Technology

Music technology is an artistic tool ranging from the microphone used by a performer to the digital sounds generated by computer. The exploration/application of music technology is most effective when students are actively involved and have quality aural experiences. Creating, performing, responding, and connecting often appear different from the these artistic processes in the other music standards areas. The following are some examples of music technology and its spectrum in the music making processes. Creating in music technology classes may include the following: combining digital sounds, manipulating pre-recorded and live sounds, etc. Performing in music technology is presenting creations through various media sources. Responding in music technology can be manipulating acoustic and electronic sounds, evaluating the work of others, mixing/filtering sounds, etc. Connecting in music technology can be combining music with other arts, connecting with other technologies such as lighting, engineering audio to reflect performer/audience needs and personalities, recreating or manipulating sound to represent historical genres.

Curriculum that incorporates music technology should provide opportunities for creating, performing, responding, and connecting through the use of digital tools and media sources, resources and systems. The use of music technology should develop the artistic craft, not just technology skills in the music classroom. Some music technology curricular ideas and suggestions are:

• Developing electronic compositions
• Exploring sound technology including recording/mixing
• Re-articulating/reproducing sound – recorded or live, historical or current
• Producing music using recording technology and audio engineering tools

The use of music technology is an evolving art form. The artistic process components are bound to expand as technologies and societies progress. It is WMEA’s intent to keep this as an evolving document that will address and meet the needs of students and educators, today and in the future. Together, Wisconsin music educators continue to develop these additional performance standards. Please continue to check for updates.

*Standards maps may be reproduced if Wisconsin Music Educators Association is cited as the original source.