Success Stories

How One Music Teacher Went from Zero Experience to Transforming Student Lives with Music Production

July 25, 2025

When faced with teaching "Creative Digital Music" with no background in music technology, Matt Stemple discovered how Soundtrap for Education can turn any educator into a confident music production teacher.

The Challenge Every Music Teacher Faces

Picture this: You’re scanning your fall teaching schedule when you spot a class you’ve never seen before. “Creative Digital Music.” No training. No curriculum. No idea where to start.

That’s exactly what happened to Matt Stemple, a seasoned band director who suddenly found himself assigned to teach music production. His first thought? “Oh crap, what is creative digital music supposed to be?”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Districts nationwide are adding music technology courses to meet student demand, but many music educators feel unprepared to teach them.

“I don’t have a huge background in music production or creative digital music. It was kind of one of those things where no one had space on their teaching schedule except for me.”

The Solution That Changed Everything

At an OMEA conference, Matt walked into what would become a career-changing session about Shed the Music and Soundtrap for Education. Five minutes in, he knew he’d found his answer.

“This is everything I need to be successful next fall,” he realized. The combination of Soundtrap’s intuitive platform and ready-made curriculum gave him exactly what every music teacher needs: creativity that connects to core standards without the tech overwhelm.

Here’s what made the difference:

  • Browser-based platform – No downloads, no IT headaches
  • Scaffolded curriculum – Elements and Production Through Performance courses
  • Teacher-ready lessons – Complete with video tutorials and project guides
  • Cross-curricular applications – Perfect for reaching non-ensemble students

Eric teaching with Soundtrap

Real Results in Real Classrooms

Engaging Every Student

Matt implemented Soundtrap across grades 6-12, from general music to special education. The “Let’s Go!” sample became his signature classroom opener, instantly energizing students who walked in ready to create.

“I found myself actually doing the projects at the same time with them,” Matt explains. “Kids were always doing something, and I was honestly surprised at how little issues I had with classroom management because they were so engaged.”

Building Program Enrollment

Worried that music production might hurt your ensemble numbers? Matt saw the opposite effect. Students from his music electives consistently joined his traditional ensembles after discovering their passion for music.

I’ve actually seen it helping enhance [my ensembles]. I look at my roster numbers and it always goes up more than I was expecting.

One steel drum student became his “biggest hype man” in the high school band program, earning the “Golden Gas award” for always encouraging his peers.

Supporting Special Education Students

Perhaps most powerfully, Matt used Soundtrap with students with disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and physical limitations. The platform’s accessibility features and flexible interface meant every student could participate fully.

Their proudest moment? Creating an EDM track that played at their special needs prom.

Watching them get excited, they’re like, ‘This is the music that we wrote. And now we can dance to it, our friends can dance to it, and our friends and family can dance to it.’ It was just really awesome.

Why Music Production Works for Every Teacher

1. No Prior Experience Required

Matt went from zero music production background to confidently teaching across multiple grade levels. The curriculum provides structure while Soundtrap handles the technical complexity.

2. Fits Real School Schedules

With nine-week terms and limited class time, Matt needed something that worked within actual school constraints. Elements curriculum is designed for exactly these realities.

3. Reaches Different Learners

Students who struggle with traditional notation or instrument requirements find success through loops, MIDI instruments, and collaborative composition.

4. Builds 21st Century Skills

Beyond music creation, students develop collaboration, critical thinking, and digital literacy skills that matter across subjects and careers.

The Classroom Management Game-Changer

Traditional music classes often involve downtime during instruction, setup, or individual practice. With Soundtrap, every student stays engaged throughout the entire class period.

Matt’s approach was simple but effective:

  • Monday: New project introduction
  • Tuesday-Thursday: Creation and iteration
  • Friday: “Listening party” with candy and popcorn

“It was really cool because it gave kids opportunities to write their own material and have fun with it and be creative.”

Common Concerns?

“I’m not tech-savvy enough” Matt felt the same way initially. “Before doing all this, I was admittedly in that same boat. The first time I tried it, I was like, this is not nearly as daunting as I imagined.”

“Students will just mess around” Structure matters. With clear projects and regular sharing sessions, students stay focused on meaningful creation rather than random experimentation.

“It will hurt my ensemble enrollment” Matt’s experience shows the opposite. Music production classes often serve as recruitment tools for traditional ensembles by helping students discover their musical passion.

Real-World Applications That Matter

Matt’s students created:

  • Prom soundtrack for special needs students
  • Hype music for basketball team introductions
  • Collaborative compositions combining individual student strengths
  • Cross-curricular projects connecting to other subjects

These aren’t just classroom exercises; they’re authentic applications that give student work real purpose and audience.

Implementation Tips from the Trenches

Start Simple

Begin with loop-based composition before moving to MIDI instruments and recording. Let students build confidence through early success.

Create Routine

Establish predictable class patterns so students know what to expect and can focus on creativity rather than logistics.

Share Regularly

Weekly listening sessions build community and give students authentic audience for their work.

Collaborate Often

Use Soundtrap’s collaboration features to break writer’s block and teach important teamwork skills.

The Teacher Growth Opportunity

For Matt, teaching music production became personally transformative: “I found myself when we started getting into the deeper stuff, I would do more with it during my planning period, and then I’d go home and do my own thing based on the project parameters.”

His wife eventually had to ask him to take his music-making downstairs so she could watch TV in peace.

This kind of teacher engagement translates directly into student excitement and success.

What This Means for Your District

Music production isn’t just another elective; it’s a pathway to:

  • Increased enrollment across all music programs
  • Improved student engagement and retention
  • 21st-century skill development aligned with career readiness goals
  • Inclusive music education serving diverse learners
  • Cross-curricular connections supporting literacy and STEM learning

Matt’s story demonstrates that with the right tools and curriculum, any music educator can successfully implement technology-enhanced learning that transforms student experiences.

Ready to Transform Your Music Program?

You don’t need years of experience or extensive training to create life-changing musical experiences for your students. With Soundtrap for Education and structured curriculum support, you can confidently guide students through authentic music creation that builds skills, confidence, and passion.

It’s something that is totally attainable. We spend so much time talking about growth mindset with our students. It’s time we apply that to ourselves as educators.

Start your transformation today:

Your students are waiting to discover what they can create. Give them the tools to find their voice.