We hear reports every day about how technology is changing the world, for better and for worse, but what is technology doing for music education?
I’m sure there are plenty of teachers out there who have yet to try bringing any kind of tech into their music lessons. After all, what if what you’ve done for the last 20 years is working, why should you change it now?
If you use technology right, it should enhance the way you already teach, not change it. Whether you simply ask your student to record something they need to remember, take a photo of a hand position or practice their sight singing with the Aural Trainer, there’s always a simple way for you to jump in.
Apps and software can be invaluable additions to your teaching, and create “flipped” learning. When you flip the learning, you don’t have to spend time teaching something you have already taught, saving you valuable lesson time (something I know we all struggle with!).
Simon has tons of great ideas to share with us, and I hope today’s podcast will inspire you to try out something new this week.
The exam board ABRSM have created a range of useful digital learning tools which help make music practice more engaging.
Whether you’re looking to slow down recordings on your tablet, encourage your students to practice for aural tests more effectively, or help them learn to write melodies, ABRSM have a collection of mobile and web apps which you’re sure to find useful for you and your students.
Check them out today – you can find more information about all of them at www.abrsm.org/apps
There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine.
Being a full-time teacher myself, I know how busy teachers are and how much time, effort and passion we put into our students. Sometimes, the last thing we want to do in our time off is listen to more piano teaching stuff! So, well done for using this time for self-improvement.
Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run. Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons.
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Are you a technology expert? Or a complete novice? Did today’s podcast inspire you to try something new? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments.