Using Smart Compostition Software in Music Class

Looping software can be so much fun! It is such a great way to get kids (and adults) excited about music composition before they can read music! Results are instantaneous and changes are easy if you can drag and drop. I plan to use this software in my Applied Music class in the technology and recording unit. The students will create their own composition, save it as a .wav file and burn it to an original class CD. We will also explore the MIDI capabilities of a lot of the software and add in some .mid files as well as some digital recordings of live performances. What a wonderful way to get the kids involved in not only performance and practice, but actual music production! The beauty of this family of programs (ACID, Ableton, Super Duper Music Looper and Band-In-A-Box to name a few) is that the students' compositions can be done quite simply or in a very complex and involved manner. Thus, it is an appropriate activity for the very young learner to the accomplished musician.