There are many reasons to blend technology into your music program. Installing a lab with computers and MIDI keyboards encourages students to take control of their own music making and helps teachers meet the goals set forth in the National Standards for Arts Education. We know that teaching keyboard performance develops physical and mechanical dexterity, but there is also ample evidence showing that active music making leads to increased spatial-temporal abilities, resulting in improved scores in both math and science. Active music making is the key term here, as technology allows students to make their own creative decisions and get immediate feedback about the quality of their musical decisions.
But what is the best equipment and software to support your curriculum? What commitment of time and resources is necessary to bring technology to your program in a successful way? How can you make sure you and your peer teachers are prepared to utilize these new tools?

Step 1: Determine Your Instructional Objectives.
It's important to stay focused on what your learning system should accomplish. Being able to communicate your educational goals clearly will help you choose the most appropriate hardware and software programs. Being clear about your instructional objectives will also help you present a clear case to your administrators and other entities who may be able to help fund your plan. It is very important to define the improved results that technology will bring to your students. Some examples of these improvements include:
-To provide more hands on activity.
-To provide students at all levels and abilities with tools to create, arrange, and compose music.
-To provide students with a wide range of enrichment activities.
-To provide more tangible outcomes.
-To encourage cooperative learning.
-To incorporate technology into all music classes.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Time Frame and Budget.
An assessment of these two factors can really smooth the process along. Having a target "installation date" helps to step up the urgency and gives everyone involved a goal to reach for. Funding for labs comes from a myriad of sources: district and departmental budgets, government and private grants, endowments, and Parent-Teacher Organizations to name a few. Knowing where you stand with your resources helps you design a realistic proposal and saves time. Some companies offer "Lease to Purchase" options to any public school, college or university, giving you yet another possible method of financing the technology.
A great resource for financing music technology in education is Tom Rudolph's new book Finding Funds for Music Technology (published by SoundTree). In addition to helping music teachers obtain funds for technology equipment, this book allows you to download sample letters and funding proposals from the internet to help you prepare your case.

Step 3: Consult with Professionals to Create a well Designed Proposal.
"One size fits all" solutions can produce disappointing results, so insist on getting a proposal that's right for your situation. A room full of technology equipment and software can quickly become a mass of confusion if it hasn't been designed and setup as a system. If you are considering a large scale project, be realistic about installing the equipment. Most teachers already have plenty to do ­ assembling several pieces of custom furniture, cutting networking cable for audio and computer devices, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting many different software applications, and setting up a room full of MIDI keyboards can take the better part of a week. A reputable dealer will have the people and the experience to handle the installation and stand behind their work. Also, technology by itself doesn't make anyone a better teacher ­ you and your peers may benefit immensely from focused training on the equipment and software you are going to use. A proposal that includes complete installation and training services is a smart way to go.
Electronic music learning systems span a wide range of options and choices, but there are five essential types:
Music Workstations
This system includes a high-quality music workstation with a built in sequencer, allowing students to play, record, create and arrange music. Most student stations offer a disk drive for storage of student work. All stations should be inter-connected with a group education controller that allows the teacher to control all of the audio in the room. Review the audio specifications of the group education controller to make sure it provides digital switching and the highest quality stereo fidelity.
Electronic Keyboards
As described above, but without the MIDI sequencer. Students have expressive instruments with a full-range of performance options, and everyone is able to listen and perform for each other thanks to the group education controller described above.
Digital Pianos
Another group education controller based system, but configured with 88-key weighted-action digital concert pianos. Some student models even have a multi-track recorder and on-board metronome. This lab style is great for traditional piano instruction.
Guitars
There is a growing trend for technology learning systems to support guitar education. Now guitar teachers can teach a room full of students, too. Using conventional electric guitars and inexpensive guitar processing devices in conjunction with the lab lets each student create tones for many different styles of music. Many labs combine keyboard workstations with guitar workstation to provide more options for students.
Computer Options
Any of the above music learning systems can be augmented with a personal computer, like Macintosh OS or Windows 95/98 compatible computing systems. The system can be configured with a single teacher computer, or with a computer for some or all students. Sequencing capabilities are greatly enhanced with the addition of computers. Also, notation and computer aided instruction capability can be added to your system.

Step 4: Say "Yes" to a Complete Source
Since your learning system needs to function as a whole, allowing it to be "piece mealed" out to several suppliers may not be the best way to get a good value for your school system. Having one reputable source responsible for the correct functioning of the system can save time and money. Whenever possible, choose someone who can provide the whole package, from equipment, software, installation, and training.