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.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to utilise “flipped” learning
• Why you should consider incorporating technology in your teaching
• How to make sure technology supports your own teaching style
• How to make use of students’ smartphones to record parts of the lesson
• How to get kids started composing their own pieces
• The best apps to encourage student creativity and composition
• How to get started if you haven’t used technology for teaching before

Items mentioned in this podcast:

• Kahoot!
• Garageband
• Logic
• TTTV001: Student Composition Tactics with Daniel McFarlane
• ABRSM Aural Trainer apps
• Note Perfect!
• Ear Trainer
• Madpad
• Everyday Looper
• GrooveMaker
• Billy Joel and Jimmy Fallon form 2 man doo-wop group using iPad
• ForScore
• Speed Shifter
• Practice Partner

Today’s sponsor: ABRSM

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.

• You may have heard of Speedshifter? It slows down any recording you may have on your tablet without altering the pitch.
• The award-winning Aural Trainer which I previously mentioned is now available for Grades 1 to 5 and Grades 6 to 8.
• Melody Writer is a free online tool and develops musical theory knowledge and understanding.
• And if your students are learning to play the ABRSM exam pieces, Piano Practice Partner and Violin Practice Partner, are fantastic tools designed to make their practice sessions more fun and engaging.

Check them out today – you can find more information about all of them at www.abrsm.org/apps

Thank you for Tuning In!

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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How much do you embrace technology in your teaching?

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.