Milwaukee's Rufus King High School Offers Music Production Class to Students
Lee Stovall (R) and one of his students (L). (Picture by Lily Shea Photography)
Rufus King International High School is a part of the Milwaukee Public School (MPS) systems and they’ve been known as a top leading school not just in Milwaukee, but the entire state of Wisconsin. Even with recent MPS budget cuts over the last few years, Rufus King has introduced a new music production class to its 2021 curriculum.
Rufus King’s “Music Technology and Production” class is led by the choir teacher Lee Stovall.
“All the students are motivated,” Stovall said. “The students are so great and open minded. I really enjoy working with them.”
The students are learning music production through Pro Tools – a digital audio workstation and a sponsor of the program.
The first year is focusing on using technology in a "musical" way, along with learning the art of how to make a sound they want to create. Most days in the classroom is learning one aspect of producing and incorporating that skill within the students’ own music.
The second year will focus on the Pro Tools curriculum, live sound, and more compositional techniques in recording. Students will be certified in Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II once completing the program.
His students are learning the complexity of music and how it’s built track by track.
“A student told me that they listen to music differently,” he said.
10 students are currently enrolled in Stovall’s “Music Technology and Production” class. (Picture by Lily Shea Photography)
Some of the students have been producing music before even stepping into the classroom, so Stovall learns from his students just how they learn from him.
“There are so many talented students that are good at music but don’t get a chance to show their skills,” he said.
Stovall is excited to see this class offered district wide. According to Stovall, there are only five teachers – including himself – that are certified to teach the class. There’s also a lack of funding to add the curriculum to other schools. MPS is accepting used music equipment for students.
By year three, Stovall is expecting the program to expand. He is also looking to collaborate with other teachers and programs across the city.
“Creating a community would be really cool,” Stovall said.
He records his classes to ensure students from across the district can have access to the content too.
Lee Stovall. (Picture by Lily Shea Photography)
Stovall doesn’t just teach music, but he surrounds himself with it every day. While in high school, he learned how to create software computer sounds. By this time, he already learned how to play the piano. Moving forward to college, Stovall joined an a cappella group and recorded an album. After college, he shadowed someone to learn more about recording. Since then, he’s joined a new a cappella group.
All of those musical experiences help Stovall teach his students, which in turn will have a positive impact on Milwaukee’s music culture overall, he said.
Email Stovall at stovalld@milwaukee.k12.wi.us for more information on Rufus King’s music production class..
Stovall’s classes are also available virtually. (Picture by Lily Shea Photography)