Technology has greatly impacted the music industry in recent years. Today’s music is different from how it’s generated, played, and taught.
All these changes are caused by tech innovations which have become assets for many music institutions. Besides transforming music classes, technology also offers students and teachers new opportunities. Let’s check out examples of technology use in music classrooms.
Planning Lessons
Technology presence in music classrooms has made it easier for teachers to plan lessons. For instance, teachers can use Google Sheets to create a whole-year lesson plan to guide them. Google Sheets are easy to use and easily accessible, and links to an entire curriculum can be easily added.
Furthermore, with just a mobile phone, teachers can utilize apps to organize music instead of carrying books around. They can use a tool like the ForScore app to organize and store their music for each grade, making their work easier.
A tool like Notion can also help teachers take notes and create class outlines. Planning lessons has never been made this easy. With these digital planning tools, music classrooms run smoothly, and teachers have an easy time creating lessons.
Fast Communication
Effective communication between tutors and tutees can enhance motivation, create a favorable learning environment, and boost academic performance. Furthermore, communication allows teachers to interact with students in person and virtually, ensuring that they understand the topics being covered.
Additionally, it makes it possible for teachers to help struggling students directly, which improves their understanding of concepts and builds a stronger bond between them and the teacher. Thus, if a student struggles to write assignments and decides to use an essay writing service due to difficulty comprehending concepts, proper communication can help them improve.
Communication is also key for teacher-student-parent relationships. With today’s technology, communication has been made swift. For instance, emails can be used to promptly communicate with parents and teachers regarding their students’ progress.
Apart from emails, there are other ways music classrooms can be utilized for communication. For example, text messaging, video conferencing, and instant messaging. Social media platforms haven’t been left behind. They are also the channels that can be utilized for communication. An example is social platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Grading Students
Grading can be a process and takes a lot of time for music teachers, especially those with many students. Looking at a pile of papers waiting to be graded can overwhelm the teacher. But with technology, music tutors can take it easy and reduce grading time, create grade books, and share with the students within the shortest time.
Canvas Teacher is a tool that can help music tutors grade, communicate with students, and update them on their assignments. Tutors can check what students have turned in as assignments and give them feedback. Apart from Canvas, there are other grading tools that music classrooms can utilize. They include Easy Grade, Grade Calculator, Groovy Grader, and Quick Grader.
Providing Instructions and as Tuners
In music classrooms, following instructions is key to succeeding in the lessons. Music teachers provide instructions that students follow during practice. Technology has made it easier for teachers to give instructions.
For instance, Breathe+ is an app that can be used to help students practice breathing. It guides them on breathing counts and helps in managing anxiety.
Also, music classrooms use the Tonal Energy app for tuning during auditions. The music instructor uses this app to guide students on which tune they should use. It also has recording capabilities and can be used to record music as you perform.
Learning New Songs
With technology, streaming music using apps has been made easy. You can stream music from any artist anywhere in the world. You can also explore new music and upcoming artists. Music classrooms can use streaming apps to access new songs for their lessons. It’s a great and simple way to have a playlist and choose which songs you want to learn.
Technology has made music more accessible. Because students come from diverse regions, a tutor should add music that is compatible with everyone to their playlist. It puts students on the same level and allows them to learn from the same page.
There are different apps for music streaming, with Spotify having the most subscribers. Spotify operates on most devices, so with just a phone, music tutors and students can download music and practice with them. Apart from Spotify, there are other apps music tutors can use to stream music. They include:
- Pandora
- Amazon Music
- Google play music
- SoundCloud
- Deezer
- Shazam
Music classrooms can utilize the above tools and enjoy the efficiency that comes with technology.
Musical Creation and Production
When it comes to music technology in classrooms, production hasn’t been left behind. In fact, not many music schools have the capacity to buy the most expensive production software. With all the digital evolution, it’s vital for a music school to have the best software to keep being competitive.
With technology, music tutors can access excellent software online. Examples include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cockos Reaper. Apart from production software, music classrooms can utilize other tools for music creation, such as Mubert, Waveform Free, and Music Maker.
Promoting Music
After producing the music, it’s essential to promote and market the music for the great work and talent to get noticed. Technology hasn’t been left behind in this step, and music classrooms are adopting technology trends.
Music needs to be promoted, no matter how classy it might be. Music classrooms are teaching their students how to promote their music to stay competitive and relevant in the market. There are various tools for music promotion. They include:
- Ticketebo
- Bitly
- YouTube
The list is endless. Note that each music promotion software has its unique features, so it’s important to choose the one that works for the student and the teacher.
Recapping
Music teaching has changed in this digital age, and music classrooms must embrace the convenience that comes with technology. Music has become an interesting subject to teach with the upcoming digital tools and apps.
If utilized in the right way, music and technology can work well. By using technology, students will be more engaged and enjoy the classes as the majority have interacted using software at one point in their learning. So, embrace the technology and watch as your students thrive.
