Module #2 Reflection

This is the second of what will be several weekly blogs during the course of the class “Technology Assisted Music Learning”. The following paragraphs will reflect on what I learned during Module 2 of the class. I am looking forward being further educated more on technology in music and music education.

                Musescore and Noteflight are two affordable music writing programs that are viable alternatives to the more expensive programs such as Finale or Sibelius. I really enjoyed learning about these programs. Having some experience with Sibelius and Finale, I found these programs similar in use and not difficult to pick up. Musescore and Noteflight are programs that I could use with my students in teaching a theory or composition class. I do not personally own the expensive programs so I will try using these programs if I need to re-arrange parts for my band class. I am not sure which program I prefer yet. I need more experience over time with both programs do see which one I prefer.

 

Personal Learning Network or PLN, is where a student uses several internet resources and social media to become better educated. For our class, it is designed to help us become more educated not only in technology but music education in general. This week, we continued to contribute and grow our PLN. We set up several internet resources such as Feedly, Twitter and we joined the Digital Musicking Group on Google. I am gaining a greater understanding of the PLN and how it works. I am really starting to get into the whole Twitter/# craze. I tweeted twice this week about good exercises for teaching dynamics as well as a picture of my Marching Band getting ready to perform at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Monday!  This was my contribution to the Digital Musicking Group this week: http://beingmusicalbeinghuman.com/2014/02/12/school-music-vs-real-music/

                During the week of Module 2, we had some readings from Dr. Bauer’s new book “Music Learning Today.” In Chapter 3 on page 46, Dr. Bauer talked about music creativity. I found it interesting on page 46 when he said, “Creativity is usually and assumed part of being musical, and music educators certainly have the opportunity to develop student’s ability to think creatively.” I think that this is a concept that sometimes as educators we lose focus on. Especially at the High School level, we are always performance driven with different concerts and festivals that we lose the concept of teaching technique and creativity. The rest of the reading talked about several topics such as MIDI, Improvisation, Composition, Audiation and Instructional Constraints. I think the one thing that many music teacher face in their districts in financial constraints especially when it comes to technology. However, there are many other cost-effective alternatives out there such as what I learned this week with Musescore and Noteflight. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to create wonderful music!