Unit 3: Using technology to enhance development of music analysis skills
Music Software
Using music software for the music theory classroom allows instructors to use technology to teach and expand on material in ways traditional instruction does not allow. The use of computers and software in the classroom gives students the opportunity not only to learn differently but also to experiment and create using sounds and instruments not typically offered and methods that reach far beyond the classroom.
Noteflight
Noteflight is free music notation software that instructors can use to create compositions for personal and educational purposes. This software is especially convenient to music theory courses because it gives instructors the ability to create and share compositions that are directly related to classroom learning units/activities. In addition, there are opportunities on the software’s site that allow for student use.
In this last unit, you will create a profile on the noteflight website, learn how to navigate and become familiar with it’s uses, and create an original music composition that could be used for student analysis in a theory classroom.
Activity 1
Click on noteflight’s link above and click the “sign-up” link to complete a profile. After you have signed up, take a minute to read on some of the information on your home page. At the top, you will see three links titled: “my scores”, “browse scores”, and “new score”. “My scores” keeps all your scores listed. After you compose a new score, give it a title and save, it will appear under “my scores”. “Browse scores” allow you to view other users compositions. “new score” is where you will create your mini composition.
To become familiar with the site, click on “new score” and choose whether you would like it to be a shared or private score. Click in an empty measure of the score and a box with various rests and symbols will appear. From here, you need to put your cursor over the line/space in the staff where you want a note to appear and click. Once you click the information in the box changes and you can choose the duration of the note you wish to have. Clicking on the black arrow at the bottom of the box allows you to see more options for composing. If you wish to include a rest, simply skip over the beat in the staff and a rest will appear for that beat. After you complete a score, there are options to edit, change instrumentation, transpose and play what you have written. You can save by clicking file and save. Please take some time to navigate and become familiar with the sites tools.
Activity 2
After you have become familiar with noteflight’s tools, you will be creating an original “mini” composition. Your composition should meet the following requirements:
-It should focus on a specific area of music theory that you are teaching; consider some of the suggestions mentioned in Unit 2.
-While creating your composition, you should keep in mind the criteria for evaluating music compositions you created in Unit 2. Make sure your composition meets the highest standard of all the criteria you developed.
-Give your composition the title “activity 2 analysis”. Click “edit title” at the top to change/create a title.
After you have completed your “mini” composition, use the space below to provide a brief reflection on noteflight’s software, what you find helpful and what you think could be improved to make navigation easier.
Software Reflection
Back to: Developing Music Analysis Skills Using Feedback, Composition And Technology
