YuStudio: From initial reluctance to full curriculum integration

Digital music composition can be a daunting prospect for traditionally trained music teachers, but the right tools can unlock extraordinary possibilities.

In this blog, Rachel Salton, Head of Music at Lynn Grove Academy in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, shares her experiences using YuStudio, Charanga’s DAW, in her teaching.

From initial reluctance to full curriculum integration, Rachel explains how accessible, GDPR-compliant software can engage students across all abilities and reshape their career paths.

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Lynn Grove Academy is a secondary school with academy status located between Gorleston-on-Sea and Bradwell in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. The school educates approximately 1,100 students aged 11–18 and was rated “Good” in all areas following its Ofsted inspection in October 2023.

I have served as Head of Music at Lynn Grove Academy since 2018. My own musical background is rooted in classical training, having studied violin and piano at university. Until arriving at Lynn Grove, I had neither composed nor worked with a digital audio workstation (DAW) —in fact, I was unfamiliar with the term altogether. At the time, the school had transitioned from GCSE Music to BTEC Music at Key Stage 4, so the department did not require a DAW and relied instead on notation-based software.

Championing composition

Initially, I was relieved that composition was not compulsory within the BTEC specification, as I did not feel confident teaching it. However, over time, it became increasingly clear that composition should still play a role within our curriculum. Finding an appropriate digital platform proved challenging. Many available tools did not meet GDPR requirements, particularly those hosted outside the UK or those requiring students’ email addresses – something our school does not permit.

For a period, the search felt futile, and I paused my efforts. During this time, I was working closely with the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub (then known as the Norfolk Music Hub), who introduced me to a new Charanga-affiliated program designed specifically for secondary schools and composition: YuStudio. They provided me with a login to trial it.

From the moment I began exploring YuStudio, I have not looked back.

Accessibility and guidance

The early version of the software was intuitive and accessible, supported by excellent instructional content from Max Wheeler, Head of Technology at Charanga. Max’s step-by-step videos on creating EDM enabled even a complete beginner – myself at the time – to produce authentic EDM, Pop, Grime, Rap, and other styles. Students were able to work at their own pace, with more enthusiastic learners moving ahead independently. It opened an entirely new world of creative possibility for both myself and my pupils.

Max’s continued support and responsiveness to teacher and student feedback have been invaluable. YuStudio has developed into exactly what a secondary school needs to inspire and sustain interest in music composition. I often compare Max’s lessons to following a recipe: all students begin with the same ingredients, yet their outcomes are unique.

Building confidence and fluency at GCSE

After initially trialling YuStudio with a small number of classes, I have now fully embedded it into our Key Stage 3 curriculum. Each term, students complete at least one YuStudio project, enabling them to build confidence and fluency with the software. In 2023, I also introduced YuStudio into our BTEC Key Stage 4 curriculum and opted to teach the composition unit – a decision made possible by the platform. Students applied their Key Stage 3 experience to create high-quality compositions.

We have since returned to GCSE Music, and YuStudio now supports our Year 10 and 11 students in producing their two required compositions. Students use onboard sounds as well as live recordings, with many now integrating their own instruments directly into the DAW. They also value being able to access the program from home, and many choose to continue composing independently.

YuStudio has evolved significantly since I first adopted it. Engagement across all ability levels is extremely high, and students are consistently impressed that I know Max personally!

Supporting young creatives

One example of YuStudio’s impact stands out: A particularly talented student – an accomplished basketball player who initially aspired to join a basketball sixth form – chose Music at Key Stage 4 because he enjoyed playing the guitar. Through YuStudio, he discovered a passion for composition, achieving the highest marks in his class. He is now studying Music Technology at sixth form, working confidently with professional DAWs, and is considering university pathways in the field. His entire trajectory changed as a result of his experience with YuStudio and its accessible introduction to music production.

The influence of this program extends from our most able students to those who struggle with school attendance but remain engaged through Charanga and YuStudio projects completed remotely. It has become an essential part of my teaching practice.

I would not be without YuStudio in the music department today. Thank you, Max Wheeler and the Charanga team.