During the lessons for this past week, I have done a lot of
reflection on the use of technology with composition and how it can appeal to
all students, not just the ones involved in the traditional music programs. In
fact, our discussion post for this week really made us look at how
non-traditional music classes can bring in interest with those 80% of students.
“A growing number of teachers have found that students who compromise this
other 80% are attracted to school music classes that involve a non-notational
approach to musical creativity through composition, often facilitated through
technology” (Bauer, 2014, p. 60). I have
always felt that students in the secondary levels have chosen not to be
involved in a music program due to the lack of musical knowledge, such as
reading music. However, if students are able to be in an environment where they
can be creative without being intimidated by notation.
We had the chance to experiment with a program that worked
mainly with looping. Soundtrap is a great free program that use loops but also
allows you to add your own added creativity by recording with MIDI or other
Digital Audio. However, composing with loops is not as easy as it seems. I
found that it could be easy for the compositions to become repetitive if not
done correctly. Specific guidelines would need to be set for students in order
for them to understand how to write with loops. A great way to do this would be
to specify a form they would follow. If they wrote for ABA form, they would
need to figure out a loop pattern for each section and come up with a way to
tie it all in.
Here is an example of my composition using Soundtrap:
I believe that students are attracted to technology and
these non-traditional musical classes can spark interest not only in music, but
also with all that technology has to offer. The fact that we can give students
who have not been participating in a music program the opportunity to compose
is a great reason to include technology in the curriculum. Before it used to be
an expense, but with all these free programs that are easily accessible, it is
easier than ever to start or develop a program such as this. We as teachers
just need to be inspired and encouraged to continue to develop what is already
out there.
Resources
Bauer, W. I. (2014). Music
learning today. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
www.soundtrap.com
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