Overview:

This project aims to deliver a comprehensive month-long music workshop at the Manjali Studio School, opening in 2025. The workshop will introduce students in Years 7, 8, and 9 to a wide variety of musical instruments and provide them with the foundational skills in songwriting. The program is designed to be accessible to all levels of musical knowledge, from beginners to advanced students. This brief outlines a dynamic and culturally responsive music program that will enrich the students' educational experience at Manjali Studio School.

Objectives:

1. Introduction to Musical Instruments:

   - Students will learn about a diverse range of instruments, including the flute, trumpet, cornet, trombone, lap steel guitar, drums, banjo, mandolin, violin, tongue drum, melodica, bass guitar, loop pedal, ukulele, percussion instruments, and clarinet.

   - Each instrument's history, functionality, and notable players will be discussed, providing students with a broad understanding of the world of music.

2. Exploring the Origins of Music:

   - A significant focus will be on the origins of music-making, particularly through the lens of First Nations experiences, offering students insights into the cultural and historical significance of music.

3. Physics and Science of Sound:

   - The workshop will delve into the physics of sound as it relates to each instrument, helping students understand how sound is produced and manipulated.

   - Discussions will include the materials used in the construction of modern instruments, as well as their historical predecessors, linking music to broader scientific concepts.

4. Songwriting for Personal Wellbeing:

   - The workshop will include sessions on songwriting, emphasising its role in personal expression, emotional exploration, and storytelling.

   - Students will be encouraged to view music-making as both a private and communal activity, allowing them to discover the therapeutic benefits of creating music.

5. Multi-Track Recording and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Use:

   - Students will learn how to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to create multi-track recordings of their music. This will include recording different instruments, layering tracks, and basic editing techniques.

   - The hands-on experience with a DAW will introduce students to modern music production techniques, enhancing their ability to produce high-quality recordings of their compositions.

Implementation:

- Duration: 6 weeks

- Location: Manjali Studio School, Bunuba country, Western Kimberley WA

- Participants: Students in Years 7, 8, and 9

Outcomes:

- Students will gain a well-rounded understanding of various musical instruments and their histories.

- Participants will develop skills in songwriting, using music as a tool for personal expression and wellbeing.

- The workshop will foster a deeper appreciation of the cultural and historical significance of music, particularly within First Nations communities.

- Students will acquire basic knowledge of the science of sound, connecting music to physical principles and material science.