Using a Conventional Computer Lab for Music Instruction

Having a room dedicated to music technology instruction is preferable, but not every school has the space or the budget. For classroom solutions, a cart of M-Audio controllers can be rolled into a traditional computer lab to quickly create an environment conducive to hands-on music instruction—or use them to create a mobile lab with laptops. Class-compliant keyboards, controllers, and audio interfaces from M-Audio make it all possible, with setup completed before the tardy bell rings.

Case Study: Shaker Heights High School uses conventional computer lab to teach music composition.

Like so many schools, Cleveland, Ohio’s Shaker Heights High did not have the room or the budget for a computer lab that was dedicated solely to music technology. But that didn’t stop music director Tom Deep from realizing his goal of a music class that teaches compositions and arrangement creation with music technology.

“We use a pre-existing computer ‘open sign-up’ lab. Teachers sign-up and bring their class to the lab for research on the Internet or to complete a project,” explains Deep. “During the last period of the day, I have the lab reserved for composition class. With the advent of small and affordable music keyboard controllers, students grab a keyboard out of our cabinet, plug in to the computer’s USB port, log on to our sign-up (all computers are on a network) and get to work. It’s amazing how little time it takes. When we aren’t there, the only evidence of our class being in the lab is our secure storage cabinet and a few cables at each computer.

The equipment for the class includes iMac G3 computers, M-Audio Keystation 49e keyboards and inexpensive headphones (which students are required to bring from home). Software choices include Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory Trainer Volumes I, II and III, Finale (music notation software), and Cubase SE (music sequencing software). “We started out with another manufacturers’ keyboards, but they just didn’t hold up,” says Deep. “We’ve been very happy with the M-Audio keyboards. The kids love them.”

Deep estimates that his 16-station lab (with hardware and a full complement of software tools) cost under $5,000—not counting the computers that were already there. He considers the price tag within reach of most school systems, making it a very realistic model for other educational institutions.

As testimony to the success of Mr. Deep’s class, there is now a waiting list of students wanting to get in. Deep explains, “When I originally planned for this class, I expected that the top musicians from the band, choir and orchestra programs would take this class. Although several do, many students come from the ‘non-music’ population of the school. They are the ‘garage band’ kids and other students who simply have a strong interest in music. They are not part of our performing ensembles. Many of these students intend on majoring in music business and plan on having a career in the music field, so we are reaching a different, but very meaningful group of students with this program.”

The culmination of the class is in May of each year, when the class has a student composition concert. Students choose one of their pieces, and each piece must have at least one live performance element. Then the students are responsible for finding their own musicians to perform, rehearsing their ensemble and sometimes conducting their own work. Mr. Deep reports that the concert is a highlight of the year—a rewarding way for students to express the creativity that M-Audio and other music technology companies have facilitated.

Re-Printed with permission from Ken Johnson @ M-Audio.com