Music Technology in Schools

Most public schools lack music technology. I’m not saying that schools don’t have technology in music- my high school music theory teacher had a smart board in her classroom, and was able to use the computer and projector and other technological classroom devices during out class. Most schools don’t have the computer technology associated with music. Programs such as Sibelius and Finale are obsolete in most schools. This, to me, poses a deficit for students who wish to learn more about music.

Early on in my music education cycle, I observed a music teacher in an elementary school with a few students from my class at the time. While we were there that day, the music teacher took his students to the computer lab. The computer lab was equipped with enough computers for the students to each have their own, as well as headphones for private working. The assignment the students were working on was music composition. I was shocked to see that they had the necessary music technology to complete the assignment. In all the schools I have been to, whether it is to observe or during my own course of education, I have been to one that had recording technology and composing technology.

This concept seems a little abstract for people who aren't invested in music or who don't understand much or care much about it, so let me put it into perspective. Imagine, as a mathematician, not having access to a calculator. Imagine, as a writer, not having a computer as your scribe. Being a musician, especially someone interested in recording or composition, it is crucial to have a program that allows you to do these things. Imagine how long it took Beethoven to write down his symphonies. How would recording artists record their music without the recording technology we now have?

While things are changing and many more schools are bringing music technology into schools, the ratio of schools with technology to schools without it is heartbreaking. Even more so, the amount of schools that have technology available for many other subject areas is just as sad. What efforts can we take as future educators to open the eyes of school boards to explain the importance of music technology? Organizations such as the National Association for Music Education work to promote music in schools and supports those who do. It is up to us, though- the future educators of America- to really start the movement.

http://www.nafme.org/