Title: Enhancing musical skills through sound design

Description: Sound design is the process of crafting sonic elements for film or video projects. Practicing this aural art form develops students’ critical listening skills and ability to make compositional decisions. This session will outline the concepts, vocabulary, artists, and software you need to know for developing a sound design project.

• enhanced podcast of lecture – 26.1 MB

This presentation grew out on my experiences teaching the sound design unit in DIGA 101. The topic of sound design allowed me to overcome much of the early hesitancy that non-musicians had about working with music technology in our Digital Arts program. The goal of my presentation was to introduce the topic to K-12 music teachers with existing technology curricula who may want new project ideas for their classroom. The premise is that although sound design is not equivalent to music, it can enhance students’ musical skills and understanding in new ways.

Thanks so much to everyone that attended my presentation. And once again, thanks to Nick Eggen for the invitation to present.

I neglected to include credits for images and other media within the enhanced podcast, but will provide links in the comments of this post.

My lecture from this year’s FMEA is now available for download.  The presentation highlighted how the media has helped propel the concept of the laptop as instrument into the public consciousness.  It concluded with some ideas on how K12 music educators can start to wrap their heads about the potentials of making laptop music.

Special thanks to Nick Eggen and the FMEA tech committee for the invite.

BTW, a majority of the photos used my slides were obtained via Flickr, where they are posted under a Creative Commons license.  As with all the other content on my site, this podcast is offered under a similar license.  Although the photo credits are contained in the presentation, I will also post them in the comments for those that might be interested.

• enhanced podcast of lecture – 25.1 MB

Talking about my own experience with laptop music.

On Thursday this week, I will be giving a lecture at the Florida Music Educators Association Annual Clinic-Conference.  This is the largest gathering of K12 music teachers in the state.

My talk will cover:

• the media’s role in how the laptop came to be considered an instrument
• myths and stereotypes about laptop music
• famous names associated with this emerging instrument
• thoughts about what the future may hold
• discussion about what K12 music education’s role could be

If you are going to FMEA, mark your planners or circle me in the program:
Thurs, Jan 7 • 2:45 PM-3:45 PM
Marriott Waterside Room: Meeting Room 4

I hope to see some of my old friends that work in music education around the state.  Spread the word and invite your friends.  Yes, I know it’s across the street from the main site (as the tech sessions always are!) but I hope to make it worth the walk.

Some laptops in action during an MPG performance.