Summer Programs
Courses in Media, Film, and Performance
- Make a Movie: Story, Camera, and Collaboration
- The Beats Lab: From Loops to Tracks
- Pop/Rock Band
Make a Movie: Story, Camera, and Collaboration
This hands-on summer course introduces students to filmmaking by guiding them through the complete process of creating a short film. Students learn how stories are told visually by exploring scriptwriting, storyboarding, camera work, sound, editing, and directing. Working collaboratively in small production teams, students plan, shoot, and edit an original short film while learning how creative choices affect mood, meaning, and audience experience. Along the way, students analyze scenes from film and media to understand visual storytelling techniques, practice giving and receiving feedback, and revise their work through iteration. By the end of the course, students complete a finished short film and gain practical skills in storytelling, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
The Beats Lab: From Loops to Tracks
This hands-on music production course shows students how to make original music using GarageBand, from beatmaking and sampling to recording, layering, arranging, and mixing. Students learn how producers shape mood and meaning through rhythm, harmony, texture, and sound design, while building track ideas through short weekly challenges (e.g., “make a beat that tells a story,” “flip a sample into a new genre,” “score a short scene”). Beginners get step-by-step guidance; more experienced students can push into advanced layering, effects, and arrangement. By the end, students will complete a small portfolio of finished tracks and participate in a celebratory listening party/showcase where they present their work, influences, and creative choices.
Pop/Rock Band
Want to start a band?! This class is for anyone who has some experience on an instrument but wants more practice playing with others and diving deeper into music listening and technique. Students will choose songs to perform and rehearse in Geffen Academy's state-of-the-art music facilities, while learning how to communicate and collaborate with their friends. All genres and instruments are welcome!
© 2018 Geffen Academy at UCLA. All Rights Reserved.