Week 2 Reflection Notation Software

The most tedious thing that a music teacher may attempt to teach is composition. Music composition requires prior knowledge of basic's theory such as notation, duration, understanding of time signature, and being able to hear what you are writing on the staff. As Dr. Bazan stated, "Writing music by hand is time-consuming." However, his composition cannot be avoided because it is a national standard and a state standard in most states. So how do we solve the problem of making music composition easier for students to comprehend and take less time teaching the subject? The answer seems to lie in music composition software.

            When someone mentions music composition software someone who is already familiar with the technology will immediately think of what Bazan refers to as the Grand-Daddies of the particular software.  The software’s that were mention are Finale and Sibelius. Both software is exceptional but, they are expensive. Most teachers are on a fixed budget if they are getting any money at all. There is free music notation software like Noteflight and Musescore that are available. However, there can be other drawbacks like finding enough computers for a class to use. Most schools have computer labs for teachers and students to use. Unfortunately, those labs are assigned to a computer teacher who teaches other students with an identical schedule as another special area (art, P.E., music) teacher. So even if a music teacher obtains enough grant money to buy Finale or get permission from the district to download Musescore there would always be a class scheduled during that time. Most of the schools in my district are using iPads. I recently started testing Noteflight on the iPad. I spent some time struggling with it a little, but it has been going pretty well.

            So let say that a music teacher is fortunate enough to teach in a district that are using iPads and the instructor can use iPads in the classroom for teaching composition. The question Bazan asked in the lecture should apply now. What can a child compose? What can a child their own? Most music teachers would believe that students are capable of composing well thought out compositions with direction from their instructor. Those compositions can be as simple as 2 bar rhythm ostinatos or melody compositions using So Mi or So Mi La in C Major. These ideas are simple and a great starting point for novices. The use of notation software will help students hear each note and become aware of what they are composing. Music educators have a great tool in notation software to teach composition to student and those that are fortunate to have the software need to utilize it for musical development of their students.