Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity

It has never been easier or more fun for students to compose, improvise, arrange, and produce music and music-related projects than using today's technology. Written in a practical, accessible manner, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity offers both a pedagogical framework and a description of the technology tools best suited for drawing out students authentic musical creativity. The first part of the book makes a compelling case for creativity-based music learning. Eight teacher-tested principals offer a plan for accessing, nurturing, and developing each student's potential for musical expression. Example after example illustrate each principal in a variety of music teaching and technology scenarios. Part two focuses on curriculum and includes ideas for appropriately integrating technology-based creative music activities, locating lesson plans and other resources, and assessing student's creative work. Detailed plans for dozens of attractive project ideas are provided in a series of chapters dedicated to technology category (i.e. keyboards, sound recording, multi-track music production, notation, instructional software and other music applications). Each lesson is linked to the MENC National Standards, and suggestions are included for making adaptations according to grade level and technology proficiency. Most of the activities described can be carried out by novice users with free or low-cost music applications. The companion website features dozens of audio and video examples, as well as many downloadable worksheets, rubrics, activity files, and more. The book itself includes valuable resources such as details on setting up a computer music workstation, a plain-language description of how digital audio works, and a music education technology glossary. Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity is the perfect text for pre- or in-service music educators and offers solid reasons for, and a fresh approach to, using software, hardware, and Internet tools in rewarding, creative musical activities with students.

Scott Watson is a veteran music teacher, a frequently published and commissioned composer, and a highly regarded music education technology specialist. In addition to 25 years of experience in teaching K-12 instrumental and classroom music in the Parkland School District (Allentown, Pennsylvania), Watson serves as adjunct instructor at Villanova, Philadelphia Biblical, and Central Connecticut State Universities and has delivered numerous workshops and clinics to in-service music teachers.