K–6Creative Studio
Beats Lab
Create original music using digital audio workstations
Cass
QuincyBefore you start
- Age band
- K–6
- Time
- 30–60 minutes
- Quest type
- Messing Around
- Guardian
- Juniper Jack · Sanpete
- Materials needed
- USB Audio Interface
- Studio Monitor Headphones
- Mini MIDI Keyboard Controller
Video resources
DIY Arduino Memory Challenge Game – Can You Beat It?
This short video from SunFounder Maker Education relates to "Beats Lab". Sourced from a vetted educational channel with YouTube safe-search strict. Please preview before sharing — final vetting is a human step.
Watch on YouTube →Why this skill rocks
Become a music wizard! With a beats lab, you can mix and match sounds to invent your very own songs and awesome tunes.
2034Where this could take you
When the Olympics are in SLC in 2034, you could be a sought-after sound designer, creating cool audio for movies, games, or even the opening ceremony spectacular.
What You'll Need
Optional materials for this quest.
USB Audio Interface
RequiredConnects a microphone or instrument directly to your laptop or tablet so you can record real sounds into your DAW with clean, professional-quality audio. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is the most popular beginner option and works with GarageBand and BandLab instantly.
Studio Monitor Headphones
RequiredFlat-response headphones designed for mixing — they don't boost bass or treble, so what you hear is what the music actually sounds like. This matters a lot when you're making mixing decisions in Step 5. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x or Sony MDR-7506 are solid entry-level choices.
Mini MIDI Keyboard Controller
A 25-key USB keyboard that connects to GarageBand or BandLab and lets you play melodies and chords with your fingers instead of clicking notes into a grid. Even if you don't know how to play piano, pressing real keys makes melody-writing feel natural and intuitive.