Module 3 Blog Reflection

The focus of Module 3 was using technology for creativity through composing.  We had the opportunity to explore composing using the program, Soundtrap, a program consisting of thousands of pre-recorded loops as well as capability for using MIDI  and digital audio (MIDI being instruments using electronic messages to create sound and digital audio being the digital recording of live sound).  Through using this program, I realized that although this program is generally very user friendly, it is very complex and would require

quite a bit of class time devoted to teaching students the ins and outs of how to use the program.  This fact would make using something such as this difficult to implement into a classroom like mine where I have limited time with students and an already very saturated curriculum to teach.  I do, however, think that this type of program would be a great way to reach those students in a middle school or high school setting who are interested in music, but not interested in joining an instrumental or vocal ensemble.  The program is fun to use and has the capability to elicit a great deal of creativity from students while making it so that a vast knowledge of detailed music theory is not necessary for using the program.  As Bauer points out in his book, "computers are helpful to students who are not comfortable singing or playing an instrument, providing them with a viable means to think in sound, creatively expressing themselves" (Bauer, 2014, p. 63).  The Soundtrap program is a perfect example of how students like this can audiate musically without needing to know how to read music.  

On the flip side of this, however, if a teacher is using a route such as this to reach students musically, I believe that it is still important to teach basic music theory.  There are many aspects to music theory that can be taught through using a program like Soundtrap, such as form and cadences, without necessarily needing to know how to read notes on a staff.  I strongly feel that if a teacher were to teach a class using notation-less technology, it would be very important to still teach musical elements.

If used correctly, classes based upon programs such as Soundtrap can really help to provide a musically creative outlet where students who have an interest in music, but don't want to or can't commit to being in an ensemble.  Students in classes like this can still learn a great deal of music theory and musicianship.  A teacher could even find ways to incorporate the group aspect of being in an ensemble into composition classes.  Although the technology required to incorporate a program such as this into the classroom may be expensive, I believe that most districts would find that the number of students reached by the program would make the cost of implementation worth it.  

Bauer, W.I. (2014).  Music learning today: Digital pedagogy for creating, performing, and responding to music.  New York, NY: Oxford University Press.