Technology in the Music Classroom

Urban high school digital music recording classroom.

Technology in the classroom has been around for a long time.  Once upon a time, a television set was considered technology.  Then, VHS tapes and players came along.  Technology has come a long way.  It now includes computers, overhead projectors, the Internet, DAW, and numerous apps and devices.

Elementary music classroom in need of updating.

The prime considerations is purpose.  Will the technology be self-contained or is there a desire to interface with other content areas?  Is future collaboration an objective to address down the road?  Most music classrooms use technology in a self-contained way, but is is interesting to think of ways to collaborate across the disciplines.  Language Arts classes where students use laptops to access Google Docs is a great place for a music-ELA partnership.

Technology need not be big to be useful.
Microphone/recorder found on high school band director's desk.

At the very least, all music classrooms should have at the very least, one computer where the teacher has access to the Internet.  A projector and screen is an ideal addition to that setup.  There are many options when it comes to speakers.  A good system that can play CDs and tapes is great. I know one teacher who uses small speakers on a low volume with her computer set-up so that students have to be quiet to listen.

K-8 music classroom. Computer with internet access, projector, and screen.

For example, NAfME music education standards for eighth grade state: " MU:Cr1.1.8a: Generate rhythmic, melodic and harmonic phrases and harmonic accompaniments within expanded forms (including introductions, transitions, and codas) that convey expressive intent."

High school music lab.  Carbon49 MIDI conotrollers and iPads/w Garageband.

Can technology be incorporated to attain those standards?  The answer, of course is an emphatic, "Yes!" Can these standards be reached without technology?  Again, the answer is yes.  However, technology in the music classroom is very attainable.  As technology improves, size and cost decrease.  In order to avoid acquiring technology for its own sake, the purpose must be  considered. Can the objectives be reached with a single computer workstation, or are several laptops or ipads needed?  Will you need a recording tech for an advanced high school course in DAW?  Perhaps there is a knowledgeable student who can fit the bill, thereby relieving the teacher of having to learn everything. I have found many useful articles on the Internet that suggest ways to incorporate technology in the music classroom.  Here are a few:

• Four Ways Technology can Make your Music Lessons Sing
• How Technology is Being Used in Music Classrooms
• Technology in the Music Classroom

AsI have subbed in various music classroom environments, I have documented the technology (or lack thereof!).  I have included of those photographs illustrating music classroom technology both big and small.