Student Producer Station

Options for Student Devices:

First, let’s discuss devices. There are several options that students can use to create music in the classroom. Each option has its own benefits and challenges (see below). List your priorities for music technology to help make your decision.

iPads can be a great all-inclusive choice since they have Garageband built-in and feature a highly interactive user interface for students. You can connect iPads to iRig microphones and keyboards to enhance the creative process. iPads can only use Apple products and apps, best suited for music production for beginners.

Chromebooks can use browser-based DAWs like Soundtrap and Bandlab. The device can streamline the teacher’s administrative process of grading assignments and giving feedback through the use of Google Classroom. Chromebooks will work with most MIDI controllers and audio interfaces. Chromebooks are not compatible with major software-based DAWs or third-party plugins.

Laptop Computers are used widely by many industry professionals to produce music, though more costly. Apple and PC computers are compatible with downloaded software and browser-based tools. Apple computers are the preferred option by many due to their streamlined creativity-forward user interface and access to software like Garageband and Logic Pro. Laptops will allow students to dive deep into the realm of music production, but also may be less accessible for beginners than smaller devices.

iRig Keyboard Controllers – a MIDI controller is a keyboard or pad-based device used to trigger and control sounds inside a DAW. It doesn’t produce sound on its own; instead it sends performance data (notes, velocity, pitch bend) to your software’s virtual instruments. Student rigs include an iRig Keys I/O, which connects to iPads via a USB-C to mini-DIN and to laptops via USB-C or USB. Since these cables see a lot of handling, encourage students to unplug from the connector rather than pulling the cable, and store the cable with the keyboard when packing up. For headphone listening, note that some classroom iPads don’t have a headphone jack. Because the iRig Keys I/O also functions as an audio interface with its own headphone output, students can plug headphones directly into the iRig instead. If pairing an iRig with a Chromebook, the keyboard should connect and play without extra setup, but the audio interface functions (headphone monitoring) aren’t officially supported on ChromeOS and should be tested ahead of time.

Creating Student Accounts:

Student accounts can be created in multiple ways depending on the devices in use. If using iPads or Macs, you can set up one Apple ID for all student devices. Check out Apple Classroom.

Headphones and Listening Back:

Every student producer rig includes a set of headphones, giving each student the sound privacy to record, experiment, and work independently without disrupting classmates. But music production is also collaborative, so students should have regular chances to share their work out loud. When a student is ready to share a track or get feedback from peers, use your classroom’s Bluetooth speaker or PA system so everyone can listen back together.

File Management:

Utilize a file naming and organizational system for when students save their projects. This can look like saving projects with the student name and date into folders for each class. Devising a system for saving versions of a project can help avoid issues with corrupted files, mistakes, etc. We recommend that you “save-as” with the date every time changes are made to a project so that you can access previous versions – like multiple drafts of an essay.

Digital Audio Workstations:

Learn more about selecting the right digital audio workstation (or DAW) for your classroom and students on the Teacher Station page.

Packing Up! Guidelines for safely packing and storing equipment:

It is important to keep things organized and secure when managing equipment and technology. Here are some tips for proper organization:

1. Create a system for charging and storing devices that can be used easily by students and teachers. This can be a cart, a set of shelves, or something else that works in your space. This system should be lockable while unsupervised.
2. Use labels or device naming systems to manage devices for students, e.g. stickers, numbering equipment, or using a sign-out form.
3. Purchase cable ties to store chargers and other cables.
4. Use cases and screen protectors to safeguard devices from accidents.

⭕ Check it out! Setting up the Student Producer Station: A Step-by-Step Guide