Advanced Music Technology & Business
Interviews & Masterclasses with GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum music industry professionals support students as they create their capstone projects.
CTE Capstone Course
Grades: 11-12
Software: Soundtrap (Chromebook, Mac, PC)
Cost: $3000/year (includes Music Appreciation)
Get FREE access to each unit with videos from each industry professional, glossaries, other learning tools now!
The Advanced Music Technology and Business curriculum features interviews and masterclasses with GRAMMY-winning and multi-platinum music professionals who share how they’ve built sustainable careers using the same skills students developed in Music Production 1 and 2.
The course opens with a Capstone Project Production Plan, guiding students to define their creative vision and map a realistic production timeline. From there, each unit aligns directly with a stage of the Capstone process and is supported by interviews and masterclasses from professionals working in today’s music industry.
In addition to learning advanced digital signal processing and mixing techniques, students gain insight into the interpersonal side of working as a recording engineer and producer, develop literacy in copyright and music law, and gain practical experience in music business fundamentals including branding, marketing, and release strategy.
Curriculum Overview
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Students set the vision and schedule for their Capstone Project, shaping the big picture of what they want to create.
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Students explore how professionals approach the creative process while getting started on their own project.
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Students learn to use audio effects like a pro and apply them directly to their Capstone Project.
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Students practice both the technical and human sides of recording, gaining the tools to capture great performances and moments.
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Students gain valuable insight into how the music industry works by studying copyright, then begin collaborating with classmates.
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Students learn about the crucial role a music lawyer plays on an artist or producer’s team.
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Students discover career pathways in the industry, including many that aren’t visible on stage. By the end of this unit, all composition for the Capstone Project must be finished.
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Students learn how to solve common mixing problems and polish their Capstone Project for a professional sound.
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Students analyze an artist they admire and refine their own creative vision and business strategy.
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Students put the final touches on their Capstone Project and release it into the world.
Interviews & Masterclasses
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Jasper Harris
Interview:
The Creative Process in the Industry
Jasper Harris is a GRAMMY-winning composer and producer from Los Angeles, California. Since leaving NYU after his sophomore year, Jasper has produced records for Baby Keem/ Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, Post Malone, Doja Cat, and many more. We’re very proud to claim Jasper as a YPG alum.
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Sachi Rodriguez
Masterclass:
Digital Signal Processing
Sachi attended Berklee College of Music where she studied Songwriting and Music Production. She consistently collaborates with creatives like those from Kobalt, Universal, and Warner. Although she mainly works in the pop area of the industry, she also writes for film/tv with multiple production companies and sync reps.
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Drew Sliger
Interview + Masterclass:
The Recording Engineer
Drew is a Grammy nominated and multi-platinum recording engineer/vocal producer/mixer based in Los Angeles, CA. He’s worked extensively with artists across the industry but is best known for his recording Lil Nas X on several of his biggest tracks.
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Hanna Hicks
Interview:
Copyright
Hannah Hicks is an LA-based artist/producer manager and A&R who has worked with legends such as DJ Dahi, Grimes, Michael Uzowuru, and Take A Daytrip. In 2022, she founded AGAINST ALL EVIL, the first management company devoted to increasing gender equality in the studio, where she boasts a diverse clientele across all genres.
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Jenna Kon
Interview:
Introduction to Music Law
Jenna began her legal career at The Legal Aid Society at the Bronx Juvenile Rights Practice Trial Offices. After passing the bar, she was tapped by Mass Appeal to help clear the music for a documentary on the rapper Future. She went on to serve as their in-house counsel before working for the NYC law firm Carroll, Guido, Groffman, Cohen, Bar & Karalian.
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Aresh Banaji
Masterclass:
Mixing
Aresh is an in-demand mixer. He’s mixed and engineered records for Young Thug, Offset, Kid Cudi, MGK, Megan Thee Stallion, Polo G and others that have accumulated over a billion streams. Despite his success, Aresh keeps a low profile, preferring to let his work speak for itself.
The Making of “I Like You” for Post Malone and Doja Cat
In this video from Unit 1, The Creative Process in the Industry, producer Jasper Harris explains the story of making “I Like You” for Post Malone and Doja Cat and shares what it means for him to serve the song and the artist’s vision.
Balancing Macro Levels
In this video from Unit 8, Mixing, mix engineer Aresh Banaji walks through how he sets levels in a macro way: using the rough mix as a roadmap, clip-gaining to create headroom, and comparing the level of drums, bass, and vocals before any processing.
Unmatched Teacher Resources & Support
Teachers receive a comprehensive, digital Teacher’s Handbook to help set up and maintain a productive atmosphere where students feel safe to explore their creativity, respond to peers’ work, and connect their projects to the world around them.
The handbook includes:
Detailed pacing guide
Scaffolding for check-ins and listening parties
Pedagogy guides
Capstone mentorship guide