By Dr. James
Frankel
Over the past
year, I have received many email messages asking how to get started with
technology in the music classroom.
While there are a few good resources available to answer many of the
questions posed, it is often easier to talk to someone who actually uses
technology in the music classroom.
Quite often, there is also a lack of suggestions for specific software
titles and specific companies that specialize in technology for music
educators.
This
article is an attempt to answer many of those questions and to make specific
suggestions for relevant software and companies that specialize in educational
music technology.
Where
should I begin?
The
first thing that you must ask yourself is what you expect to accomplish using
technology? Technology must be
thought of as a tool
for enhancing education. You should look for
opportunities to utilize technology that exist within the music curriculum you
are currently teaching. There are
applications for technology in virtually all aspects of music education, in all
grade levels. If you have the freedom to completely revamp the curriculum to
accommodate technology, there are some wonderful curricula that currently
exist.
What
equipment do I need to get started?
The most basic of all set-ups is a
computer and some software. The
computer should have at least 32MB of RAM, 500MB of ROM, a CD-ROM drive, internet access, a
built-in microphone and some type of sound card. Ideally, there should be some type of projection device to
get the image on a larger screen so that the students do not need to crowd
around the computer. Software
titles should include a word processor, internet browser and specific music
software titles relevant to your curriculum.
The
next step in building a basic music technology lab is to add a
MIDI
synthesizer, an amplifier and an interface device. Many synthesizers currently on the market are now equipped
to interface directly with Macintosh computers without the use of a separate
interface device. Many PCıs also
come equipped with a MIDI interface device. Teaching composition using synthesizers and
notation software allows the students to instantly hear their compositions
played back in any orchestration they choose. Synthesizers also enhance many music theory software titles
by allowing the students to enter information using the keyboard.
How
much money have you spent so far?
These
figures are approximations.
Computer
(PC or Mac) with
specifications listed- $1,100
Synthesizer (any of the major brands)-
$800-$1,000
Amplifier
(at least 40
watts)-
$200.00
Music
Software Titles-
Theory- There are many theory titles
currently available. Here are a
few:
Practica
Musica - $100
Harmonic
Hearing- $30
Inner
Hearing- $30
History-
This is a
sampling of the many Music History
CD-ROM titles available.
Bach &
Before- $25
Beethoven
& Beyond- $25
Discovering
Music- $95
Notation-
There are many
different levels of difficulty when dealing with notation software. Here are three titles from basic to
advanced.
Basic- MusicShop- $75
Mid-Range-Finale Allegro
$150
Advanced- Sibelius- $300
Younger
Students- There
are many software titles perfect for students as young as Kindergarten.
Grades K-3
Thinking
Things- $35
Menlo the
Frog- $75
Childrens
Songbook- $30
Grades 3-5
Making
Music- $40
The
Musical World of Professor Piccolo- $40
Julliard
Music Adventure-
$50
A word to
the wise...
Make sure
you check each software titles compatibility with Mac and PC. Some of the titles listed are only for
PC, others are only for Mac.
Projection
Device-
Most
projection devices are extremely expensive ($2,000-$4,000). There are however, inexpensive devices
which allow the user to connect the computer to a television set. These devices cost between $100 and
$200. Focus Enhancements makes these devices.
Total
Cost: $2,500-$3,000
(This
figure includes the necessary hardware and four software titles, one from each
category.)
Where
do I go from here?
Now that you have a one-computer music
classroom, the important thing to do is to make sure that it is used. Technology is a big investment. If it is not going to be used, your
money is better spent on other pieces of equipment. The other important thing to do is publicize what you are
doing with technology to the teachers, parents and administration. There are so many exciting things that
can be done with technology, it is easy to impress anyone who sees and hears
what you are doing.
Once
you have gained the support of both parents and teachers and the enthusiasm of
your students, it is time to expand!
In an ideal world, there would be a workstation for each student in your
class. More realistically, one
station for two or three students works.
I have used four students at one workstation and quite simply, it
doesnıt work. This type of music
technology lab is a large investment.
To give you an idea, here are some estimates:
16
Workstations
(includes computer/synthesizer/ software/networking capability)- $45,000-$55,000
16
Workstations (same as
above without computers)
$25,000-$30,000
8
Workstations (includes
computer/synthesizer/ software/networking capability)- $20,000-$25,000
8
Workstations (same as
above without computers)
$10,000-$15,000
How can
I afford this?
Donıt let these numbers overwhelm
you. You donıt have to buy all of
the equipment at once. You can
slowly build your lab over the years.
The only drawback with building slowly is that buy the time you have the
size lab you want, most of the equipment will be obsolete. There are many ways to fund your
investment in technology. Grants
are certainly one avenue to pursue, as well as funding from school
organizations such as the PTA or Foundation. Another way is to raise the funds yourself through the many
fund- raising opportunities available today.
Where
do I go to find out more?
There
are many companies that specialize in educational music technology. Your local music store is a great
source for trying out different equipment, but is not always the best source
for the educational applications of the equipment. I would highly recommend using one of the following
companies when considering starting a music technology lab:
SoundTree-
1 (800)
963-8733 www.soundtree.com
This company,
a division of Korg, is a great resource for technology-minded music
educators. They publish a Resource
Guide quarterly, filled with articles, product reviews and testimonials from
educators around the country who are currently using technology in their
classrooms. They will answer any
questions that you may have, and can provide you with schools that you can
visit in your area, to see first hand what technology can do.
Lentineıs
Music Inc.-
1 (800)
822-6752
www.lentine.com
This company,
although not affiliated with any one brand, is very similar to SoundTree. They too offer wonderful resources for
setting up and maintaining a music technology lab. Their music education division is geared specifically for
teachers who are just starting with technology, as well as the seasoned
veterans.
Yamaha-
1 (800)
253-8490 ext. 4940
www.yamaha.com
The Yamaha
Music In Education System (MIE) is an extremely well thought out system of
music instruction. Far more rigid
than other systems, it is well worth investigating. It involves synthesizers, a networking system,
software and an in-depth curriculum. It is less expensive than other systems ($10,000
for a 16 station lab (no computers)).
They also have attractive leasing plans available.
There
are many other sources of information regarding music technology. One of the most comprehensive sources
is the Technology Institute for Music Educators or TI:ME. This organization provides information
on the latest developments in music technology, professional development
courses to become familiar with technology, a strategies guide with
ready-to-use lesson plans, and links to other resources and organizations whose
focus is music technology. Their website
address is:
www.ti-me.org.
Hopefully the information presented here will give you an idea about how to get started with technology in your music classroom. It is a big investment, and one you should carefully consider before making. Technology provides both teachers and students some wonderful learning opportunities. I suggest finding a music teacher in your area and using them as a resource. Observe their classes, ask them questions. Most technology-minded music educators love to answer questions about technology.