Technology and Performance

In this week’s assignments, we had the opportunity to think about and discuss music performance and technology. Technology has the ability to help students prepare themselves for performances, and enhance the performance experience in itself. Practicing takes on a whole new meaning when paired with technology. Many students do not have the ability to practice with accompaniment, but with the use of technology like SmartMusic, students can gain that experience in a practice setting. This can help students get a better understanding of the solo piece and offer a greater development of musical skills such as tonality. But above all, using programs like this can make practicing fun and exciting.

Technology also opens a door to musical performances that use more of what students have available. Starting an ensemble that uses technology such as iPads or cells phones can open the door for students who have not learned an instrument and cannot join at the level of the group. “However, with computers and related digital technologies, perhaps such students can be provided with educational experiences that include musical performance” (Bauer, 2014, p. 90). I know of many students who would love to spark their creativity and performance skills by using non-traditional instruments.

A great program that was introduced to me this week is Audacity. This program made mixing of music easy for any user to try. Using a program like this can help students by making clips of certain music, or editing pre-recorded accompaniment. A specific idea came to mind when working with Audacity. If I were performing a specific piece with my choir but I wanted to extend or alter the ending, I could take a prerecorded piano part and mix it in audacity for students to practice to at home. Simple fixes like this make this free program a teacher’s aid.

Using technology for performance can be an easy thing to do if we as teachers keep on top of the technology used every day. Years from now, SmartMusic and Audacity may be programs of the past, but that just means better programs are on the horizon.

Resource:

Bauer, W. I. (2014). Music learning today. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

www.audacityteam.org/