Noteflight Software Review

This week I was able to experiment with the Noteflight music notation software.  I think this is a good resource not only for music educators but also for students or others that wish to compose or arrange music.  Though there may be some limitations because it is not as extensive as other software programs such as Sibelius of Finale, the fact that it is free is a major "plus" because it allows those that have limited budgets to still have a way to compose or arrange their music in a more professional manner.

The other features such as the "shared composition" aspect could also be very useful in classroom settings where collaborative learning is taking place.  The teacher, as well as other students, are able to see what their classmates have composed and possibly provide feedback on his/her composition.  This is a great way for students to learn from their peers while also improving their own composition/arranging skills.

Check out my link to the song "A Bicycle Built for Two" that was part of this week's assignment in my "Technology for Music Teaching and Learning" class:

Noteflight Example- "A Bicycle Built for Two"

If you've never tried the Noteflight software program, give it a try!

Sign up for Noteflight here! 

Music Technology for Young Students

This article offers great hope to music educators wanting to know more and do more in the area of music technology!  Amy Burns, author of the article, was the TI:ME Teacher of the Year in 2005, teaches music to pre-K through third grade at a country day school in New Jersey, and is one of the leading experts in this area.  She offers insight into her own journey as a music educator, as well as some practical tips along the way, and a few fun, useful websites for lower elementary grades (two of which are added as links here).  I hope you are encouraged by her story and enjoy exploring the links.

Encouragement and tips from the 2005 TI: ME Teacher of the Year

Student links to explore:

Student Fun with Names and Music

Fun with Orchestral Instruments

Take your Vitamin M!

As music educators we should always be prepared to defend our reasons for including music in the school curriculum.  This is a thought provoking article by former MENC president, Paul Lehman, titled "Why Study Music in School?"  He presents six points that outline a good argument for why it vital to have music as part of the core of education.  He refers to music as "Vitamin M" and "the chocolate chip in the cookie of life".  

Vitamin M-Why Music Should Be Studied in School