Music and Technology in the Community College Music Theory Classroom

Abstract

he Music Program of the Performing Arts Department at Broome Community College proposes to pilot a “Music and Technology in the Music Theory Classroom” project that shines a spotlight on digital music notation software to transform students’ handwritten music compositions into beautifully typeset scores that can be instantly edited, played back, printed and shared. Unlike the complex method of writing music with a keyboard and mouse, or the multifaceted process of transferring pen and paper ideas to a computer, the use of natural pen input to a mobile screen promotes creativity, intuitive learning, and accessibility for students. Providing students with easy access to Surface Pro 4 Tablets installed with the StaffPad app, means they will also be able to hear the music they are composing in real-time, thereby helping them understand more intricate concepts faster and train their ears to hear different chord qualities, intervals, and instrument timbres. Indeed, by infusing affordable digital notation technologies into its Music Theory curricula, Broome CC will serve as a model for music programs at other institutions of higher education, and especially community colleges, where technology-based pedagogical solutions are often outpaced by local high school music programs.