Notes from Teaching at School of Rock

What we did

• We talked about skills
• We dedicated guitar, melody, lyrics, singing, etc. to each student
• We found a melody we wanted to work with
• We decided on a tempo
• We decided the genre
• We got some rhythm to accompany the melody
• We dedicated one person to write the lyrics and sing
• We worked on percussion
• We added some riffs

What I think we should have done

• Get to know each other
• Talk about what we want to come of this and what our expectations are
• Give examples of music we enjoy
• See how we can best collaborate
• Pick an agreed-upon genre
• Select a simple song structure like ABABCB
  • INTRO
    A – VERSE
    B – CHORUS
    A – VERSE
    B – CHORUS
    B – BRIDGE
    C – CHORUS
    B – OUTRO
• Dedicate a LEAD TRACK for everyone to follow that would have the rhythm or tempo for people to follow
• Pick the BEAT or BASSLINE
• Decide on notes or chords like E-E-G-A-B-A-G-E
• Come up with a RHYTHM at the same time as we come up with the VERSE (maybe team them up)
• Assign the INTRO/ OUTRO, VERSE, CHORUS, BRIDGE to dedicated talent
• Assign and use deadlines

What worked and What didn’t

• Some of my students would play riffs, but didn’t know what notes they were playing
• Keeping rhythm was challenging for the group
• Some students had a hard time collaborating

Overall

• All in all, I had a blast and I really look forward to hearing what the class has to offer
• Thank you for the opportunity, I greatly appreciate it