SoundTrap is a browser or app-based digital audio workstation (DAW) that allows users to record and edit audio, play digital instruments, and mix songs by adjusting individual levels and applying effects. The platform is very versatile, allowing users to access it from a web browser on Windows, MacOS, or ChromOS devices, or from an app on Android or iOS. Users can integrate external MIDI instruments or microphones that they may have, or use any variety of integrated tools to play digital instruments. The interface is attractive and minimalist, ideal for first time DAW users that may be intimidated by the number of settings available to them.
The free account allows users all of the basic important functions, but SoundTrap does offer premium memberships that add more instruments, loops and sound effects, as well as tools like Antares Autotune, lossless downloads and even the ability to create transcriptions for those using the platform to create podcasts. Personal licenses run from $100 to $170 yearly, depending on which feature set is being purchased, but academic licenses for schools purchasing 50 licenses or more start at $5 per user, per year, and go down in price as more licenses are purchased over the initial 50. Academic licenses include LMS integration, class management features, and improved security measures to be sure data stays COPPA and FERPA compliant.
Lesson Ideas
The challenge when designing tasks in a platform as broad as SoundTrap is to find the sweet spot between giving students freedom to innovate, but also providing them sufficient scaffolding so they don’t feel lost in a sea of options. The following ideas try to find that balance, but some custom-fitting will likely be necessary to best fit a class’s needs.
Work as a Band:
Start by breaking students up into groups of small groups of 4 or 5 students that all have access to a shared SoundTrap file. Task the students with creating a short song that is either (depending on the class) 1) completely original, 2) inspired by a recently studied genre, musician or musical period, 3) written in the style and perspective of a pop culture character, or any other open-ended prompt that would inspire the group. Within the groups, students take on roles of different band members. One focuses on drums and rhythm, one on bass, one on keys or other chordal parts, one on lead melody. The group then must plan out and create in SoundTrap their project, and on completion share with the class how the creative process worked and what parts were effective in their band dynamic and which may have been difficult.
Jingle Writers:
Students work in pairs or small groups as jingle writing teams. Students come up with their own product or use a random product generator to figure out what their jingle is trying to sell, and choose an audience that they’re trying to sell that product to. The teams briefly research past successful jingles and put together a list of common traits they hear being used repeatedly. They then use SoundTrap to produce their own jingle and share with the class.
Sound Gatherers:
Students use SoundTrap on mobile devices to record sounds from around the classroom, school, or even house if stuck at home. Students then use these sounds that they’ve collected and then arrange them into unique rhythmic patterns that they then can share or use in future projects as drum parts.