Dimdim for Education

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Dimdim

The Problem with Music as Art in General Music Education

Traditionally general music education programs emphasis skill development at the expense of the art form as a whole. The model of learning tends to be teacher centered with the instructor demonstrating the concepts and the students responding to the instructors’ calls. Music education needs to create a more holistic model of non-linear modes of thinking including multisensory learning and inquiry based learning. When music education objectives empower students, it provides them with more control and access to their own music education.

The problem in creating music as art in general music education can be solved by using a comprehensive approach of cognitive research and interactive instructional software to music composition with technology.

The purpose of this thesis is to develop creative uses of music technologies as a means of connecting with student learners in meaningful ways. When students interact with music in computer-assisted formats, they can be fully engaged in the process. Technology provides new possibilities for students to learn music and discover the power of their own individual ideas through music composition. The use of computers in music instruction is a broad-based concept that could potentially take many directions. This study, however, focuses on the integration of computer and software technology that is available for students to engage in composition as an art in the music classroom.