Tech-Based Composing Demystified
Using iPads, Computers, and other Devices to Empower Creativity
Jesse Rathgeber, NAfME National Conference 2014
Other
Below, you will find some apps that can be used for creative music making. Explore the resources and think about what kind of experience you can design for the students with whom you work. Please feel free to share your bright ideas!
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Ensemble Apps
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Novel Apps
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Songwriter Tools
Ensemble Apps
Collaborative Creation: Apps that allow for communal and informal music making can be used to harness high levels of student creativity and musical skill. Such apps enable small student ensembles to perform covers of existing works, improvise, and compose in unique ways that allow “authentic expression… of the true creative ideas inside students” (Watson, 2011, p. 54) to come to the forefront as students are less bound by their technical abilities.
Novel Apps
New Metaphors and New Paradigms: Some apps cause users to redefine their understanding of music and making music. These novel apps break down older metaphors for playing and creating and allow users to create in new and innovative ways. Creative planning is required to design unique music creation experiences using these apps, however, the process might cause teachers and students to question their assumptions and come to experience music from a different perspective.
Building Your Toolbox: Many apps can be used to help students create music and write songs. Many of these supplement their musical abilities and know-hows and can provide powerful scaffolds for greater musical and creative exploration.
