Make music, learn code: Introducing Code.org’s Music Lab
Created in partnership with Amazon Future Engineer, Music Lab allows students to create or remix songs using code.
Last year, we launched our Incubator page for in-progress projects — including an activity in which students could use code to mix beats, bass, and other sounds to create their own music.
After more development, feedback, and an exciting partnership with Amazon Future Engineer, we’re so proud to finally introduce the world to Music Lab! This innovative and engaging new program blends computer science and coding with music creation and production to create a fun, creative learning experience for students — particularly at middle- and high-school levels.
“With Music Lab, we are bridging the gap between computer science and students’ creative interests. Music Lab builds upon Code.org’s founding mission of making computer science exciting, engaging, and accessible for all students.” — Hadi Partovi, cofounder and CEO, Code.org
But we’re burying the lead a bit: The all-new Music Lab doesn’t just allow you to compose original music with code… Users can remix songs from artists like the Chainsmokers, Aloe Blacc, Tinashe, Dove Cameron, Carly Rae Jepsen, Rosa Linn, and more. Ever thought “Call Me Maybe” needed MORE strings, or maybe that “I Need a Dollar” would sound even cooler with some synths? Make it happen — and learn about functions, loops, and other programming skills at the same time.
“Coding is used across the music industry,” says award-winning singer-songwriter, Aloe Blacc. “Computer science has created endless new possibilities in music, making it easier to record, perform, and even create brand new sounds.”
“Technology allowed me to record demos in my bedroom. I was a student who had access to technology and it gave me more opportunities to do what I love doing,” says 2022 Eurovision Song Contest finalist, Rosa Linn.
Showing students how computer science can give them greater opportunities to do what they love is a key goal of Music Lab. Innovative solutions to bolster student engagement are more essential now than ever before. With growing concerns from families and educators around students’ declining classroom engagement, districts across the country are struggling to find ways to create an environment that captures students’ interests and attention.
“As we navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, including learning loss and declining enrollment, we must creatively address student engagement by tapping into students’ existing passions, like music,” said Alberto Carvalho, superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District. “Code.org has mastered the art of bringing joy and curiosity into the classroom, while preparing students with essential computer science skills, and Music Lab is the perfect example.”
Check out Music Lab today and follow the excitement on social media over the next few weeks — via TikTok, Instagram, X, and more. We’ll be sharing exclusive artist content and glimpses into how classrooms are engaging with this absorbing new activity. We can’t wait to hear what everyone creates and remixes!
— The Code.org Team
Code.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to every student having the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education. We are publicly funded by people like you. If you would like to join our commitment to computer science education by making a donation today, please click here. For questions, please contact Development at giving@code.org or (206) 593–5521. Thank you.
