Written by Student Guest Writer – Zahli
A step by step student guide on how your students can make some noise and learn to create your own music. Warning: Headphones required during production time.
Creating your own song isn’t as hard as you may think. All you need is a Chromebook, internet connection (to access Soundtrap), a pair of headphones and a committed work ethic. Follow the student guide and you will be right on your way to becoming your own DJ.
Step 1 – Lyrics Brainstorm Starting is usually the hardest bit. You first want to start with finding a topic that you are interested in. Most likely your teacher will provide you with one. Have a brainstorm about words that are related to the topic or rhyme with each other. A good resource for rhyming is Rhyme Zone. A simple to use website that really helped the process of creating my song.
Step 2 – Lyric Construction Using the brainstorm, start writing your lyrics. Writing the verses firstly will help you write a catchy chorus. If you’re not sure, just repeat lyrics I did “Google Docs (duh, duh, duh, duh, duh) X 4”
Step 3 – Create your Melody Finding your melody is all about trial and error. Put your lyrics against the different melodies to find the right one. The melody for my song went throughout the whole song and I based the rest of the song on that melody.
Step 4 – Finding a Beat A beat is a very important part of your song. It must accompany the melody, help build your song up and make it the best it can be. I found my beat by trying to find something with a similar beat to my melody and continually playing it over and over until it was just right.
Step 5 – Building the Chorus The chorus is something that has to be catchy, not just the lyrics but the beat as well! Make sure the song matches your lyrics and the rest of the song. A chorus is usually something that people remember for a song, so make it stand out! Step 6 – Snazzy Extras Don’t forget about the snazzy stuff for your song. Add those beats and instruments that give your song some personality!
Step 6 – Snazzy Extras Don’t forget about the snazzy stuff for your song. Add those beats and instruments that give your song some personality!
Watch Zahli’s video tutorial to learn how to create your very own track: