#18 Open Post--Redefining Music Literacy

Up until this point, I have not given much thought to the impact of technology on the arts, especially music and art instruction.  While some feel that technology does not have a place in such traditional "humanistic endeavors", I disagree.  I believe that the introduction of technology broadens these areas by giving more people opportunities to be a part of music and/or art.  I agree that "technology can be seductive" and that people need to appreciate unique human abilities, but I also think that the introduction of technology in these areas creates more opportunity.  What about the student who does not possess a great deal of artistic ability but who can create an amazing design by manipulating digitized images?  What about the student who cannot physically play an instrument but has an excellent ear for editing and mixing pre-recorded music? In addition, knowledge about new technologies in the arts (i.e. sound, animation, graphics, etc.) helps all students become better consumers of electronic art or music.  Today's popular music relies heavily on technology for both production and live performance.

Because of the emergence, proliferation, and dominance of computerized technologies, I see the business of teaching music and art facing redefinition.  The Music Educators National Conference stated, "The K-12 music curriculum that was established by the 1930's has evolved only gradually since that time...The curricula that were acceptable in the past will be inadequate to prepare students for the 21st century" (Roblyer, 2005, p.371).  I personally was involved with a typical secondary school music program at Apollo Junior High and Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas in the late eighties and early nineties.  I think it would be interesting to go back and see if or how the infusion of technology has impacted the programs.  I would venture to say that sheet music is now more organized than the messy library that we were accustomed to because of music management software.  I would also bet that current students don't submit cassette tapes of themselves playing for chair tryouts any longer or take paper/pencil tests on notation or musical structure.  Computer technology would be an incredible asset to even the traditional music program.

I loved the idea in the Roblyer textbook for a general music class to create a website at the end of the school year as a culminating activity.  I think this would be a great way to help integrate all students.  Students who are naturally gifted in music have a part as well as students who are drawn to music technology.  Within each group, students are assigned areas of the site according to individual strengths and literacies--using web page authoring tools, graphics, text, sound, operating a sequencer or video camera, etc.  This is also an excellent suggestion for teaching music history.  If students are given the freedom to incorporate pop music into their project, I see participation in a general music class being very appealing to many students, not just the ones who can play an instrument or read sheet music.