Technology Strategies for Music Education

SECTION 4: STUDENT AND TEACHER STRATEGIES & ACTIVITIES


Section 4 addresses technology areas one through six relating each to the National Standards For Arts Education. Each content standard is addressed in order with specific student activities and teacher strategies listed. Appendix A organizes these technology strategies according to the content standards while in Appendix B they are organized by the seven technology areas.

Section 4 is organized as follows:

 Description : This briefly explains the application of technology to assist in the achievement of the National Standards. It is meant as an overview, not a comprehensive listing.

Listing of student activities in the area of technology : These statements represent some of the possible activities for students in grades K-12 and are meant to be ideas for using technology.

Listing of teacher strategies in the area of technology : These strategies are some of the ways technology can be used by the teacher to enhance various facets of music education. Teachers may choose to use some or all of the techniques as they apply to their individual teaching needs.

Numbering System: 1.01, 2.03, etc. - Each technology achievement activity and strategy is listed in numerical order. The first number (to the left of the decimal point) refers to the MENC Content Standard. The number following the decimal point is the individual technology standard.

Appendix A - Appendix A is a chart of the technology activities and strategies organized by MENC Content Standards.

Appendix B - Appendix B is a chart of the technology activities and strategies organized by the seven technology areas:
INST - Electronic Instruments
SEQ - MIDI Sequencing
NOTE - Music Notation software
CAI - Computer-Assisted Instruction
MULTI - Multimedia and Digitized Media
TELE - Internet and Telecommunications
INFO - Information Processing, Computer Systems and Lab Management

Content Standard #1: Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

Student use of Technology:
There are a variety of ways that technology can be used to enhance this standard. For example, some computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software is designed to evaluate the ability to sing on pitch. Other CAI programs are available to help students practice rhythms. CAI software can be used in a computer lab, in the classroom, or independently.

A MIDI Sequencer can also enhance singing by allowing students to alter the tempo, key, and timbre of a piece. With a MIDI sequencer, students can mute individual parts of a composition for more effective practice. Other specialized programs/devices are available for the vocalist. Some are designed to intelligently accompany vocalists in rehearsal and performance.

There are also many locations on the Internet where MIDI files can be copied to disk (downloaded) and used with a MIDI sequencer. Students can search for appropriate files and download them for use in rehearsal and performance. This can be especially helpful when singing songs representing genres and styles from diverse cultures.

Student Activities for Content Standard #1 :

Teacher use of Technology:
Using a MIDI sequencer or automatic accompaniment software, choral/classroom teachers can create accompaniments in any genre. The MIDI sequencer can easily control tempo and key. Parts can be muted for rehearsal and performance. Once an accompaniment is recorded or purchased, it can be used to free the teacher to conduct the ensemble. Students can then be expected to respond to the cues of the conductor.


Teacher Strategies for Content Standard #1:
The remainder of section 4 containing the sections listed below, can be found in the printed version of the standards.
Content Standard #2: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
Content Standard #3: Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments
Content Standard #4: Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines
Content Standard #5: Reading and notating music
Content Standard #6: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music
Content Standard #7: Evaluating music and music performances
Content Standard #8: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts
Content Standard #9: Understanding music in relation to history and culture

Technology Strategies for Music Education


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