Canva Music Video Worksheet

Start here

Open the school template, make your own copy, upload an MP3, then build scenes → elements → text → animation → transitions.

1) Open Canva template 2) Open MP3 folder

Non‑negotiables:

Make your own copy (Use template / Customise this template) so nobody edits the original.
Rename your design straight away: Surname‑Form‑MusicVideo.
Music first → then scenes → then elements → then text.

Supply‑teacher notes (30‑second script):

“Follow the step cards. Don’t jump ahead.”
Checkpoints: audio on timeline → 4–6 scenes timed → elements added → then text.
If they’re stuck: make sure they are on the right step and can see the timeline at the bottom.

Example finished video Watch once, then start Step 1.

▶ Watch on YouTube (Example finished video)

Opens in a new tab. Use this if video embeds are blocked in school.

Step 1 of 9 Look at the goal

Look at the goal 👀

You are making a short music video with scenes, text, animations, and transitions.

What to notice

How often does the scene change?
When does the text appear (on the beat / before / after)?
Are transitions subtle or distracting?

I understand what the finished video should look like.

Supply‑teacher notes: Keep this short. Don’t teach features yet.

Canva template preview — Optional screenshot.

Open the template and rename your design 🎬

You must start an editable copy and rename it.

Exact clicks

Open the school template (button at the top of this page).
Click Use template or Customise this template.
Top‑left: click the design name and rename to: Surname‑Form‑MusicVideo.
Check you can see the timeline at the bottom.

If you can’t see the timeline: scroll down a little. If your browser zoom is odd, press Ctrl + 0.

I started my own copy and renamed it.

Supply‑teacher notes: Do not let students continue until they have renamed.

Upload your MP3 and add it to the timeline 🎵

Music controls the pace. Do this before you add text.

Exact clicks

Left menu: click Uploads.
Click Upload files → choose an MP3 from the class folder.
Drag the uploaded audio onto the timeline at the bottom.
Press Play to check you can hear it.

How to trim audio (choose one):

Split + delete: click the audio track, click where you want to cut, press S, click the section you don’t want and press Delete.
Drag the end: hover over the end of the audio track and drag it in.

Stop: Do not add text yet. Music first.

My MP3 is on the timeline and plays.

Supply‑teacher notes: If no sound: check device volume and that the audio is on the timeline (not just uploaded).

Create 4–6 scenes and set timings ⏱️

Build the structure before you decorate.

Exact clicks

Add pages until you have 4–6 pages (scenes).
To add a page: click + (add page) or right‑click a page → Duplicate.
Set each page duration: click a page in the timeline and adjust the duration.
Press Play and check your scene changes match the beat.

Timing tip: Short scenes = high energy. Long scenes = calmer.

I have 4–6 pages and the timings match the music.

Supply‑teacher notes: If students try to add text now, stop them. Timing first.

Add elements (videos & graphics) 🎬🧩

Use Elements to add videos, graphics and overlays before you add text.

Exact clicks

Left menu: click Elements.
Use the search bar to find Videos (background clips) or Graphics (icons/shapes/overlays).
Drag an item onto the canvas and resize it.
If you add a video clip, make sure it fits the scene length (trim if needed).

Videos: Great for backgrounds and atmosphere. Keep them subtle so your text will still be readable.

Graphics: Use lines, icons, stickers or overlays to add style. Graphics can also be animated.

Animating graphics (optional): click a graphic → top toolbar Animate → choose a subtle animation (fade, rise, pan).

Limit: One main element per scene.

I added videos and/or graphics to my scenes. I kept it simple (one main element per scene).

Supply‑teacher notes: If students add lots of random stickers, tell them: “One main element per scene — then move on.”

Add text (no animation yet) ✍️

Write your words first and make them readable. Text goes on top of your elements.

Reminder: Step 5 is where you add videos/graphics. Text sits on top of elements.

Exact clicks

Left menu: click Text.
Click Add a heading (or choose a text style).
Type your words (titles / lyrics / phrases).
Use the top toolbar to set font, size, and colour.
Drag the text to a clear position (avoid covering important visuals).

Rule: If it doesn’t look good without animation, animation won’t fix it.

I have clear, readable text on each scene.

Supply‑teacher notes: Quick check: “Can you read it in 1 second?”

Animate your text ✨

Use 1–2 animation styles only. Consistency looks professional.

Exact clicks

Click your text box (so it’s selected).
Top toolbar: click Animate.
Choose an animation (e.g., Fade / Pop / Typewriter).
If options appear, adjust speed so it matches the music.
Repeat across scenes using the same animation style.

Limit: 1–2 text animations in the whole video.

I used 1–2 text animations only. My text animation is consistent across scenes.

Supply‑teacher notes: If it looks “messy”, tell them to use the same animation everywhere.

Add transitions between scenes 🔄

Transitions help your video flow. Keep them subtle.

Exact clicks

In the timeline, click the small transition icon/space between two pages.
Choose a transition (e.g., Dissolve / Slide).
Preview it. If it’s distracting, choose something simpler.

Rule: If the transition steals attention from the message, it’s too much.

My transitions are smooth and not distracting.

Supply‑teacher notes: “Dissolve” is the safe default.

Final check & export as MP4 ✅

Quality check first — then download an MP4.

Final check

Text readable in 1 second?
Animations consistent (not random)?
Transitions smooth?
Scenes match the beat?

Exact clicks to export

Top right: click Share.
Click Download.
File type: choose MP4 Video.
Click Download again.

I exported my video as an MP4.

Reflection (optional): What part are you most proud of?

Supply‑teacher notes: If MP4 isn’t visible, students are likely in the wrong design type. They must use the provided video template.