Thirty children with headphones on, all of them exploring. One has just found a sound that fits exactly, another is sliding two rhythms over each other and listening to see whether it works. And then it goes through the speakers and the whole class hears what has been made.
In SoundScout children go exploring across an interactive map. Every location hides sounds they can collect. What they find they take back to the studio, where they arrange their sounds on a timeline into a composition of their own.
I teach the lesson while you watch. The pupils work together on a theme we agree on beforehand, and at the end we listen to what everyone has made.
Taking part needs no musical background. Anyone who listens closely to the sounds on offer, and dares to move things around and try, arrives at surprisingly beautiful soundscapes.
Start together with a few short rhythms, so everyone feels straight away what composing is
Go looking for sound, guided by the scenes and locations in SoundScout
Compose on a theme we agree on together beforehand
Listen to each other: every soundscape goes through the speakers
Why this works in any class
- Everyone joins in. Making music starts here with listening, trying things out and the creative process.
- We agree on the theme beforehand, so the lesson connects to whatever you are working on at the time.
- Pupils discover that there is sound everywhere, and that a little creativity turns it into remarkable soundscapes.
- SoundScout is easy to pick up and quick to use, so you can carry on with it yourself in your music lessons afterwards.
What the school arranges
- Ideally one device per pair, tablet or laptop. SoundScout runs in the browser.
- Headphones, ideally for everyone.
- Wifi, and a speaker or projector so we can listen to the results together.
- I bring the assignment, the guidance and the musical direction. The pupils do not need an account.
Rather with your team?
This lesson is for the class. If you want to learn as a team how to let pupils compose creatively with technology, “Tool volgt doel” or “From prompt to composition” are a better fit. There you are at the wheel yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Which age groups is this for?
For pupils aged roughly 8 to 12. For younger children we always look together at whether it fits.
How long does it take, and can several classes join?
One hour per class. In a single morning I can do two or three groups back to back, so you can involve a whole year band. A longer lesson is possible in consultation.
Do I need to be able to do anything as a teacher?
No. I teach the lesson and you watch. That way you see up close how a lesson like this runs.
Do the pupils need an account?
No. I create a class and share a code; that gets them in. The basics of SoundScout stay free.
Interested in this workshop?
Ask about the options for your school or team, no strings attached.