While Buffalo High School students have had music technology equipment and worked with it for about a year, all other high schools in the county are reaping the benefits of state grants and getting some of their own this year. Last week, high school music teachers received training from Bill Purse of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh to become certified as music technology specialists. Their training included lessons on how to use the software, how to create PowerPoint presentations, how to put music and other elements together to make radio and television commercials, how to print out music, and how to create tests and track students progress, among other skills. Purse said he s impressed with the school system s proactive stance on music technology, and said the kids will have a tremendous head start if they choose to study music in college. A lot of universities are training in the area of performance, symphonic and chamber music.
Kids can compose.
They can write and learn the dynamics of developing a theme. Technology is a bridge between science, acoustics and music. With the music technology equipment, students can create dance music by layering different beats and instruments. There s even a feature in which students can sing into a microphone, and the computer tells them if their voice is sharp or flat. The computer software also includes programs to help teach piano, guitar and performance ensembles.