ACADEMY
THE I.S.M. MUSIC PRODUCTION ACADEMY
THE I.S.M. MUSIC PRODUCTION ACADEMY IS A MUSIC PRODUCTION AND ART CREATIVE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM, FORMED TO INSPIRE, EDUCATE, AND MENTOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS IN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC COMPOSITION, PRODUCTION, SONG WRITING, AND ARTIST DEVELOPMENT - AIDING STUDENTS CREATIVITY AND EXPRESSION BY UTILIZING TODAY’S PROMINENT TOOLS OF MUSIC AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY - DEVELOPING MODERN SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TOWARDS A PROMISING JOURNEY WITHIN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.
GROUP COURSES - TAUGHT BY ACTIVE ARTISTS / PRODUCERS WITH NOTABLE PRACTICES IN MUSIC & ART. 6 - 8 WEEK PROGRAMS - BEGINNER TO ADVANCED, SPECIFIED FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.
PROUD PARTNERS OF:
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB • LINCOLN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS - LPS • LINCOLN ARTS COUNCIL • MBX • COLLECTIVE FOR YOUTH • BAY HIGH
It was halfway through my first year as a para-educator when I realized my true passion for educating and mentoring. Though I’ve been coaching and training young athletes, as well as supervising and directing youth camps/clubs since I was 17, being a key part in a students daily goals and achievements revealed education was more than another job, but a commitment. Witnessing students grow into successful young adults is the most rewarding aspect to a mentor, and I look to continue encouraging and developing the youth though music creation, with the I.S.M. Music Production Academy.
The need for divergent promoted outlets for youth is essential. Just like traditional educational school systems, basic instrument lesson programs such as piano, violin, etc. can place boundaries on a students free expression. Limiting them to organically express themselves artistically and/or find their own “solution to the equation”. That’s the beauty of the ISM Music Production Academy - Providing students with the necessary technical skill to freely express themselves in the most popular, most effective tools within music technology. Educated and mentored by myself and other professionally active music creators.
Since I was 13 years old I dreamt and worked to become a professional music producer / recording artist. Growing up in a small city where music is viewed only as a hobby, I found myself placing my passion for art and music behind sports and athletics. Fact is there just wasn’t enough artistic programs for the youth, and unless you sought to play classical piano and/or violin you were left to find your own way towards a modern day career in music. This is what I SEE MELODY and the academy aims to change. Here sits an education, mentorship, and platform that is as cool and fun, as it is informative and valuable. Finally, a program that is truly created to benefit the contemporary music and art enthusiast.
- Zachary Watkins, Founder/Owner of I SEE MELODY
FIVE KEY SUBJECTS
I. FUNDAMENTAL THEORY
Remember, we’re here to free those trapped ideas into this beautiful world of sound and color. Traditional theoretical approaches towards music theory have been known to deflate and uninspired young enthusiasts - Leaving many to never pursue their interest in creating original compositions.
We’ll take the uncomplicated path through music theory, and provide a sturdy understanding of: melody, harmony, and rhythm - helping students become better songwriters and composers. Specifically altered for the age and/or interest of each student.
II. SONGWRITING & COMPOSITION
Melody, “the song of the song”, is a tough characteristic to define. And the sound and color that vividly flow in and out of your mind can exit without any defined purpose or reason.
Owning a firm understanding of genres, arrangement, song structure, and lyricism will allow students to better explore the music seen in their minds and create tangible product with those visions. Production that can be shared and enjoyed by friends, family, and future fans.
III. MUSIC PRODUCTION & ARRANGEMENT
Being a music producer extends far past “making beats”. The process of creating and completing a polished record takes both production technique and the fundamental knowledge of today’s studio technology.
The DAW’s (Digital Audio Workstations) alone has allowed us to have a fully loaded studio at our fingertips. Understanding how to utilize this essential tool and its key components allows students to create not only as music creators, but as engineers, composers, and artists.
IV. ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
Being an independent artist in today’s market is tough. No longer can one simply “make good music” and obtain a positive trajectory in the music industry. The fall of the major label means more hats to wear for the independent artist.
Branding, marketing, creating and sustaining a professional EPK, performance rights royalties, digital distribution, booking shows/tours, and understanding sync & licensing, are just a few crucial aspects of artist development. The academy’s Artist Development course provides students with the essential knowledge necessary for continuous growth as an independent artist.
V. MUSIC PERFORMANCE
To a novice artist, sharing works with others can be a very intimidating thought and process. Performing and/or showcasing art & music takes a significant amount of planning, rehearsal, and production designing.
Performance weeks are designed to provide students with the tools necessary to establish objectives, enhance productivity, and practice like the pros, as well as give students a valuable platform to showcase their talents to friends, family, and peers.
THE ACADEMY PROGRAMS
BEGINNER • ADV. BEGINNER. GRADES 6-8The fundamental level program. Beginning with the essential tools needed to comprehend music theory, composition, and arrangement within the digital audio workstation (DAW). The undergraduate program is designed to meet the needs and comprehensive capacity of any novice music student, as well as develop the fundamental skills necessary for the road towards an inspired journey into music production. This is not your “elementary school - music specials” - The ISM Music Production Academy is a fresh/contemporary curriculum and instruction towards creating music professionally. Key subjects include: fundamental theory, production techniques, composition & songwriting, and artistic growth.
8 WEEK PROGRAM • 2 DAYS/WEEK (2 HR SESSIONS)
INTERMEDIATE • ADVANCED. GRADES 9-12The intermediate to advanced level program. The graduate program is designed to prepare I.S.M. undergrad graduates and/or competent music students on the path to become young professionals as music creators. A deeper dive into production, composition, and songwriters trains, this program also involves showcases and master classes by successful local musicians, engineers, and producers - As well as access to professional recording studios for instruction and recording. Although the curriculum of this program is designed for the middle to high school level, younger students who have proven their musical and technological abilities are encouraged to join.
8 WEEK PROGRAM • 2 DAYS/WEEK (2 HR SESSIONS)
ADVANCED. GRADES 11-12.
How cool would it be to work at a record label, representing and developing talented up-and-coming bands/artists? Yeah, we think so too. Introducing I SEE MELODY RECORDS: An artist development and music business program for promising, accomplished graduates of the ISM Music Production Academy, as well as specially selected artists/bands of the local community. Operated as an independent record label, the I SEE MELODY RECORDS program helps artists bridge the gap with the essential tools needed to approach a momentous career in music: Music business instruction, artist / tour management, artist EPK/website, social media marketing, digital/physical distribution, press release, contracts, licensing/sync, brand development, and more.
MORE DETAILS TO COME.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
BEGINNER - INTERMEDIATE. GRADES 6-12
Finally! The opportunity for young enthusiasts to learn the art and craft of creating music & media in a private lesson setting. Applying the essentials of the ISM Music Production Academy curriculum, private session students are taught how to compose, produce, write, and record original music using the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and other prominent studio equipment. 1 hour, once a week, one on one sessions with award winning recording artist - I See Melody founder & chief educator, Zach Watkins.
To learn more and book your private sessions, email Zach at:
SUMMER PROGRAM: BEGINNER - INTERMEDIATE. GRADES 6-12
This fun, inspiring, fundamental beginner to intermediate summer program takes students through the process of forming, participating, and working as a member of a band or group. Students work together in teams on a positive structured trajectory from unsung to superstar. This program focuses on students creative skills such as: music, art, design, imagination, experimentation, brain storming and more - As well as team building skills such as: leadership, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. From designing logos, gig posters, and stage design to composing and recording songs, making music videos, and performing on stage, “Look Ma, I’m In A Band” is an exciting team building program that teaches the fundamentals of creative arts - allowing young people to explore, experiment, and see their works emerge into existence.
OUR COURSES ARE CREATIVELY DESIGNED TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ANY TYPE OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND ORGANIZATION. WHETHER PERFORMED IN YOUR SCHOOL, COMMUNITY CENTER, OR IN OUR DOWNTOWN LINCOLN STUDIO-GALLERY.
FOR MORE INFO REGARDING THE I.S.M. MUSIC PRODUCTION ACADEMY, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ZACH AT:
402.613.0505 iseemelody@yahoo.com
THANK YOU.
