In our music coding workshops, students:

• Learn the fundamentals of music through coding, including beats, bars, loops, melody, and song structure

• Use block-based and introductory text-based coding tools to create interactive musical projects

• Explore how rhythm, sequencing, and patterns translate into code

• Develop computational thinking, problem-solving, and creative experimentation skills

• Build confidence by sharing and showcasing original music-coded projects

Every music coding workshop centers creativity and systems thinking—helping students see code not just as technical skill, but as a creative tool for expression and innovation.

Music coding workshops are designed for school-aged youth and are adapted by age, setting, and student experience level. No prior coding or music experience is required.

Instruction is scaffolded to support beginners while offering opportunities for more advanced exploration, making these workshops ideal for schools and organizations seeking accessible STEAM and creative technology programming.

Music coding workshops can be delivered in person or remotely and are offered through:

• In-school programming

• After-school or extended-day programs

• Community center and youth organization programming

• Residencies and short-term masterclasses

• Summer and enrichment programs

Programming is flexible and designed to integrate into existing academic or youth development schedules.

A music coding residency guides students from foundational concepts to complete interactive projects. Residencies typically include:

• Introduction to beats, bars, loops, and sequencing

• Block-based coding to create drum patterns and melodies

• Exploring song structure and arrangement through code

• Introduction to platforms like Scratch for interactive music creation

• Combining sound, visuals, and code into final projects

• Listening parties or showcases of student work

We aim to make music coding workshops as accessible and easy to implement as possible.

Students use browser-based music coding and creative technology tools provided by Building Beats. The tools we use are:

• Easy to learn for beginners

• Appropriate for school and youth program settings

• Transferable to future creative, technical, and STEAM learning

We ask that partner sites have access to the following equipment, if possible:

• A computer, Chromebook, tablet, or smartphone with reliable internet access

• Google Chrome (our recommended browser for optimal performance)

• Headphones for each student

• Zoom or Google Meet (for remote programming only)

If your site does not currently have this equipment available, Building Beats can support equipment rental or purchasing options. Our team will work with you to develop a plan that fits your program’s needs and budget.

Music coding workshops support many outcomes schools and youth-serving organizations prioritize, including:

• STEAM learning and computational thinking

• Digital literacy and creative technology skills

• Creative problem-solving and systems thinking

• Student engagement, confidence, and collaboration

If a school or program has a specific instructional goal, academic focus, or youth development priority, our team can adapt the curriculum accordingly. Custom curriculum packages are available to ensure alignment with site-specific needs and objectives.