PortableMusic.ca
Using the Microsoft Zune and Web-based Tools for Junior Music Instruction and Collaboration
This project has been created by Nathan Toft and Jane Smith and is made possible by Microsoft's Innovative Teacher program.Using the Microsoft Zune and Web-based Tools for Junior Music Instruction and Collaboration
Our project focuses on five skills:
1) Independent practice
Students will use our Microsoft Zune to independently practice the recorder in the classroom and at home. The video, audio and pictures files were created specifically for the Zune and are also available on PortableRecorder.ca.
2) Record, edit and mix audio
The students will learn how to mix a recording of themselves playing a melody on recorder with a prerecorded backing track using Audacity. Sheet music of varying degrees of difficulties, performance and backing tracks are available at PortableRecorder.ca.
Audio created in these activities will be added to our Microsoft Zune, class blogs and PortableRecorder.ca.
3) Create original music with software and recorded student performances
- create, using Acid XPress, an original backing track and mix it with a recording of themselves playing the melody on recorder.
- record a melody on the recorder and create an original accompaniment using Microsoft's Songsmith.
The students will learn to notate music both by hand and using free online tools like Noteflight.com. Pictures, audio and videos of these compositions will be included on our Microsoft Zune and classroom blogs.
5) Online collaboration
The two classes participate in a series of online collaborations with each other. Using Adobe Connect, they will collaborate in music theory, composition, and performances. Audio and video files recorded from these sessions will be included on the Zune, classroom blogs (MrToft.ca and MrsSmith.ca) and PortableRecorder.ca.
