“Technology is everywhere – kids will have their iPods in their pockets anyway. Let’s get them using them in a positive way.” – @funmusicco

The topic of the #MusEdChat held on May 3rd, 2010 focused on reasons to incorporate Music Technology into music curriculum.

Music Tech: What is it and why should we use it?

We began by discussing what the term music technology means. Many good examples were given. Here are a couple of them:

“To me anything tech that can be used to consume or create music can be included” – @justine_robin

“Music Tech is any tool that enhances how we learn & process the music. More integral today.” – @rizzrazz

After the term was defined the chat participants began giving reasons why to include technology into the music classroom. The reasons spanned a couple of planes. Some believed that music technology should be incorporated to reach the students who are not enrolled in band, orchestra or chorus. As @MusicEdTech pointed out, “80% of students in a school DO NOT take Band Orch or Chorus.” Some other chat participants felt that technology should be incorporated into music curriculum because of the increasing influence of technology on everyday life. Because of this, students need to know how to use and apply it to whatever they are doing, including music. @katiesw1 pointed out that technology ,” helps to address different learning styles. You can present the same information in different ways.”

Integrating Technology

#MusEdChat participants shared great ways to both incorporate technology in the general music class, and develop a music technology class. Many educators warned not to try to make over your entire department all at once with technology. Instead, start with one piece of software, and expand from that. Multiple participants also cautioned against teaching technology for the sake of technology. Music educators should teach music using technology as an extremely important tool.

Ideas for setting up technology in the music classroom varied. @MusicEdTech suggested reformatting general music using MIDI keyboards and notation software, and teaching through composition. Many educators cited the convenience of YouTube as well. It can help to explain multiple aspects of the lesson including historical context and videos related to what they are learning. Most participants felt that recording was an important aspect as well. Educators suggested recording performances and rehearsals and having students assess themselves. Some even suggested using the recorded rehearsals and performances to show administrators the progress your students are making.

Be sure to join a fantastic group of music educators in the next #MusEdChat this Monday, June 7th at 8:00 PM EST!