Developing Musicianship in the Digital Age

We can use technology to develop artistry, engage the imagination of singers, enhance the process of music making, and help our singers to become independent musicians (these were the focal points of the “Beyond the Notes” conference).  Music education – and choral music education – has the opportunity to seamlessly and painlessly adapt current instructional (rehearsal) strategies to take advantage of the technology that is available in the 21st Century.  These new technologies include devices such as the iPad and SmartMusic.  In the first steps of technology integration, the iPad can be used very effectively as a sheet music reader or as a replacement for an interactive white board.  In K-12 education, all textbooks will be digital by 2017 (an initiative recently announced by the FCC and the Department of Education).  Many schools are adopting 1-to-1 technology initiatives, and music educators need to be ready to take advantage of those resources.

 

(From the interest session “Developing Musicianship in the Digital Age Through the Use of the iPad and Other Technologies,” by Christopher Russell.  Presented during the 2012 North Central Division Conference)