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Category: MTMS Blog Posts

  • From Stage to Screen: Exploring Musicals (and What’s Next!)

    From Stage to Screen: Exploring Musicals (and What’s Next!)

    Lights Up: Our Monthly Theme—Musicals 🎶

    This month in the Music Technology & Learning Lab, we’re doing something a little different. It’s a double-theme month!

    We’re starting with musicals, diving into storytelling through song and stage. Then, next week, we’ll shift our focus and explore video game music—another powerful way music shapes a story.

    For now, let’s step into the spotlight with musicals.

    Where It All Started

    Musical theater has been around longer than many people realize. One of the earliest recognized musicals dates back to 1886, when productions began blending songs, dialogue, and dance into a unified story.

    At first, these shows focused more on entertainment than storytelling. However, that quickly began to change.

    Broadway Takes the Stage

    As musicals evolved, Broadway became the heart of the art form in the United States. It wasn’t just a place—it became a symbol of creativity and performance at the highest level.

    Over time, Broadway helped shape musical theater into a uniquely American art form. Shows grew more ambitious, combining memorable music with stronger narratives.

    The Golden Age of Musicals

    Eventually, musical theater entered what is often called its Golden Age. During this time, storytelling became a major focus.

    Songs were no longer just catchy moments. Instead, they moved the plot forward and revealed character emotions.

    This shift made musicals more immersive. Audiences weren’t just watching—they were experiencing the story in a deeper way.

    Modern Musicals: Then Meets Now

    Today, musicals continue to evolve while still honoring their roots. Many modern productions blend traditional storytelling with new sounds and styles.

    Some well-known examples include:

    • The Lion King – A visually stunning adaptation with powerful music
    • Hamilton – A groundbreaking mix of hip-hop and history
    • The Phantom of the Opera – A long-running classic with dramatic flair
    • KPop Demon Hunters – A newer example blending pop culture and storytelling
    • Wicked – A fresh perspective on a familiar story
    • Dear Evan Hansen – A modern, emotional look at connection and identity

    Each of these shows highlights how musicals can adapt to new generations while keeping storytelling at their core.

    Why Musicals Matter in Music Lessons

    At MTMS, exploring musicals helps students connect music to storytelling. It also builds skills like:

    • Listening for emotion in music
    • Understanding how rhythm and melody support a story
    • Exploring different musical styles
    • Developing creativity through composition and performance

    In other words, musicals bring music to life in a way that feels relatable and exciting.

    What’s Coming Next 👀

    Next week, we’ll introduce the second half of our double theme: video game music.

    Students will discover how composers use music to shape gameplay, build tension, and create unforgettable worlds. It’s a completely different setting—but just like musicals, it’s all about storytelling through sound.

    Take the Stage in the Lab

    This month, students will listen to musical selections, learn about their history, and even try creating their own musical-style compositions.

    Then, we’ll level up and explore video game music next week.

    So next time you hear a song from a musical, ask yourself:
    What part of the story is this telling?

    You might be surprised by what you discover.

  • From Disco to Drops: What Students Learned About EDM

    From Disco to Drops: What Students Learned About EDM

    Drops, Beats, and Builds: Students Explore EDM

    This month in the Music Lab, students dove into the world of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Through listening and history stations, they explored how this genre sounds, how it works, and where it came from.

    Their observations were thoughtful, specific, and sometimes surprising.

    🎹 What Students Heard

    Many students quickly picked up on EDM’s signature sound. Arianna R. noticed the use of electronic keyboard, while Beatrice V. also heard keyboards and described the music as having an “electric vibe.”

    Others focused on rhythm and intensity. Isaac B. described songs that “start with a boom then the beat drops,” while Kristofer S. pointed out “a lot of beat drops” and “a lot of repetition.”

    Students also noticed how EDM builds over time. Benji Gartin shared that the music often “progresses in intensity” and includes “frequent texture changes.” Ellie M. added that songs have different layers, with changes in the beat and structure from beginning to end.

    Several students commented on vocals—or the lack of them. Sebastian V. observed that there are “not many words,” and when they do appear, they are “high pitched” and fast. Mila J. agreed, noting there is “usually not a lot of singing,” while Haley N. described the sound as “mostly instrumental” with voices edited to sound “techno.”

    Connections to other music and media came up often. Haley N. said it sounded like “a theme in a video game,” and Beatrice V. compared it to Geometry Dash music. Ekam J. even described the style as giving “2016 nostalgia vibes.”

    🎧 Artists, Style, and Sound

    Students also made connections to artists and production. Sebastian V. mentioned that Marshmello is one of the most famous DJs, while Aiden B. shared that Alan Walker is a favorite artist.

    Others noticed how EDM is created. Liam C. explained that EDM uses mixing software and often features fewer traditional instruments. He also noted that rappers sometimes use EDM as background music.

    Olly C. observed that many songs come from the 2010s and 2020s, and that DJs play an important role in creating the music. This idea was echoed by Kristofer S., who pointed out that DJs have taken on bigger roles over time.

    🕺 Where EDM Comes From

    At the history station, students explored EDM’s roots and evolution.

    Aleksander S. described how electronic music began in the early 20th century with early electronic instruments, then grew in the 1950s and 60s as composers experimented with sound. He noted that the genre really took off in the 70s, 80s, and 90s with disco, synth music, and rave culture, laying the groundwork for today’s music.

    Several students highlighted disco as a key influence. Kristofer S. called disco “the father of dance music,” while Judy E. explained that EDM grew after disco declined in popularity.

    Students also learned about geographic origins. Sebastian V. and Judy E. both mentioned Chicago as an important starting point for EDM. Judy E. added that different countries in Europe developed their own unique styles.

    Ellie M. connected this history to musical features, noting that EDM “always stays with the beats” and often includes house music elements.

    🎵 Student Takeaways

    Across all responses, a few themes stood out:

    • Strong beats and bass drive the music
    • Build-ups and drops create excitement
    • Electronic sounds and production replace traditional instruments
    • Repetition and layering shape the overall structure

    Even when opinions differed—like Shubham K. finding one song “boring”—students were able to describe what they heard and explain why.

    💡 Why It Matters

    EDM may feel modern, but students discovered it has deep roots and a global story. More importantly, they practiced listening closely, describing sound, and connecting music to history.

    That’s what great EDM music lessons are all about.

    And who knows? The next time they hear a beat drop, they might understand exactly what makes it work.

  • Ready to Play: We’ll See You After Spring Break

    Ready to Play: We’ll See You After Spring Break

    Back to the Beat: Lessons Resume Next Week

    Spring break is here, and we hope you are enjoying a well-deserved pause. A little rest can do wonders for creativity. It also helps students return refreshed and ready to learn.

    While the studio has been a bit quieter this week, we are already looking ahead. Lessons will resume soon, and we are excited to jump back in together.

    What to Expect When You Return

    When students come back, we’ll pick up right where we left off. Some may feel energized and eager to play. Others might need a quick refresher. Both are completely normal.

    This is a great time to revisit favorite songs. It’s also a perfect moment to set new goals for the weeks ahead. Growth often happens after a break, especially when students return with fresh focus.

    Let’s Make Music Again

    Even a short break can build anticipation. That excitement is something we love to see in lessons. It brings energy into every note, rhythm, and activity in the Music Technology & Learning Lab.

    We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been working on. More importantly, we’re excited to continue making music together.

    See you soon at MTMS! 🎶

  • Marching to a Modern Beat: Popular Songs with a March Feel

    Marching to a Modern Beat: Popular Songs with a March Feel

    🎵 Marching to a Modern Beat: Popular Songs with a March Feel

    I take lessons with Michelle, and we’ve been discussing songwriting lately. She had me create a march. While I’m familiar with traditional marches, I marched with the band in junior high and high school.

    As I worked on my own march, I started thinking about songs I’ve heard on the radio and streaming. Many of them share a similar vibe, but with a more contemporary and popular feel.

    🥁 What Makes a March Feel Like a March?

    At first, I assumed marches mostly belonged to band rooms, parades, or older styles of music. However, the more I listened, the more I realized those same elements appear everywhere.

    A march usually has a strong, steady beat. It often emphasizes the downbeat, creating that clear “left-right” feeling. In addition, percussion—especially snare drum patterns—helps drive the rhythm forward.

    Because of this, marches feel purposeful, grounded, and easy to follow. Interestingly, many examples of the march rhythm in popular music use these same ideas. They just appear in a modern context.

    🎸 Modern Songs That March

    For example, “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes features one of the clearest march-like grooves in popular music. Its steady pulse feels almost hypnotic. In fact, crowds often chant along as if they are moving together.

    Similarly, “Some Nights” by fun. uses a military-style snare pattern. As a result, the rhythm feels structured and deliberate, almost like a modern anthem.

    Then there is “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. While it sounds orchestral and grand, its consistent beat gives it a strong processional quality.

    Even bands like OK Go explore the march rhythm in popular music. Songs such as “This Too Shall Pass” and “Invincible” use driving rhythms that push the music forward. Although their style is playful, the steady pulse creates that same sense of motion.

    🎤 Why It Works So Well

    So why do these songs feel so powerful?

    For one thing, march rhythms are naturally easy to follow. Because the beat stays consistent, listeners can quickly connect with the music. As a result, these songs often feel energetic and unified.

    In addition, marches create a sense of forward motion. Whether you are walking, clapping, or simply listening, the rhythm encourages you to keep going.

    That is exactly why the march rhythm in popular music works so well—it keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

    🎶 Bringing It Back to Music Lessons

    While writing my own march, I started to hear music differently. Instead of separating “classical” and “modern” styles, I began to notice how often they overlap.

    At Michelle Tuesday Music School, this is exactly what music lessons help students discover. Concepts like rhythm, pulse, and structure are not limited to one genre. Instead, they show up in everything from traditional marches to today’s biggest hits.

    So next time you hear a song with a strong, steady beat, take a moment to ask yourself:

    👉 Could this be a march in disguise?

    You might be surprised by how often the answer is yes.

  • Help Choose April’s Music Lab Adventure

    Help Choose April’s Music Lab Adventure

    Throughout February and the first week of March, votes will be collected to choose our April Music Lab Theme!

    Back in December 2023, we launched our Wheel of Themes, giving students a fun way to explore music beyond their primary instrument. In the Music Lab, students learn genre history, listen to curated playlists, and try composing in that style. Additionally, they can earn prizes by sharing what they learned. So far, students have explored styles like Bollywood, Jazz, Mash-Ups, J-Pop, and even Yodeling!

    Now, students and families get to help choose the next theme!

    Vote for one of these seven options:

    🍀 Celtic
    Traditional music from Ireland and Scotland with lively fiddles and flutes. Expect folk melodies and energetic dance tunes.

    📺 Jingles & TV Themes
    Catchy music you cannot forget. In particular, this style features commercial jingles and famous TV show openings.

    🎭 Musicals
    Songs from Broadway and movie musicals that tell stories through music. As a result, expect big emotions and dramatic moments.

    🎮 Video Game Music
    Soundtracks from classic and modern video games. Overall, the music ranges from simple chiptunes to full orchestral scores.

    💃 Bollywood
    Colorful film music from India blending traditional sounds with pop and dance beats. Notably, it features expressive vocals and vibrant rhythms.

    🌊 Hallyu Wave (K-Pop)
    High-energy Korean pop with polished production and catchy choruses. In fact, this global style often includes synchronized dance influences.

    🎸 Rock & Roll
    High-energy music driven by electric guitars and strong beats. Because of this, the classic style is known for its rebellious spirit.

    Here’s where to vote: Choose the April Theme!