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Project 1: Cypher Cut

Introduction to the full song creation process as a class. Every student's voice on the record.

Days 0.1–272 Cypher Cut SongsBeat · Lyrics · Recording
Day Types: 🔵 Intro Day 🟠 Teaching Day 🟢 Studio Day — ends with Encouragement Cypher 🟣 Spotlight Cypher — end of unit showcase
Intro Days — Culture & Community Fresh Code formation · Breath work · Beat bracket voting
+ Open
0.1 Intro Day First Day of School
KIQ · 5mCulture Code · 8mIntro · 27mExit · 5m
📖Lesson

Intro slide deck, intro warm ups, KIQ (what are two ways that you want to be treated in this room), Fresh Code formation

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

📎 Keynote
📝 Doc's NoteDon't forget to add the videos of performances and stuff in the slide deck
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
0.2 Intro Day Culture Setting What did you do this summer? Do you have a favorite memory?
KIQ · 5mCulture Code · 8mIntro · 27mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What did you do this summer? Do you have a favorite memory?"

📖Lesson

Intro slide deck, review Fresh Code, KIQ (Which Fresh Code rule is most important to you and why?), beat bracket voting

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

📎 Keynote📎 YouTube Beats for Bracket
📝 Doc's NoteThe bracket voting was really fun and engaging — helped give a good sense of what beats each class tends to go for. Also helped learn personalities.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
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0.3 Studio Day Dee Jay Doc / Breath Box What's your favorite way to let go of your stress?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What's your favorite way to let go of your stress?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Box breathing and breath bars

🔥Encouragement Cypher

Encouragement Cypher

📎 Box breathing
📝 Doc's NoteLove that we did this — great tone. But should NOT happen on the same day as the PBIS rollout next year.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
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Unit 1 · Beatmaking 101 Four-bar loop: Step Sequencer drums + 808 bass + 2 melodic instruments
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1 Intro Day Logic Pro 101 Have you ever made beats before? If so, what has your experience been?…
KIQ · 5mCulture Code · 8mIntro · 27mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"Have you ever made beats before? If so, what has your experience been? If not, what are you most looking forward to learning in this unit?"

📖Lesson

Split groups, Logic 101 Activity

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Knowledge Gained
Can identify basic functions in Logic: sound library, apple loops, record, mute, solo, cycle, volume fader, metronome, tempo/BPM, audio region, MIDI region, and record enable
Skills Learned
Use the Quick Help function in Logic to find basic tools and functions
📎 Keynote📎 Activity Worksheet📎 Logic Project ZIP
📝 Doc's NoteCouldn't use worksheet — couldn't print. Add asking what each function does on top of where to find it.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
2 Teaching Day Intro to Apple Loops What is your favorite beat of all time? Why?
KIQ · 5mLesson · 30mExit · 10m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What is your favorite beat of all time? Why?"

📖Lesson

Demonstration of Loops, go play

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Saving Projects

Knowledge Gained
How to find Apple Loops, sort by instrument/genre/descriptor. Can save a Logic project as a folder in correct bell folder on SSD.
Skills Learned
Start a four-bar melody loop with 808 bass and two melodic instruments. Properly save new Logic files to SSD.
📎 Keynote
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
3 Studio Day Using Apple Loops (Studio Day) What is one goal you have set for yourself this school year? What supp…
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What is one goal you have set for yourself this school year? What supports do you need?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Work on four bar loops as groups

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Complete a four-bar melody loop with 808 bass and two melodic instruments
📝 Doc's NoteNeed more things for groups that move faster.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
4 Teaching Day Intro to Step Sequencer What does it mean to "have rhythm?"
KIQ · 5mLesson · 30mExit · 10m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What does it mean to "have rhythm?""

📖Lesson

Step sequencer lesson

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Knowledge Gained
How to open the step sequencer, select a drum kit, and place kicks, snares, and closed hi-hats in the correct spots
Skills Learned
Use the Logic step sequencer to make a beat with kick, snare, and closed hi-hat
📎 Keynote
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
5 Studio Day Using the Step Sequencer (Studio Day) What's a song you love just because of the beat, even if you don't lis…
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What's a song you love just because of the beat, even if you don't listen to the lyrics?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Practice step sequencer in booths

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Use the Logic step sequencer to make a beat with kick, snare, and closed hi-hat
📝 Doc's NoteSpend more time in separate booths making sure students actually understand.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
6 Spotlight Cypher Beat Voting and Build Out · Spotlight Cypher Who is your favorite artist? Why? What is your favorite song of theirs…
KIQ · 5mSpotlight · 25mEnc. Cypher · 10mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"Who is your favorite artist? Why? What is your favorite song of theirs?"

🏆Spotlight Cypher

Listen to group beats, vote on which to use for the cypher cut, give feedback as teacher builds it out

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Participate in an encouragement cypher and provide at least one piece of specific, constructive feedback to a peer
📝 Doc's NoteSpend more time thinking about how to make students more a part of the process instead of watching and giving feedback.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
Unit 2 · Lyric Writing 4-bar hook (class) + 4-bar verse (individual)
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7 Teaching Day What is a Hook? What is the "hook" of a song?
KIQ · 5mLesson · 30mExit · 10m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What is the "hook" of a song?"

📖Lesson

Hook lesson, write a cypher hook together as a class

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Knowledge Gained
How to identify the hook in a song
Skills Learned
Identify the hook of any song and contribute to a group hook write
📎 Keynote
📝 Doc's NoteAll classes needed an additional day to write hooks — plan for two days next year.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
8 Studio Day Hook Writing, Day 2 (Studio Day) How have you followed the class Fresh Code so far this week?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"How have you followed the class Fresh Code so far this week?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Finalize hook writing

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Identify the hook of any song and contribute to a group hook write
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
9 Teaching Day Rhyme Patterns Write down as many words as you can that rhyme with BAT.
KIQ · 5mLesson · 30mExit · 10m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"Write down as many words as you can that rhyme with BAT."

📖Lesson

Patterns lesson, pick a rhyme scheme and write three bars from a starter line

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Knowledge Gained
AAAA, ABAB, and AABB rhyme patterns
Skills Learned
Write a four-bar verse using either AAAA, ABAB, or AABB rhyme scheme
📎 Keynote
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
10 Studio Day Cypher Verse Writing, Day 1 (Studio Day) What's the most clever line you've ever heard in a song?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What's the most clever line you've ever heard in a song?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Write cypher verses (4 bars) with help available

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

📝 Doc's NoteAt least half finished on the first day — two days will probably be a good standard moving forward.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
11 Studio Day Cypher Verse Writing, Day 2 (Studio Day) If you could put two artists together to do a song, who would they be …
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"If you could put two artists together to do a song, who would they be and why?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Write cypher verses (4 bars) with help available

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Write a four-bar verse for a cypher cut
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
12 Spotlight Cypher Performing Your Verse · Spotlight Cypher Have you performed in front of people before? What was that experience…
KIQ · 5mSpotlight · 25mEnc. Cypher · 10mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"Have you performed in front of people before? What was that experience like?"

🏆Spotlight Cypher

Practice verses in groups, present verses in class cypher

🔥Encouragement Cypher

Encouragement Cypher

Knowledge Gained
How to share creative ideas with other people
Skills Learned
Share lyrics in front of studio groups and in front of the class. Give intentional encouragement and constructive criticism.
📎 Keynote
📝 Doc's NoteIncorporate performance/sharing earlier and more often throughout the year.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
Unit 3 · Vocal Recording Cypher verses and hooks recorded in groups
+ Open
13 Intro Day Tracking Vocals Why do you think it takes artists so long to release music?
KIQ · 5mCulture Code · 8mIntro · 27mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"Why do you think it takes artists so long to release music?"

📖Lesson

Main vox + ad libs, intro to studio equipment, begin recording cypher verses in groups

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Knowledge Gained
Can identify and use audio interface and microphone. Can record peers' verses into Logic without clipping.
Skills Learned
Record peers into Logic with no clipping
📎 Keynote
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
14 Studio Day Vocal Tracking, Day 1 (Studio Day) What does an audio interface do?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What does an audio interface do?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Record hooks, main vocals and ad libs in groups

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
15 Studio Day Vocal Tracking, Day 2 (Studio Day) What do you think about recording so far?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What do you think about recording so far?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Record hooks, main vocals and ad libs in groups

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Record a main vocal and ad lib track for cypher cut verses
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
16 Spotlight Cypher Review and Start Again · Spotlight Cypher What was your favorite part of recording our cypher cut? Why?
KIQ · 5mSpotlight · 25mEnc. Cypher · 10mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What was your favorite part of recording our cypher cut? Why?"

🏆Spotlight Cypher

Listen through first cypher cut, encouragement cypher, new groups, begin beats for second cypher cut

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Critically listen to a song to give encouragement and constructive feedback
📝 Doc's NoteMore intentional about debrief questions and setting up the encouragement cypher.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
Cypher Cut 2 — Full Cycle Beat → Lyrics → Recording → Listen Through
+ Open
17 Studio Day CC2 Beats, Day 1 (Studio Day) What's the best movie you've seen in the last year?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What's the best movie you've seen in the last year?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Pick apple loops and 808 bass

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
18 Studio Day CC2 Beats, Day 2 (Studio Day) How have you been following your class Fresh Code in the last week?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"How have you been following your class Fresh Code in the last week?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Add kick, snare, and closed hi-hat to beat, can add other sounds if desired

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
19 Studio Day CC2 Beats, Day 3 (Studio Day)
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎛Back to the Lab

Continue beat work

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
20 Spotlight Cypher Beat Voting and Build Out What was the one song that made you a fan of rap?
KIQ · 5mSpotlight · 25mEnc. Cypher · 10mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What was the one song that made you a fan of rap?"

🏆Spotlight Cypher

Listen through group beats, vote on which to use for CC2, give feedback as teacher builds it out

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Critical listening, giving encouragement and constructive feedback
📝 Doc's NoteMake students more a part of the process.
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
21 Studio Day Hook Writing (Studio Day) What makes a chorus catchy? Use an example.
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What makes a chorus catchy? Use an example."

🎛Back to the Lab

Discuss topic, write hook

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Contribute to a group hook write by giving lyric ideas, encouragement, and constructive feedback
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
22 Studio Day Verse Writing, Day 1 (Studio Day) Have you enjoyed lyric writing so far? Why or why not?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"Have you enjoyed lyric writing so far? Why or why not?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Quick review of rhyme patterns, write verses individually with help available

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
23 Studio Day Verse Writing, Day 2 (Studio Day) Have you enjoyed lyric writing so far? Why or why not?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"Have you enjoyed lyric writing so far? Why or why not?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Write verses individually with help available

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Finished cypher cut verse
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
24 Studio Day Vocal Recording, Day 1 (Studio Day) What's your "go-to" song for getting motivated? Why?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What's your "go-to" song for getting motivated? Why?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Recording hooks, main vocals, and ad libs in groups

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
25 Studio Day Vocal Recording, Day 2 (Studio Day) How does the way an artist performs their lyrics affect the overall fe…
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"How does the way an artist performs their lyrics affect the overall feeling of the song?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Recording hooks, main vocals, and ad libs in groups

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
26 Studio Day Vocal Recording, Day 3 (Studio Day) What is one goal you want to accomplish in this class this month?
KIQ · 5mLab · 30mEnc. Cypher · 5mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"What is one goal you want to accomplish in this class this month?"

🎛Back to the Lab

Recording hooks, main vocals, and ad libs in groups

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
One main vocal and one ad lib track recorded from each student, one hook recorded per group
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
27 Spotlight Cypher Cypher Cut 2 Listen Through · Spotlight Cypher You've finished two songs now. Tell me what this class has been like s…
KIQ · 5mSpotlight · 25mEnc. Cypher · 10mExit · 5m
🎤Kick-It Question · 5 min · Mic on

"You've finished two songs now. Tell me what this class has been like so far. What has been fun? What has been hard? What are you looking forward to?"

🏆Spotlight Cypher

Listen through second cypher cut, encouragement cypher, compare/contrast to first cypher cut

🎫Wrap Up / Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket

Skills Learned
Critical listening, give encouragement and constructive feedback
✏️ Teaching Artist Notes
Unsaved
MT101 · Project 1: Cypher Cut
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