I was glad to learn some of the information about digital music in this week's readings about DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). Both due to this course and in my teaching assignment, my technology use has drastically increased. I am quickly becoming comfortable with the software, websites, and other media. However, the most beneficial information of the reading was about audio files and how different types create different types of audio compression and, in return, sound quality. Much of what I use is MP3, but I never considered that other types of files that I have used take up more space (WAV). For my purposes in the classroom, the loss of data in an MP3 file is acceptable. I could see how a teacher in a music studio (or even a professional!) would of course prefer a file that uses 'lossless' compression.
Composition
Just like improvisation, my general music classes have spent little time on composition projects. It is hard to teach something that the teacher has little experience with; I took one composition and arranging class in college, and haven't done much since (other than a simple arrangement of "Jingle Bells" or "Hot Cross Buns". Not only do I have little experience with it myself, but I never really learned how to teach it.
In addition, composition takes valuable time away from my once a week 40-minute general music classes - a quality project would take at least 4-6 classes. I'd be looking at spending at least one month doing that, not counting days off, field trips, assemblies... I'm not saying that composition is an invalid way to use my time with my students - but much of the time, I prefer to have my students making music with their voice or instruments than to spend time writing. I have done small projects in my older students, but not anything in great depth.
Enter DAWs. I am so excited to be able to have my students composing either with DAWs (in my school's case, GarageBand) or on more traditional platforms (MuseScore or Noteflight). DAWs allow some of those previously considered 'non-creatives' a chance to shine.
As some of you may know, I have recently started an integration project in 5th grade social studies in which my students will be writing raps about a branch of the government with GarageBand accompaniments that they are will compose. A few classes in, and all of the students are engaged and composing through the use of drum loops. I have been teaching them the basics of GarageBand, but over the next two weeks, we will begin composing the accompaniments for their raps. I realize now that I will have to spend time guiding them through the revision and analysis processes. I am in the process of writing the exact criteria for the GarageBand component of the project; this will be crucial for their success!
My fifth grade students have taken so easily to the DAW GarageBand that I look forward to trying it with younger students!
That being said, I'm frustrated that GarageBand doesn't have a 'cloud' feature - my students need to use specific iPads to compose, and can't use another device to continue working on their projects. Perhaps Soundation could be a solution...!
This integration project sounds awesome! I have been looking for ways to do a cross-curricular type project and this seems like a really unique, special opportunity. I understand your frustration with your time constraints and your classes. I face similar challenges. Though I teach high school and I see the students every day, there is a certain amount of curriculum we HAVE to get through in order for them to succeed on their final exam. Between the holidays, snow days, assemblies, PD days, student absences etc, it seems extremely daunting to take on a composition project and still have time to get through all the material. I do feel though, that DAWs are an efficient solution to this problem because it eliminates the need for music notation! I have a feeling, like the book said, that with this software students will be able to create much more complex compositions than they could have if they had to use standard notation. Good luck on your project and be sure to share how it goes!
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteI also teach 5/6 grade general music and only get to see my students once every 6 days for a 40 minute class. I have tried some small composition projects and have also experienced the struggle of time vs quality work. I did do one composition project that only took up two classes. I had students write only a twelve measure composition with set guidelines. Due to its brief length requirement it was easy to accomplish without taking too much time. They were also performed their compositions for the class at the end of the second session. This may be a successful activity for the younger students to try.