Drum Machines

This lesson is part of the Electronic Music & Sound Production category.

Objectives

• Students will be familiar with the concept and purpose of a drum machine.
• Students will be able to use a drum machine to create a beat that meets a given musical need.

Resources

Readings

• The Guardian: Beaumont-Thomas, "The Roland TR-808: The Drum Machine that Revolutionised Music"

Tools

• Drumbit
• The Infinite Drum Machine
• io808

Class Activities

• Discussion and demonstration of drum machine software
• Exploration and explanation of a previously created drum machine beat
• Use of a drum machine to create various beats

Assignments

• Creation or manipulation of a drum beat to meet given musical criteria
• Recreating or reimagining a drum beat from a recording