technology
What do music classrooms offer in terms of global relevance? Is the ensemble experience that students receive unique and powerful enough to sustain musical curiosity? There is a danger that modern technology can provide musical learning experiences that render the classroom music experience insufficient. However, that danger only exists if a teacher believes that their classroom is the only outlet for musical growth. While students may be able to learn basic and advanced lessons in music theory, and refine vocal or in- strumental technique, they cannot gain the same kind of ensemble experience online. Technology allows for video conferencing and virtual ensembles, but nothing can replace the feeling of your hair re-parting on the last chord of Holst’s “First Suite,” or the spray of diction from a tenor singing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”
The impact that online stores such as iTunes have had on the music industry is similar to the impact the Internet has had on music education. While the music store is no longer the only resource for musical recordings, the classroom is not the only resource for musical lessons. Today’s students are connected to a global com- munity with exponential potential. The charge for music educators is to retain all the uniqueness of a music education while also providing connections through technology. If teachers do not respect the challenge to relevancy that this new technology introduces, they risk, in turn, becoming irrelevant.
Reference:
Reimer, B. 2009. Seeking the
Significance of Music Education.
Music Educators National Conference. Reston, VA.
Matt McVeigh teaches band, jazz ensemble and general music at Woodworth Middle School in Fond du Lac.
mcveighm@fonddulac.k12.wi.us
Be the Grand Champion of Summer at the
Wisconsin State Fair
Be a part of the partnership between Two Wisconsin Traditions!
Wisconsin School Music Association and
Wisconsin State Fair
Announce the
WSMA Marching
Band Showcase
Sunday, August 15, 2010 State Fair Park
Mainstage/Grandstand West Allis, Wisconsin
For more information please visit the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org
twurgler@wsmamusic.org
Wisconsin School Musician
63
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76