What are music technologies?
Different types of technologies are used to create and produce music. You can buy a range of inexpensive software to load onto a computer. Students can also access online music resources to work with sound samples, clips and sequences.
Music technologies include electronic keyboards and synthesisers that capture and record musical notation. There are many online courses teaching you how to play musical instruments, both classical and rock.
How music technology is used in school
From primary schools to arts and music colleges, technology is used to develop practical skills and understanding of music.
Pupils use music technologies to:
• investigate sounds and musical structures
• refine and enhance composition
• extend their knowledge of different musical styles
• learn listening, narrative and critical skills
• provide accompaniment to movement, dance and performances
• record and review their own work or performance.
“We have two keyboard suites, 24 computers, a recording studio with three portable studios, nine practice rooms and an extensive CD and library resource facility.”
St Columb's College, ICT Excellence Award winner 2008
Benefits of music technologies
One of the big benefits is providing children with opportunities to experience and engage with a whole world of music. This simply wasn’t possible just a few years ago.
Music technologies have many other benefits, too, including:
• enabling students to share work online for peer review
• enabling students to collaborate with each other
• hardware and software that learners with special educational needs can use.
Music technology in practice
Roding Valley High School encourages all students, including those with little or no musical experience, to use music technologies. One week they focus on composition skills, using a state-of-the-art music studio. The next week, they use the music room to brush up on keyboard and performance skills.
Take a look at the case studies for music Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.
Video courtesy of Be Very Afraid.