Marching Music

I completely agree with Mr. Owen Bradley’s article on the use of music technology in the classroom.

It is often said that the use of technology will eventually make musicians obsolete.  Of course, we (music educators) do not want that to happen.  It would put us out of a job and, worse, take away our beloved hobby. 

What can we do about it?  We, as music teachers, can do quite a few things to help:
1.  Foster a love of music in our students.  As long as there are musicians, there will be music (instrumental, choral, orchestral, etc.)  Music is something that can stay with you for a lifetime, so the best thing for us to do with regards to keeping it around is to become music educators.
2.  As Mr. Bradley said, we should only use technology to enhance/aid in our teaching.  For example, in the piano lab at my school, we have pianos hooked up to computers and headphones.  They are not used to eliminate the students’ need for practicing, but rather to give them a place to do it without disturbing others.  By the same token, a piano student also needs to be able to perform confidently in public.  It does no good to be capable of playing a piece if you are too shy to perform it in public.
3.  Set goals for students (or yourself) before you start using the technology.  Everything that you accomplish using technology should be able to be accomplished without it when all is said and done. 

I’m sure that there are more.  Feel free to comment if you would like to add to the list!

(image from yotophoto.com)