Music lessons and technology

-Stathia Orwig

This week’s blog is about all of the technology that is available in the music pedagogy world. In today’s world of fast fixes, we think that in order to learn any instrument, all we need to do is log on, watch, and play! While this can get us going, it will only get us so far. You don’t need me to tell you that there is something very important about human contact and the importance of the student/teacher relationship. Just a few things a teacher can provide (vs. YouTube video) are hand position, breathing techniques, correct fingering, dynamics, reading, and so much more!

The other side of technology is in the hands of a teacher. Great new programs and apps are available to teachers and students to help with technique. I have been using a great app on my iPad which allows the student to practice sight-reading. The app is able to listen for the correct notes and rhythm, and will award stars in order to get to the next level! It will also play the duet for the student to play along to! Teachers may assign extra work on these apps for practice at home. It’s awesome! It’s different than reading traditional sheet music, and it definitely takes a little getting used to, but students today catch on rather quickly! Even metronomes are available as apps on our mobile devices! There are software programs that assist in music writing and theory! I think this new technology adds a little twist and convenience to traditional learning.

Obviously, this technology doesn’t have to be used every time you practice, but it’s a great resource that is now available to us. Using it every now and then is ideal for a student of any age or stage. It can open your ear to the possibilities, have as a tool to perfect rhythm and notes: almost like taking your teacher home with you!