Using Technology to Enhance Music instruction 1

What we will cover We will explore the ideas, tools and methods that I have found effective in my years of teaching music from K-12, and the teacher's college. My aim is to equip you with tools that can help you in your teaching and learning process. 2

What is Music? Music is the arrangement of sounds in time What makes music pleasant is the harmony in the arrangement – progression – patterns 3

Why music instruction? (Highlights of the advantages of Music instruction.) 4

because music is a clean slate it can carry any message you desire – You can relate music to any subject that you teach. It can inspire feelings It is used by people to express their feelings Creativity is key – the sky is the limit 5

because music is an excellent aid to memorization example the Alphabet song. rhymes... 6

because everybody loves music (though different styles) it makes any subject pleasant 7

Music instruction involves more than teaching notes and rhythms and involves the development of the whole person. It touches on the development of the affective domain, including music appreciation and sensitivity. It helps to develop fine motor skills in students who play instruments. It expands cognitive development through the recognition and interpretation of musical notation. 8 Because Music Education is valuable

Because Music Education is valuable (2) The incorporation of music training from preschool to postsecondary education is common in most nations because involvement in music is considered a fundamental component of human culture and behavior. Each culture possesses its own musical language that reflects its own traditions, concerns, and activities. 9

What you need to know in order to be an effective music instructor 10

Technology is not only the tools but also the methods that you use. To choose the right ones, a knowledge of some music fundamentals is needed. 11

List of needed knowledge/skills 1. how the human brain perceives music (how we learn music) 2. an understanding of elements of music – rhythm – melody – harmony – timbre – texture – form 3. how to build listening skills – ear training – sight reading – performing 12

Technologies used in music instruction 13

What is Technology? Technology is the science of the application of knowledge to practical purposes. It is the sum of tools and methods used to do something. – the specific methods and materials used to solve problems. 14

legacy technologies pen and paper black board piano role playing 15

modern technologies keyboard and synthesizers CDs/CD player mp3, the new CD windows media itunes using the help of visual presentations – Youtube – teachertube – godtube... 16

computer technologies There are so many things possible with computers that we will devote a separate section to that (modern day tools available to enhance music instruction) 17

Computer technologies available to enhance music instruction 18

Programs: music theory – Music Ace ( – ear training – Auralia music composition – Sibelius ( music production – Audacity ( – Garageband 19

Programs: (2) presentation – Microsoft Power Point other – Musition – MixCraft – Groovy Music – Sing, Spell, read & Write 20

web sites Free Stuff Online 21

Online Resources key notes of this presentation are available on from 09/05/09 to 09/12/09http://musicmusic.wikispaces.com/PAC from 09/05/09 a list of web sites of interest is located on the resources page google is your friend SmartBoard-Ready Interactive Websites: – (Browse these to find the ones appropriate for your kids!) – – – – – – – – – – pbskids.org – – –

online resources (2) PowerPoint specific – You can find *FREE* clip art from the internet from sites like classroomclipart.com. – Microsoft also has free clip art you can access directly through PowerPoint. – has lots of PowerPoint shows that you can download for free! All you have to do is insert the music from your own CD or file. 23

Other Helpful Hints: Visit your local library to test out song choices. To make sure you don’t violate copyright laws, you should have the library CD with you when you use the song in your classroom. You don’t have to use special computer speakers. As long as the jack fits your computer, you can use regular stereo speakers. Radio Shack and other electronics stores carry the adaptors you need. 24

Other Helpful Hints: (2) You can buy ear phones for $1.00 at most Dollar Tree stores. 25