Technology is easily understood and valued by secondary school students. This is apparent in Pitts and Kwami’s survey, as it is evident that digital notation software is the preferred method of composition for adolescents (2002). The time saving tools in finale discussed by Prairie (2010, introduction), simplify the composition process for students. The software is understood easily because of their regular interactions with technology. As a result of this, less time is dedicated to notation techniques, and more time is spent on understanding chord structure, melody, rhythms and timbres.
The appeal of composition is much greater to students with the functions provided by the notation software. They appreciate the instant gratification of playback, cut/paste, undo and other automated functions, enabling them to make small alterations to their piece without re-writing the composition (Prairie, 2010). However, although the time saving techniques are of use, Kayali argues that the students will produce “poor quality” compositions. They will not learn to use their inner ear, instead listening to their composition played by a MIDI orchestra (as seen below) through the software playback.
Source: http://www.synthtopia.com/news/05_01/iLife_Garageband_2.html
Nevertheless, Kayali maintains that composers believe the positive aspects of digital notation software outweigh the negatives.
Below is an example of MIDI playback. This particular composition incorperates a variety of well known movie themes.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVLW9KcXPVg&feature=player_embedded
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Reference List:
Kayali, F. Music notation software: A composers best enemy?. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2010, from http://www.usc.edu/libraries/partners/resonance/2009%20Spring/Kayali/ indexkayali.html.
Pitts, A., Kwami, R.M. (2002). Raising students' performance in music composition through the use of information and communications technology (ICT): a survey of secondary schools in England. B.J Music Ed, 19(1), 61-71. Retrieved March 20, 2010, from Cambridge University Press database.
Prairie, E. Timesavers: Making the best use of your time. (2010). Retrieved March 22, 2010, from http://www.finalemusic.com/Finale/Features/Timesavers/default.aspx.