Make Your Own Music

Make Your Own Music: A Creative Curriculum Using Music Technology

By Richard McCready

Make Your Own Music is an inspiring and practical guide for anyone looking to teach, learn, or explore music through modern technology. Designed primarily for educators, this book shows how music technology can be used to build a creative, engaging, and inclusive curriculum—even for students with little or no traditional music background.

Blending hands-on music-making with digital tools, the book demonstrates how composition, performance, recording, and production can be integrated into classroom learning. It encourages creativity, experimentation, and confidence, making music accessible to learners of all abilities.

 What this book covers

• Using music technology to support creativity and self-expression

• Designing a flexible curriculum that works across different age groups

• Practical classroom activities involving:

  • Digital instruments

  • Sequencing and sampling

  • Recording and sound manipulation

• Encouraging collaboration and inclusive learning through music

• Linking music creation with broader educational goals

Who this book is for

• Music teachers and educators

• Primary and secondary school staff

• Community music leaders

• Students studying music education or music technology

• Anyone interested in creative music-making with digital tools

Online media included

The book includes online media resources, offering additional examples and materials to support learning and teaching.

 Why it’s valuable

• Focuses on creativity over technical barriers

• Ideal for modern classrooms and digital learning environments

• Encourages confidence and participation, not just performance skills

• Written in a clear, practical, and educator-friendly style