Welcome to the Intro to Your Voice is Power!

This lesson will provide a walkthrough of EarSketch, as well as an overview of the Your Voice is Power program and competition.

Your Voice is Power Modules

A comprehensive toolkit, with curricular alignment!

Ready to dive into the Your Voice is Power course? Through the 8 modules, students will learn the EarSketch skills needed to create a song to submit to the competition. While integrating lessons focusing on music history, social justice and advocacy!
Click Here to Visit the Modules Overview

Learning EarSketch

The power to create music through coding!

EarSketch is a free educational coding environment. Its purpose is to teach coding through music composition and editing. It's free and web-based, meaning no purchase is necessary, and all that's needed is a computing device to get started!
EarSketch Video Walkthroughs
A screen grab of the EarSketch coding platform.

EarSketch Features

EarSketch has a lot to offer, here are some highlights:

  • Great Intro to Python or JavaScript

    EarSketch is a great introduction to advanced coding languages. It also has the option to toggle back and forth between block-based coding, so you can refer to both as you learn.

  • Thousands of Sounds to Choose From

    The included Sounds library features 4577 sound clips, licensed for your use! There are a variety of genres, instruments, and even featured artists.

  • Add Your Own Sounds

    If you make an account, you have the ability to record and upload your own sounds. Meaning you can add your own vocals and instrumentals to personalize your work!

FAQ About EarSketch

  • Is EarSketch free to use?

    Yes, EarSketch is completely free!

  • What kind of device do I need to use EarSketch?

    EarSketch is browser-based, meaning it will work on any type of computer that has internet access. Unfortunately, EarSketch is not currently available for mobile devices.

  • Do users have to create an account?

    Nope! If you're concerned about privacy/security, you are able to use EarSketch without an account. However, all you need to make an account is a username and password - no email or personal info! There are many benefits to creating an account, such as being able to favourite your preferred sound clips, and adding your own sounds.

  • Can you save your work without an account?

    Yes! The code editor uses plain text, meaning all you need to do to save or share your work, is copy the text and paste it elsewhere. We demonstrate how to do this in our Extra Resources page.

  • I'm not confident with Python or Javascript - is there a block-based coding option?

    Yes! Although it's not visible as one of the available coding methods, there is a setting to toggle to block-based coding. We showcase this in the "Learning the Basics" video on our Extra Resources page.

  • Are the sound samples in EarSketch licensed for use?

    All sound samples in the Sounds library are licensed and available for use in your music. Though, be mindful that this does not apply to samples uploaded by the user; it's always important to check the copyright for a Creative Commons license.

Additional FAQ

For more FAQs about accounts and EarSketch, click here!

Win Prizes

  • First Place

    Two students will win $5,000 to go towards college or to start a business.

  • Runners Up

    Runners up will win $200 Amazon gift cards and $25 for honourable mentions!

  • Teachers

    One excellent teacher will receive $1,000 for their remarkable instruction.

How to Participate in the Your Voice is Power Competition:

  • Learn EarSketch

    Learn how to create in EarSketch by either completing the Your Voice is Power Modules (includes lesson plans, extensions activities), or by following along with our EarSketch Video Walkthroughs (condensed, directly to learning the platform). Links to both can be found in the above sections.

  • Review Entry Requirements and Create

    Visit the Your Voice is Power Entry Requirements page and review the judging criteria. Challenge yourself to meet as many of the necessary requirements as possible in your EarSketch project. Submissions are still considered even if they don't meet all criteria, so just give it your best!

  • Submit Your Project

    Submit your entry through the Your Voice is Power site. You will be guided through a completion form, where you share the entrant's information and project code. There's no limit on submissions, so if you have multiple songs, go for it!

Submit Your Song!

Follow the link below to be taken to the submission form:

Submit Here