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Blog: Catalysts & Connections

Video Game Music

Almost a year ago I posted about the possible trend of students wanting to perform video game music. With more and more professional orchestras playing music from video games it seems like the trend will eventually end up in our music programs, especially now that music publishers are picking up on it. With websites focusing on topics ranging from remixing  to live concert tours of video game music, resources are available for music teachers to deal with this emerging genre.… Read More »Video Game Music

Laptop Orchestra

The princeton laptop orchestra is getting even more press. The plork had me wondering about the potential for laptop orchestras in public school music programs earlier this month. If schools aren’t ready to move to an exclusively electronic ensemble maybe they can make a transition to an electro acoustic ensemble with just a few laptoppers (or is it laptopists)?

DIY electronic instruments and improvisation

The jazz ensemble is not the only group that students can improvise in. Groups that create their own electronic “instruments” do exist and can provide a model for an interesting collaboration between the music and technology departments of your school. If you or your students don’t want to create musical electronic devices from scratch you can always work on modifying something and see/hear what happens.

Students creating contemporary art songs….

Corey Dargel’s thought-provoking article on contemporary art songs gives some food for thought and has some interesting implications for our music classrooms. I’ve had some pretty good success with approaching art songs with my fifth grade general music students focusing on the Erlking by Schubert and ending up with students creating their own art songs.  After reading Mr. Dargel’s article I can see many ways to expand the discussion and listening examples of art songs I use in the classroom. … Read More »Students creating contemporary art songs….

Future Composers in Your Classrooms?

Do you notice any students of yours who do particularly well when composing in your music program? Let them know that young composers do get noticed! Recently, a 17 year old composer was the winner of 2 big awards and has since formed his own band that plays chamber music composed since 1988. Maybe students of yours will be winning composition awards in the future. Why not give your students a start by having them submit melodies to the Hartwick… Read More »Future Composers in Your Classrooms?