OXFORD – Technology and music have gone hand-in-hand since the advent of the first musical instrument, but instituting an educational component to the mix while engaging high school student with sustainable and practical real-world skills isn't as easy as “Do-Re-Mi.”

Enter “Music Technology,” a course that is still relatively new in most public high schools that is proving to be a viable asset to juniors and seniors at Oxford Academy. With the academic year on the wane, students enrolled into the new venture course – developed by music instructor and teacher Corey Riley– are busy making final touches to their final project – the creation, production and distribution of an all-original music CD conceived entirely by students.

“From a teaching perspective, it was less about the product that they were making and more about the real world experience that the students are able to take away from this course and apply,” said Riley. “The students are not only creating something that they can be proud of and hold in their hands, but also gain collaborative teamwork experience, resume writing skills, and of course a taste of deadline pressure.”

The class is set to release the album of original compositions at the Oxford’s annual art show to be held at local music venue 6 on the Square, located at 6 Lafayette Park in downtown Oxford.