Five Forks Middle School

Highest Level of Learning for All Students in All Classes

Course Information

Music Technology is a semester-long Connections class offered for 7th & 8th-grade students. Music Technology students have the opportunity to learn and explore Macintosh computer basics, keyboard skills, music composition, and basic MIDI sequencing. Students create original multi-track sequences and original musical compositions using industry-standard software programs such as Logic Pro and Finale.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Michael_J_Payen@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

Mr. Michael Payen of Derby, England, has been avidly involved in music from an early age. Mr. Payen joined the Derby Cathedral Choir (UK) and rose up through the ranks to Head Boy and eventually joined the adult section. This gave him an early exposure to music which helped him begin his music career. Since then, he has earned his Bachelors's degree in music at Keele University (UK), being involved in numerous choirs. In 2013, Mr. Payen moved to Statesboro, GA and completed his Master's degree in Music Technology at Georgia Southern University.

As his teaching style will prove, Mr. Payen has a strong interest in music composition. His works have been presented at national conferences such as the National Student Electronic Music Event (2014 & 2015), The Roots Signals Electronic Music Festival (2014 & 2015) and the North American Saxophone Alliance (2015). He has also presented at the International Computer Music Conference (2015) and composed a winning entry in the Laurea Mundi International Choir Competition (2016).

Having recently moved to the area, Mr. Payen is overjoyed to have the opportunity to work at Five Forks Middle School and enjoy the prospect of working with his students.