Sound Recording, Producing & Composing Catalog
ABLETON
Ableton Live, Push, and Link – unique software and hardware for music creation and performance, used by musicians, producers, and DJs. Learn and have fun making electronic music HERE. Get started by making sounds with a synthesizer HERE.
Ableton for the Classroom helps institutions across the globe engage and inspire young people through music. Get instruments, discounts on software, support and ready-to-use classroom resources for your school – and put the thrill of making music at the center of your class.
BANDLAB FOR EDUCATION
BandLab for Education is a free, easy-to-use cloud-based platform where teachers and students can collaborate to assign and fulfill coursework in an online classroom space. The platform features an online music studio and virtual instruments to help students create their own music.
BIG EAR GAMES
Big Ear – Play with Music is a music learning and making app. Based on self learning with a widely accessible learning curve, the app allows the user to explore how music works and compose their own music. Watch Darude play Big Ear the music game! Play – build songs in puzzles. Perform – manage the musicians in concert. Compose – make music in a simple and effective sequencer.
Available on iOS and Android devices (including ChromeBook). Download Big Ear – Play with Music app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
BUILDING BEATS TOOLBOX
This is a “toolbox” featuring information about online beat makers, DJ apps, podcasting tools, and more! Find tutorials, demonstrations, and lesson plans to enhance your music-making and teaching practices.
BYTA
CHORDCHORD
CITIZEN DJ
Make music using the free-to-use audio and video materials from the Library of Congress. Explore collections and download free sounds, remix tracks, and combine beats with your favorite software.
DEPARTMENT OF SOUND
Dept. Of Sound is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for youth through music and podcasting curriculum by creating and supporting technology-enabled educational resources for institutions and supplying free courses and tools online for students. Dept. of Sound believes that access to music and audio education should be a universal utility, not a luxury. They support community youth and ensure students can turn to them when seeking artistic outlets and resources. Check out the free online course – Valley Producer Program – to learn the basics of music and podcast production.
THE DRUM NINJA
TheDrumNinja.com is an online hub for drummers of all levels. It provides an extensive range of drum lessons, gear reviews, and song transcriptions, making it a comprehensive resource for learning and improving drumming skills. The website features insightful interviews with professional drummers, offering valuable lessons and inspiration. With a focus on blending traditional techniques with modern trends, TheDrumNinja.com is dedicated to enhancing every drummer’s journey, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Driven by experienced drummers, it ensures authentic, high-quality content, making it an essential destination for anyone passionate about drumming.
EARSKETCH
EarSketch is a free, web-based application based on core topics of computer science, music, and music technology, all in a fun, engaging environment. Users learn to code in Python or JavaScript, two of the most popular programming languages in the world, while manipulating loops, composing beats, and applying effects to a multi-track digital audio workstation (DAW). To start learning to write code and make music, click the Start Coding button and use the integrated online curriculum.
EDPUZZLE
An easy-to-use platform where a teacher can make any video a lesson.
FEMME HOUSE
FEMME HOUSE is a 501(c)(3) with the goal of creating and fostering more equitable opportunities for womxn, trans, non-binary, and other marginalized gender expressions in the technical areas of music. The organization offers educational workshops and professional development resources such as networking, mentorship, and more.
FLAT
Use the cloud-based software on any device to create and access your musical compositions or music education activities.
FLIP
Flipgrid is now FLIP! Flip is a video discussion app, free from Microsoft, where curious minds connect in safe, small groups to share videos, build community, and learn together. Flip is a place where learning happens anywhere, anytime, through video discussions. Families, friends, teachers, students, classrooms, and creators of all kinds are using Flip to learn, connect, and explore.
GARAGEBAND
GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio right inside your Mac — with a complete sound library that includes instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and an incredible selection of session drummers and percussionists. With Touch Bar features for MacBook Pro and an intuitive, modern design, it’s easy to learn, play, record, create, and share your hits worldwide. Now you’re ready to make music like a pro, with out without an instrument.
Have a PC? Learn how to download the music software for PC on Garagebandonpc.org and check out some helpful and user-friendly tutorials on Garagebandonpc.com.
GIRLS MAKE BEATS
Girls Make Beats (GMB) is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls by expanding the female presence of music producers, DJs, and audio engineers. GMB helps girls further their careers as music producers, DJs, and audio engineers by providing courses on industry leading hardware and software. GMB also serves as an outlet for girls to unite and collaborate within the music industry. Explore masterclasses, online courses, and more!
GROOVE PIZZA
Use this fun, free app to teach, create, play, download and share beats and melodies using shapes, math, and world genres. Excellent for younger and intermediate learners. Groove Pizza was create by the NYU Music Experience Design Lab – explore more apps and online music learning experiences for students at the lab.
HOOKTHEORY
This online software and interactive learning materials help musicians create music and gain a deep understanding and intuition for how music works. Try HookPad, a musical sketchpad with built-in music theory that helps you create beats, songs, and musical snippets. Add chords, loops, lyrics, and more. Give HookPad a try for free!
#HowWeListen
#HowWeListen is brought to you by Byta, the platform for sending digital audio files and streams. A microsite passing on the knowledge that tomorrow’s artists and industry leaders require to be successful. Including weekly interviews with music industry professionals and artists, events, workshops, articles, resources and industry insights.
INCREDIBOX
Incredibox is a music app that lets you create your own music with the help of a merry crew of beatboxers. Access musical genres that will get you pumping: hip-hop beats, electro waves, pop voices, jazzy swing, Brazilian rhythms, and much more. Try the free versions on the desktop or the app.
INSTITUTE FOR COMPOSER DIVERSITY
The Institute for Composer Diversity, housed at the State University of New York at Fredonia, is dedicated to the celebration, education, and advocacy of music created by composers from historically underrepresented groups through online tools, research-based resources, and sponsored initiatives. You can search the database by composer name, living or deceased, specifically for women or non-binary composers, common large and small ensemble genres, racial, ethnic, or cultural demographics, and by location.
KENNEDY CENTER EDUCATION
The Kennedy Center has developed a robust collection of hundreds of digital learning resources: lessons, articles, performance guides, how-tos and much more. And they are all free!
KEYBOARDKRAZE
Keyboardkraze is owned and operated by Chris Senner, the keyboardist for the major label band Vinyl Theatre. This site provides in-depth, first-hand guides to digital pianos and synthesizers.
KOALA SAMPLER
Koala is the ultimate pocket-sized sampler. Record anything with your phone’s mic instantly or import your own sounds. Use Koala to create beats with those samples, add effects, and create a track! Koala’s super intuitive interface helps you make a track in a flash, there is no brake pedal. You can also resample the output of the app back into the input, through the effects, the sonic possibilities are endless.
LOGIC PRO
Logic Pro by Apple is a digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software application for the macOS platform. Logic Pro turns your computer into a professional recording studio able to handle even the most demanding projects. Create and arrange music in real-time and quickly build beats and melodies. Capture your compositions and performances — from tracking a live band to a solo software instrument session — and flow them into your songs.
Don’t have a Mac? Learn how to download Logic Pro X music software on a Windows PC.
MELODICS
This desktop app is a great way to build your skills & confidence on your MIDI keyboard, pad controller, or electronic drum kit. Melodics™ makes practice fun, relevant & effective, with huge lesson variety and a learning structure that puts you in charge.
MIDNIGHT MUSIC
Midnight Music is a friendly and easy-to-use professional development website that helps music teachers use technology to foster creativity, increase productivity and enhance learning outcomes.
Download the 2023-24 Ultimate Free Music Tech Resources Guide
MOISES
Moises is a leading provider of an AI-powered music and audio platform used by record labels, agencies, technology companies, developers, producers, and musicians. More than 40 million customers use tools powered by Moises’ platform to process over one million minutes of audio daily. Learn more about Moises.
MUSESCORE
The Musescore Editor is an easy-to-use, open source desktop software application that helps musicians learn, create, and edit musical notation. There are also mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms. Musescore’s is the largest library of musical scores available online.
MUSIC FORWARD FOUNDATION
Music Forward connects young people to the music industry. Programs are designed to spark discovery, chart careers, and define pathways to success in the music industry for tomorrow’s innovators, artists, and leaders. Teachers are invited to engage their classrooms and use Music Forward content to supplement curriculum to connect students’ passions to professions. Explore Music Forward programs and online resources, apprenticeships, scholarships, etc. for students wanting to learn more about the music industry.
MUSIC IMPACT NETWORK
Explore over 150 resources, programs, and tools to help you develop a modern music program. Their resources include music production, instrument programming, performance ideas, equipment and design, and more. Downloads, projects, and ideas are all free and available to the public.
MUSIC INDUSTRY HOW TO
Music Industry How To is an advice website for musicians, aiming to make knowledge in the music industry more accessible. It contains over a thousand guides written by musicians and industry experts at all stages of their career; it’s like having a mentor but for free. Music producers looking for music production specific information can also check out sister site Midi Nation.
MUSIC WILL
Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock) is a nonprofit music program serving schools across the country. Resources available include teacher courses at Music Will Academy and music lessons for students with videos and songs – learn a song, take a lesson, create your own music, and practice!
MUSICFIRST
MusicFirst was founded with one mission: to offer music teachers and their students easy-to-use, affordable, cloud-based solutions that enable music learning, creation, assessment, sharing, and exploration on any device, at any time, anywhere. To access cloud-based software, all you need is a web browser. This affords teachers and students to utilize state-of-the-art software tools on any computer at any time.
MUSICMAP
Musicmap provides the ultimate genealogy of all popular music genres and combines any information regarding music genres and history in one dynamic map.
Related: Check out this engaging video showcasing the Most Popular Music Styles from 1910 – 2019
NOTEFLIGHT LEARN
Noteflight Learn provides a private, COPPA-compliant website designed specifically for music education. All teachers and students have Noteflight Premium composition features plus the ability to organize classes, easily create assignments, get performance feedback and ratings with SoundCheck™, powered by MatchMySound, and use the included library of thousands of popular musical scores and lessons. Try a free 60-day demo!
PRESERVATION HALL LESSONS
This free online resource for teachers is a collection of lesson plans developed by Preservation Hall musicians for all grade levels aligned with national arts and common core standards. Lessons are designed for all K-12 teachers or educational professionals that want to foster the culture and history of New Orleans music genres. The lessons can be integrated into general content areas like Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science, or beginning to advanced Music Education studies.
Preservation Hall is a historic music venue in the French Quarter working to protect, preserve and perpetuate the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz.
QUARANTUNES
QuaranTunes connects hundreds of teen musicians with children across the globe to provide free music lessons in over 20 instruments including piano, guitar, voice, violin, flute, and many more, as well as on topics such as songwriting and music production. All teachers are high school or college aged and highly experienced and devoted musicians. QuaranTunes believes there’s no better way to learn music from a fun teacher (for free!) from the comfort of your own house, so sign up for your first lesson now.
QWEST TV EDU, THE QUINCY JONES MUSIC VIDEO RESOURCE
Qwest TV EDU is Quincy Jones’ music video resource dedicated to educational institutions with 1300+ concerts and documentary films in jazz, soul, funk, classical, and world music. The platform preserves the richness of history, while reflecting the present-day beauty and reality of culturally and racially diverse people.
The materials have already aided cultural learning at many prestigious libraries and institutions including Berklee College of Music, McGill University, The New School and many more. “We want each kid and student to be able to freely explore their musical history by rediscovering their roots, both through jazz and beyond.” – co-founder Quincy Jones
REVERB
Reverb is a leading online marketplace for buying and selling new, used, and vintage musical instruments. Check out their online guide of Tips and How-To’s for all kinds of musicians.
Reverb’s Lesson Extravaganza – Videos by professional musicians teaching guitar, keyboard, drums, and audio recording.
ROLAND ZENBEATS
A free, music creation app that works on any device or platform. With its collection of both modern and legendary sounds, Zenbeats brings Roland’s history of innovation into a dynamic, accessible environment. An easy, all-round music making program!
SHE IS THE MUSIC
She Is The Music (SITM) is a nonprofit organization increasing the number of women working in music – songwriters, engineers, producers, artists and industry professionals. As an umbrella nonprofit, they also provide resources and support for female-focused initiatives that are working to create meaningful change. Interested in learning the basics of Logic or Ableton? What about what it takes to set up a home studio? Get access to it all with She Is The Music’s At-Home Tutorial Series on YouTube.
THE SHED
Free audio, video, and PDF classroom resources in music technology, guitar method, band method, and music theory for all grades. The Shed presents their original curriculum and courses for modernizing the music classroom, including Production Through Performance. Check out a course and get access to a free trial of content today!
SHURE AUDIO INSTITUTE
Shure is a leading manufacturer of professional microphones and headphones. The Shure Audio Institute is an education and network platform for students and pros – system integrators, consultants, music industry retailers, engineers, and musicians. Find a selection of online and instructor-led events, webinars, and more education offerings at the Audio Institute.
SOUNDFLY
Free video courses about producing, playing and writing music taught by industry professionals and educators.
SOUNDGYM
Free audio ear training for recording musicians and sound engineers. Get a daily sound workout, enhance your listening skills, and get better results in the studio.
Join SoundGym free audio school — Learn complete programs curated from the best free online content by sound experts & educators: music production and audio engineering, mix & mastering, electronic music production, sound synthesis & sampling and live sound engineering. Study the software, the art, and the craft of recording and producing.
SOUNDSWOW
SoundsWow is a resource blog for aspiring musicians to create home recording studios and learn music-making software. The articles include in-depth looks at music recording equipment, practical how-to tutorials, and common troubleshooting issues. Readers will also learn about different audio production software. Explore the collection of user-friendly guides, starting with Logic Pro X and GarageBand packed with useful tips and tricks.
SOUNDTRAP
Explore creative sound recording and producing at any ability level with Soundtrap, an online music creation platform. Soundtrap has an extensive collection of beats, loops and instruments, or you can connect your own instrument. Share your music and collaborate with other musicians. The online studio allows you to create music on any device, anywhere!
Soundtrap for Education empowers students and teachers to explore creative sound recording in all subjects. Students can collaborate with each other, teachers can give assignments and feedback, and teachers can also give remote lessons through the virtual learning environment.
WURRLYEDU
Teaching platform with creation tools for student learning, including standards-aligned lesson plans for K-12, an extensive popular music catalogue for schools, a personal recording studio, and a suite of mobile music games. Get started with a free 30-day trial to WURRLYedu today!
YONA MARIE MUSIC
Professional musician Yona Marie has over 300 helpful blog posts for artists, bands, and composers looking for tips and guidance in the music world. She provides fellow music makers with songwriting tips, industry knowledge, marketing methods, and much more. As a session singer, writer, and producer who has worked with over 200 clients to provide jingles, singles, and features, she currently spends her time creating new songs and sharing her knowledge with the independent music community. Her most recent creative collaborations include work with PBS Sound Field, Tribe of Noise, and the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
YOUSICPLAY
YousicPlay is transforming the way music is learned. YousicPlay combines the best of pre-recorded celebrity music instruction and real-time AI performance feedback. The app delivers a personalized roadmap of instruction designed around individual goals. YousicPlay’s courses are currently designed primarily for intermediate to advanced music learners.
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