Teaching the history and compositional techniques of electronic music can be challenging because there are few practical resources available for developing course curriculums, and current music styles are constantly changing. Here we explain the benefits of a few assignments that help students connect the analysis of classic Electronic Dance Music (EDM) songs with creating their own compositions that “nail the style.” Creating timeline analyses of classic EDM songs form a visual representation of how the elements of an arrangement develop. Students later use these timeline analyses as visual blueprints for EDM song arrangements that they compose. Critical listening plays a vital role in creating these detailed timeline analyses that encourage self-discovery of each element’s musical characteristics. This work positively influences the composer’s ability to “nail the style.” Pedagogical experiences based on self-discovery offer greater permanence through structured learning.
