While platforms for creating music have been long been digital and accessible to students, the limitation of shared materials and space during the pandemic created a need for students to use technology to assist in interacting with music in new ways. Pre-pandemic, students were exploring garage band and using search engines to assist in research on musical topics. These lessons were certainly practical and carried value for students as isolated lessons, however, through the pandemic we turned to more ways to engage students in meaningful digital musical activity. Three resources I used most often to engage students were SmartMusic, playxylo.com, and Chrome Music Lab.
Through the implementation of Smart Music, students were able to learn and rehearse music with support of the computer. They were able to record themselves and I was able to give feedback. Through the use of Smart Music, students grew accustomed to sharing their performance as a one-on-one experience versus singing in a group. The program strengths and what I look forward to continuing, is normalizing individualized practice and feedback.
The playxylo.com and chrome music lab online platforms allowed students to play an instrument together as well as create music in an accessible format. Students still love to use these programs at home or in school during free time, which furthers the opportunity for students to engage in creativity in a setting that normally wouldn't allow for musical engagement. In class, I use these platforms as an introduction to composition. Students are hooked by the "fun" of the program and continue to engage in musical composition and play outside of the classroom.