A Blended Learning Experiment in the High School Music Technology Classroom: Part 1

Barbara Freedmanlessons, Music Technology Basics, online course, student music, teaching3 Comments

I decided to do an experiment with my Introduction to Electronic Music classes. I created an entire unit that I would give very little “live” explanation about the assignments but provided students with detailed assignment sheets, complete with graphics, and corresponding video explaining and demonstrating how to do each assignment in the software. All the teaching and work would be done in class just as always except, this time, they would be listening and watching me explain and demonstrate via video screen-cast. The unit I chose was the Final Project. Suffice to say, things are much better than expected!

Re-evaluating School Music Programs by Scott Watson

Barbara Freedmanbook, buy, Music Technology Basics, Rant!, student music, teaching1 Comment

A frequent discussion thread in music education involves re-evaluating traditional school ensemble music programs – bands, orchestras, choirs – and the role of music education in reaching and teaching what Rick Dammers and David Williams refer to as “non-traditional” music students. At their website, Music Creativity Through Technology, Dammers and Williams make the case for the kinds of programs that … Read More

Student Wins MENC/NSBA Electronic Music Composition Contest

Barbara Freedmanlessons, student music, teaching1 Comment

For the second year in a row, one of my student’s has won First Place in the MENC (Music Educators National Conference)/NSBA (National School Board Association) Electronic Music Composition Talent Search in the High School Division. Senior Ricco Burkhardt’s piece Does Murder Sleep was conceived and influence by the Shakespeare quote from Macbeth and was chosen as this year’s winner … Read More

Student wins Composition Competition Sponsored by Northeastern University

Barbara Freedmanstudent musicLeave a Comment

I am very proud to announce that one of my students, Kanki Suzuki, came in First Place in the Electronic Music Composers Competition for High School Students in the Northeast sponsored by Northeastern University’s Music Technology Department.  Kanki’s piece was chosen as the top piece in this year’s competition from amongst almost 100 pieces. Kanki is a sophomore at Greenwich High … Read More