Paradise Valley Unified District in Arizona offers an arts academy, North Valley Arts Academies (NVAA), where K-12 students at Desert Cove Elementary School, Shea Middle School and Shadow Mountain High School can take courses in dance, theater, visual art and music technology. Nicholas Popovich designed NVAA’s music tech program, which is built on a foundation of exploring sound creation and production. He maximized the available tools that provide deep engagement with all aspects of making music using technology, innovative use of hardware, software, equipment and instruments. “This holistic, project-based learning environment allows students to use Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) to compose, edit and produce original music while learning to think creatively,” Popovich explains. “Students collaborate and pool individual strengths and resources, which enhance the learning process through peer-to-peer interaction,” Popovich explains.
The program incorporate the latest hardware and software, which ensures that student experiences meet industry standards. Popovich also broadens learning through innovative interdisciplinary projects where music tech students work alongside their art, dance and theater counterparts. Academy students also visit cultural institutions and meet guest artists from the fine arts community.
“Music Technology graduates are well-prepared for various pathways,” Popovich explains. “Many pursue careers in the industry upon graduation. Moreover, students gain the skills necessary to continue making music as a lifelong endeavor, offering a constant creative outlet for self-expression.”
Through a partnership with the Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Music Industries program, Popovich’s students can earn college credits through dual enrollment courses. PVCC faculty provide presentations, workshops and master classes on advanced topics, and students collaborate on live performances and multimedia productions, which gives them a glimpse into the college experience.
Beyond PVCC, the community has been remarkably supportive of Shadow Mountain’s music tech program. “Partnerships thrive with local organizations, providing students with invaluable real-world experiences,” Popovich explains. “These partnerships enrich the program and offer valuable networking opportunities.”
Grants from organizations like Intel, Arizona Educational Foundation, Give A Note and the Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Awards ensure that students have access to the latest technology and trends. “The focus on developing not only technical skills, but also critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and creativity prepares my students for any pathway they choose. Plus, we ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all students, regardless of their background or prior music experience,” Popovich proudly says.
