There are many students who love listening to music and yet fall victim to methods of music instruction that are extremely restricting and boring. However, music should be a tool that empowers creativity and expression. The musical principles and values of antiquity need to be adapted and made relevant to the 21st century. Students are most motivated to learn music theory when creating with similar tools and technologies that are used to make modern music.

Mars Productions’ curriculum is designed to engage students in music by way of music production and song-writing. Students will learn how to create their own original songs by learning to master music theory, lyric writing, arranging, instrumentation and beat-making. Learning is facilitated by a live instructor, either in person or virtually, through detailed step-by-step directions, monitoring, and regular assessment practices. Students are taught how to navigate and edit using SoundTrap for Educations’ (DAW) Digital Audio Workstation. Concepts for instruction are directed toward producing a series of projects that are largely oriented around the individual’s or class interest and goals. Collaborations are also highly incentivized. Students learn the fundamentals of an instrument by choosing a concentration (keyboard, drums, or voice) to correspond with producing. Each unit is also intertwined with music history facts, engineering tips, and production terms. Students have easy online access to project files and are inspired to continue creating beyond the classroom. Students will be able to download their digital artifacts and share it with the world. Mars Production is consistent with both NCAS (National Core Arts Standards) and STEAM Programming (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Music).