Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity

It has never been easier or more fun for students to compose, improvise, arrange, and produce music and music-related projects than with today's technology. Written in a practical, accessible manner, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity offers both a framework for and practical tips on the technology tools best suited for encouraging students' authentic musical creativity. Author Scott Watson makes a compelling case for creativity-based music learning through eight teacher-tested principles that access, nurture, and develop students' potential for musical expression. Example after example illustrates each principle in a variety of music teaching and technology scenarios. Watson also includes practical ideas for technology-based creative music activities, locating lesson plans and other resources, and assessing creative work. The book provides detailed plans for dozens of attractive projects, each linked to MENC National Standards, and also offers suggestions for making adaptations according to grade level and technology proficiency. Additionally, it includes a valuable section of resources with tips for setting up a computer music workstation, a plain-language description of how digital audio works, and a music education technology glossary. Most of the activities described can be carried out by novice users with free or low-cost music applications. The book also features a comprehensive companion website with dozens of audio and video examples as well as many downloadable worksheets, rubrics, and activity files. Visit the companion website at www.oup.com/us/musicalcreativity.

Scott Watson is a veteran music teacher, a frequently published and commissioned composer, and a highly regarded music education technology specialist. In addition to 20 years of experience in teaching K-12 instrumental and classroom music in the Parkland School District (Allentown, Pennsylvania), Watson serves as adjunct instructor at University of the Arts and Cairn University (both in the Philadelphia area) and Central Connecticut State University (New Britain, CT), and has delivered numerous workshops and clinics to in-service music teachers.

TABLE OF CONTENTSPrefaceAcknowledgementsPART 1: Philosophical and Pedagogical UnderpinningsChapter One: Technology, Musical Creativity, and This BookChapter Two: Thoughts on CreativityChapter Three: Allow Students to Share ThemselvesChapter Four: Offer Compelling Examples to Imitate and Inspire, Preferably by Other StudentsChapter Five: Employ Parameters and Limitations That Remove Distractions and Help Students FocusChapter Six: Remove Parameters and Limitations That Stifle Creativity and Lead to Contrived ExpressionChapter Seven: Facilitate ImprovisationChapter Eight: Engage in Coaching Interaction as Part of the Project PlanChapter Nine: Foster Opportunities for Offering and Receiving Feedback and CritiqueChapter Ten: Employ Performance and RecitalPART 2: Curricular MaterialsChapter Eleven: Two PathsChapter Twelve: Creativity With KeyboardsChapter Thirteen: Creativity With Sound Recording ApplicationsChapter Fourteen: Creativity With Multi-Track Music Production ApplicationsChapter Fifteen: Creativity With Computer Music Notation ApplicationsChapter Sixteen: Creativity With Instructional Software and Other Music ApplicationsChapter Seventeen: Curriculum IntegrationChapter Eighteen: Various ImplicationsAPPENDIXESAppendix 1: Computer Music WorkstationAppendix 2: How Digital Audio WorksAppendix 3: Music Education Technology GlossaryReferencesIndex