyboards & other MIDI controllers • Digital mixers, samplers, microphones & other hardware
• Materials Provided (Both Versions) • Instructional handouts

*   DEIS schools and registered charities receive a 10% discount off the fee for this workshop.

Colin Power

Colin has been an active professional musician, guitarist and audio engineer for the last fifteen years. His performance experience extends to theatrical productions, music festivals, radio performances and recording sessions. He has also produced audio and engineered recording sessions for a wide range of artists and projects. After receiving a Diploma in Multimedia Engineering from the Waterford College of Further Education and an Honours BA in Commercial Modern Music from the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM Dublin), Colin further validated his range of skills and competencies by completing an MPhil in Music and Media Technologies at Trinity College, Dublin, as well as a postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Educational Practice in Teaching for Further Education, with distinction, with the National College of Ireland. In addition to his teaching with the New School, he has taught guitar, ukulele and music technology to a wide range of students privately, in different music schools and for Music Generation.

Reviews • Testimonials

‘A very entertaining day in which the students’ creativity and interest were allowed to shine!’
– C. Duffy, Lucan Community College

‘Very clear teaching in a relaxed environment…. A thoroughly enjoyable workshop. There were some technophobe students who left feeling like mini-DJs!’
– M. Nic Mhathúna, Coláiste Chilliain, Clondalkin

‘Provides a very good introduction to music technology and a useful starting point for the Leaving Cert. Music Technology course.’
– B. Sexton, Coolmine Community School

Booking

To book this workshop, please complete our Outreach Booking Form.

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