It’s always the little things that can make a big difference, like learning all the little tricks in notation software to make your life easier. I’m very fortunate to be learning from James Humberstone, not only a great educator but actually a creator of Sibelius who knows all the secret clues to unlock your mastery. […]
It’s not perfect but it was fun trying it out. This is a step sequencer whereby the user can easily enough click on various sounds and squares to make into a sequence and essentially make some music. I was particularly interested in trying out as it has been designed as a throw back, both in […]
My first Makey Makey kit arrived and what better way to test it out than with my 5yo. After setting things up through the very helpful Makey Makey website and a few YouTube demonstrations we were off.
The next semester is here and I think the word “challenging” is one best to describe the two subjects that put me out of my comfort zone the most – composition and technology. But life is meant to be exciting and something that I’m very excited for learning more about, is the technology behind invention […]
As I near the end of completing all my resources and planning for my unit, it’s very easy to read over things and think “oh I could do that” or “it could even work well with this activity”. Luckily there will be plenty more to plan to use later ideas. Perhaps it’s the nature of […]
For this unit I have been creating all my resources using Noteflight. Using one in-browser notation software, has actually made this part of the task quite efficient. I have been able to learn new keyboard shortcuts and everything is saved in the Noteflight Cloud. I can therefore access it anywhere with a record of all of […]
I have been creating resources such as YouTube videos and exploring how best to edit screen and voice-overs together. I’m getting better but there is much room to improve. For starters I have how a proper microphone (yes very exciting) that has helped (not surprisingly) with the recording. I now also record in a room with […]
One of the best things I’ve come to realise in compiling this unit; is that when looking into music of the last 25years, we have access to great documentation from the composers themselves. We have access to their blogs, websites and many wonderful resources that have been created, analysing and discussing their music with the […]
The resources for this unit are mounting….I’m finding it difficult to keep an accurate track as I develop and of course revise tasks and resources as I think of alternate ideas. One of the best quotes I keep in mind from Ken Burns “cut your darlings!” Something I try to keep in the back of […]
As part of my unit I had the great opportunity to consult with the Australian composer Sandy Evans. I am using her amazing jazz work “Big Swell” inspired by Indian Carnatic music as a main focus for this unit. This incredible work provides so many areas across Jazz and Indian music that can be explored in the classroom….where […]