This year, students are going to design and execute a Capstone Project. It can be an album, EP, extended composition, or any long-form piece of music at least 20 minutes long. They will set a production schedule and be responsible for meeting the goals they set. You will keep them accountable and on track, but in this advanced course, the responsibility rests on their shoulders.
In addition to the body of work described above, students will develop artist statements, business plans, industry analyses, and other materials to prepare them to enter the professional music world if they choose.
Using this curriculum as a framework, students should end the year with an industry-ready body of songs, connected materials to help them release it, and an understanding of the machinations of the industry to hit the ground running as a professional.
Capstone Project Production Plan
Each student will put together a plan to execute their vision of the Capstone Project. The Capstone Project Production Plan formalizes students’ answers to the “Pick Your Project” questions and prompts them to provide further details on how they plan to see it through.
Most importantly, students will have to put together a schedule for the composition of their Capstone Projects. This provides an essential foundation for all check-ins and listening parties.
[Click here] to open a force copy link to the Google Doc template for this assignment.
File Backup Plan
Professionals back up their work. As the Capstone Mentor, it is your responsibility to hold them to professional standards. If they lose their files along the way, or even worse, don’t have a project at the end of the year to share, they should not pass the class.
Backing up their work on a physical hard drive and an online storage system is essential. This Backup Plan template will help students put a plan together if they haven’t taken this crucial step.
[Click here] to open a force copy link to the Google Doc template for this assignment.
Shared Folder
Each student will need a shared digital folder that you can access as they work on their Capstone Project. The capstone check-ins that punctuate the curriculum require you to listen to their music.
Each school has a different digital ecosystem: some use Google Suite, others are on Microsoft, etc. Work with each student to determine where their shared folder should live online, and have them add you with full permissions.
One added benefit: this folder serves as further backup for their files
Mastering with LANDR
The full depths of mastering go beyond the scope of this curriculum. The techniques Aresh and Sachi shared apply but only scratch the surface of the specific tools and processes used by a mastering engineer.
Good news though: we’ve partnered with LANDR to get your students’ projects mastered for free.
How to set up your free LANDR account:
Go to landr.com and create a free account using your school email address.
Email us at support@youngproducersgroup.com with the email address you used to sign up. Use the subject line "LANDR Account Upgrade."
We'll work with LANDR to upgrade your account. And you'll get a confirmation email from us when it's ready.
Once upgraded, students can export their final mixes and master them through your account.