Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity

It has never been easier or more fun for students to compose, improvise, arrange, and produce music and music-related projects than with today's technology. Written in a practical, accessible manner, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity offers both a framework for and practical tips on the technology tools best suited for encouraging students' authentic musical creativity.

Author Scott Watson makes a compelling case for creativity-based music learning through eight teacher-tested principles that access, nurture, and develop students' potential for musical expression. Example after example illustrates each principle in a variety of music teaching and technology scenarios. Watson also includes practical ideas for technology-based creative music activities, locating lesson plans and other resources, and assessing creative work. The book provides detailed plans for dozens of attractive projects, each linked to MENC National Standards, and also offers suggestions for making adaptations according to grade level and technology proficiency. Additionally, it includes a valuable section of resources with tips for setting up a computer music workstation, a plain-language description of how digital audio works, and a music education technology glossary. Most of the activities described can be carried out by novice users with free or low-cost music applications.

The book also features a comprehensive companion website with dozens of audio and video examples as well as many downloadable worksheets, rubrics, and activity files.

CONTENIDO:

Preface
Acknowledgements
PART 1: Philosophical and Pedagogical Underpinnings
1:Technology, Musical Creativity, and This Book
2:Thoughts on Creativity
3:Allow Students to Share Themselves
4:Offer Compelling Examples to Imitate and Inspire, Preferably by Other Students
5:Employ Parameters and Limitations That Remove Distractions and Help Students Focus
6:Remove Parameters and Limitations That Stifle Creativity and Lead to Contrived Expression
7:Facilitate Improvisation
8:Engage in Coaching Interaction as Part of the Project Plan
9:Foster Opportunities for Offering and Receiving Feedback and Critique
10:Employ Performance and Recital
PART 2: Curricular Materials
11:Two Paths
12:Creativity With Keyboards
13:Creativity With Sound Recording Applications
14:Creativity With Multi-Track Music Production Applications
15:Creativity With Computer Music Notation Applications
16:Creativity With Instructional Software and Other Music Applications
17:Curriculum Integration
18:Various Implications
APPENDIXES
Appendix 1: Computer Music Workstation
Appendix 2: How Digital Audio Works
Appendix 3: Music Education Technology Glossary
References
Index