🎧 Free DAWs for the Music Classroom
Empowering Students Without Breaking the Budget
One of the most common questions we get at Musical Wonders is this:
“What’s the best DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for my students if we don’t have a big budget?”
The good news? There are powerful, capable, and completely free DAWs out there that can unlock the world of music production for your students—whether you’re working with Chromebooks, Macs, PCs, or even Linux machines.
Below is a curated list of free DAWs we love, each with unique strengths and classroom applications. Some are great for audio editing, others for beat-making or multitrack recording. Together, they open doors for student creativity—no license required.
🖥️ 1.
Audacity
(Mac / PC / Linux)
Best for: Audio editing, podcasting, sound design basics
Why we love it:
Audacity is a classic open-source audio editor. It’s simple, reliable, and great for basic multitrack recording and editing. Students can record voiceovers, layer loops, or clean up audio. It doesn’t support MIDI, but it’s perfect for voice-based projects and remix work. Its simplicity is a strength and the reason it has been around in classrooms for decades.
🎹 2.
LMMS
(Mac / PC / Linux)
Best for: Beat making, MIDI composition, electronic music
Why we love it:
LMMS is ideal for MIDI-based production. It comes with built-in instruments, a step sequencer, and is great for creating loops and electronic tracks. While it doesn’t support audio recording, it’s fantastic for digital composition and creative experimentation.
🎙️ 3.
Ardour
(Mac / PC / Linux)
Best for: Full multitrack audio + MIDI recording projects
Why we love it:
Ardour is a full-featured DAW comparable to Pro Tools or Logic. It supports audio and MIDI recording, automation, plugins, and more. It’s great for advanced students recording full bands, layering vocals, or composing film scores.
🌐 4.
GridSound
(Web-based)
Best for: Loop-based music creation, collaborative projects
Why we love it:
GridSound is browser-based—no installs required. Its visual loop interface is great for layering beats and melodies. Students can experiment with form, rhythm, and remixing. A great tool for quick wins and collaborative creativity.
🌍 5.
BandLab
(Web-based + Mobile)
Best for: Modern pop production, collaboration, cross-device access
Why we love it:
BandLab is an all-in-one DAW that works in a browser and syncs across devices. It includes loops, virtual instruments, audio recording, and effects in a student-friendly interface. Great for group projects and remote collaboration. Requires account creation to save work.
📦 Bonus Picks
Not every amazing DAW is available on every platform. Here are two free, platform-specific tools that are perfect for the right classroom setup.
Cakewalk by BandLab
(Windows only)🪟
Best for: High school students on Windows who want a full DAW experience
Why we love it:
Cakewalk is a powerful DAW with MIDI, audio, automation, and mixing tools. Great for students interested in serious production. More complex than browser tools, but an amazing option for upper-level students. While this application is getting no new features, it still offers and amazing amount for function for the free price tag.
GarageBand
(Mac / iOS only)🍎
Best for: Loop-based songwriting, podcasting, and multitrack recording
Why we love it:
GarageBand is intuitive and fun, with loops, instruments, and recording tools built in. Available on Macs and iPads, it’s a favorite for beginner producers and creative classrooms alike. Works beautifully in 1:1 iPad programs or Mac labs.
🛠️ Classroom Tips
Start with goals, not tools. Match the DAW to the kind of projects you want students to create. Different tools excel at different tasks, but the lessons learned from any DAW will transfer.
Let students choose. The best DAW is the one a student feels excited to use—and can find tutorials for! Additionally, if a student has access to a DAW at home, they can work on projects when inspiration strikes.
Focus on projects. These DAWs are perfect for remix challenges, jingle writing, podcasting, sound collages, and more. Our songwriting lesson plans also pair well with music production classes.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need expensive software to teach music production. What you do need is a welcoming environment, creative prompts, and time for your students to explore and share.
These free tools are more than enough to help students make music that matters—and to foster lifelong musicianship.
Which DAWs are you using in your classroom?
Have another free favorite we should know about? Let us know in the comments! 🎶
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