Music Appreciation

The Challenge
In a world where students are immersed in the multi-media experience of television and CD-ROMs, it can be difficult to attract students’ short attention span to the single medium of music.  Not only can technology target students’ short attention spans, but it can also enrich their listening experience by directing their attention towards certain elements of the music as they listen. 

The Solution
There are an increasing number of CD-ROMs becoming available that provide a rich multi-media experience focused on listening to music.  Many provide running commentaries or analysis of the music as it plays.  They are often supported by excerpts from the score, essays, biographical information and complete formal analysis.  Games and tests are common as publishers try to make their products commercially viable.

Programs such as Hyper-Studio or PowerPoint allow users to develop presentations that are synchronized to an audio CD.  These presentations can include text, graphics (including notation), animation and videos.  Additionally, interactive elements can be added that allow students to respond to the presentation. 

Not only can teachers successfully use these packages, but students can demonstrate their experiences and understanding of music with these programs as well.  Students can provide their own commentary or images as the music plays.  Not only can this be a valuable tool for assessment, but it also can be a rewarding experience for students as they present their ideas to their classmates and parents.