Cherokee High School (Marlton NJ)
Instructor: Earl Phillips
School Name: Cherokee High School
School Profile: Public High School in Marlton, NJ, Grades 9-12. Approximately 2100 students
Class Title(s): Intro to Music Technology & Advanced Music Technology
Structure of Your NTM Class(es): The program offers two sequential levels: Intro to Music Technology and Advanced Music Technology. Classes follow a 4-day rotating schedule, with students meeting three out of every four days. Class sizes typically range from 25 to 30 students. The courses are project-based, allowing students to build skills progressively as they move from foundational concepts in Intro to more advanced production and design techniques in Advanced.
Describe Class Activities: Class activities follow a project-based learning model. Usually, one day of the week is designated for direct instruction and teacher modeling, while two days are set aside for guided, hands-on, independent work time. The two days of independent work time allow the instructor to provide individualized support as needed. Major projects include a synthesis and sound design project where students create all sound effects for a silent video game clip, designing sounds for character movement, actions, and environmental effects. Another major project focuses on audio mixing, where students begin with raw audio stems and produce a fully mixed and mastered final track. Additional smaller projects help reinforce production, editing, and creative design skills.
Software Used: Logic Pro and MuseScore
Hardware Used: School computers with music production software installed, headphones, and basic audio equipment. All resources/hardware are provided in class so students can complete projects without needing equipment at home.
History: The Music Technology program at Cherokee H.S. has been in place for at least 20 years, implemented before Mr. Phillips began teaching there. It has been a long-standing part of the music department.
Key Success Stories to Share: Around 80% of students in music technology are not involved in traditional ensembles like band, choir, or orchestra. The class gives those students a place to be creative and still be involved in music.
Advice to Others Starting NTM Project: Start as affordably as possible. Free or low-cost tools can go a long way, and most districts are hesitant to spend significant amounts of money upfront. The best way to grow the program is for students to spread the word. If students enjoy the class, enrollment will grow naturally. Social media can help too, but it takes time and consistency. Mr. Phillips comments: “Make sure to implement a curriculum that is a good fit for your students and resources you have at your disposal. Additionally, I’ve found that it really helps to stay tapped in and responsive to students musical interests as much as you’re able to.”
Additional Comments?: If the groove is fun, they'll come!
Key Metrics/Data % of Students in Music Tech Classes: 80% of students in music tech classes are not part of traditional performing ensembles.
Date Submitted: February 2026 by Kevin Gehringer (2026 MTLA Intern) from an interview with Earl Phillips