Music Education & Technology Podcast: Recent Episodes
Paul Shimmons and Chris Russell
Paul Shimmons and Chris Russell discuss the use of technology in music education, often featuring guests in the field of music education and technology.
Music educators Chris Russell and Paul Shimmons catch up after another year away from the podcast, discussing the challenges of the past year and what education looks like in times of the pandemic, as well as the tools they are using at this time to teach their students.
For the brain break videos, look up “UJU” on YouTube!
https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20016.m4a
Music educators Chris Russell and Paul Shimmons catch up after another year away from the podcast, discussing the challenges of the past year and what education looks like in times of the pandemic, as well as the tools they are using at this time to teach their students. For the brain break videos, look up … Continue reading "Episode 016: Another Year?"
Happy New Year and New Decade! Paul and Chris visit at the Michigan Music Conference, at the end of the day and as a college reception begins at the event. It has been a YEAR since the last podcast (to the day!) was published. We’re still here…it’s just been busy. This is a live recording, with all the noises, interruptions, and distractions while recording. Recorded with “Just Press Record” on an iPhone 11 with a Shure MV88 microphone.
Topics in the podcast are wide-ranging but include:
- Our joint session from earlier in the day
- Where we purchase equipment
- What software we’re using
- And much more
We’re hoping this won’t be the last podcast for 2020! We enjoy visiting about the technology we use, and we hope that our visits–with each other or with guests–is informative to you, too.
Thoughts or comments? Send us an e-mail at metpodcast @ gmail.com
https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20Episode%2015.m4a
Roli LightPad Block A4 Mixer
Happy New Year and New Decade! Paul and Chris visit at the Michigan Music Conference, at the end of the day and as a college reception begins at the event. It has been a YEAR since the last podcast (to the day!) was published. We’re still here…it’s just been busy. This is a live recording, … Continue reading "Well, it has been a year…"
In this episode of the Music Education and Technology Podcast, Chris Russell and Paul Shimmons catch up on some of the happenings since they last issued a podcast episode in June. Thanks for listening to the podcast, and feel free to reach out to us at metpodcast@gmail.com The Music Education & Technology Podcast can be … Continue reading "Paul and Chris Visit in the New Year"
In this episode of the Music Education and Technology Podcast, Chris Russell and Paul Shimmons catch up on some of the happenings since they last issued a podcast episode in June.
Thanks for listening to the podcast, and feel free to reach out to us at metpodcast@gmail.com
The Music Education & Technology Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Audio Link: https://ia600600.us.archive.org/23/items/METPodcast/MetPodcast-Episode0014.m4a
https://ia600600.us.archive.org/23/items/METPodcast/MetPodcast-Episode0014.m4a
In this lengthy episode of the Music Education and Technology Podcast, Chris and Paul catch up about what has been going on in their classrooms since November, including discussions about Notion’s N-Tempo, Luddites, instruction with video, and more.
In the second half of the podcast, Chris and Paul visit with Don Crafton, creator and owner of Sight Reading Factory, a program that Paul uses with high school band and Chris uses with Middle School Choir. This part of the podcast begins at 58 minutes into the podcast. Visit sightreadingfactory.com to learn more about Sight Reading Factory.
Feel free to contact us at metpodcast@g m a i l.com, and to visit our WordPress site at metpodcast.wordpress.com. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MetPodcast013.m4a
https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MetPodcast013.m4a
In this lengthy episode of the Music Education and Technology Podcast, Chris and Paul catch up about what has been going on in their classrooms since November, including discussions about Notion’s N-Tempo, Luddites, instruction with video, and more. In the second half of the podcast, Chris and Paul visit with Don Crafton, creator and owner … Continue reading "A Visit with Don Crafton from Sight Reading Factory"
In this episode, Chris and Paul visit with Dan Scott, an Orchestra teacher in Jenison, Michigan. Dan works at (and has been a key cotributor) to a very large and successful orchestra program (and music program) in Southern Michigan. Dan uses technology in his teaching, and has ben active in MASTA and has a masters … Continue reading "A Visit with Dan Scott, Orchestra Teacher in Jenison, Michigan"
In this episode, Chris and Paul visit with Dan Scott, an Orchestra teacher in Jenison, Michigan. Dan works at (and has been a key cotributor) to a very large and successful orchestra program (and music program) in Southern Michigan. Dan uses technology in his teaching, and has ben active in MASTA and has a masters degree in educational technology. Dan has also presented sessions on technology including “50 Ways to Integrate Technology in Your Music Program,” and he has graciously provided a link to the notes from that session:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KDKvwzv6Z7fdVbaqUGRiavDpyHyOoe5rZZ4vjVNs604/edit?usp=sharing
Here is a “static” PDF of the same document: 50 Easy Ways to use Technology in a Performance-Based Classroom
We hope you enjoy hearing our interview with Dan as much as we enjoyed visiting with him!
Link to Audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MetPodcast012.m4a
In this episode, Paul and Chris interview Mark Shelton, author of “Give Me a Tablet,” which is available through Heritage Music Press at your local dealer. The interview was recorded in October and is being posted late on November 4, 2017. As a side note, the podcast is no longer hosted by SoundCloud, but instead … Continue reading "Interview with Mark Shelton, author of “Give Me a Tablet”"
In this episode, Paul and Chris interview Mark Shelton, author of “Give Me a Tablet,” which is available through Heritage Music Press at your local dealer. The interview was recorded in October and is being posted late on November 4, 2017.
As a side note, the podcast is no longer hosted by SoundCloud, but instead through archive.org. This blog acts as the RSS feed, which is read by FeedBurner (a Google product), which then reports to Apple Podcasts.
Thank you for your continued support of the MET Podcast, and if you have a topic that you would like to be discussed, or are an author, developer, or manufacturer that would like to discuss your product, please reach out to us (see the “About page” on our website, metpodcast.wordpress.com).
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20011.m4a
In this episode, Chris was teaching a session at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, and had Paul Skype in to talk about some technology, including the use go SeeSaw and Google Classroom.
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20010.m4a
In this episode, Chris was teaching a session at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, and had Paul Skype in to talk about some technology, including the use go SeeSaw and Google Classroom. Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20010.m4a
In this podcast, we visit with Eckart Burgwedel, the CEO of UberChord First Half Notes: Apple Pro Applications Bundle (Mac OS) for $199: https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/product/BMGE2Z/A/pro-apps-bundle-for-education LumaFusion (Referral Link for Paul, Referral Link for Chris) Chordette (Ukulele Educational Font) AirTurn PED Pro (New) PageFlip Dragonfly PageFlip lineup blog post by Matt Libera Soundtrap iCab Mobile (Referral Link for … Continue reading "An Interview with Eckart Burgwedel from UberChord"
In this podcast, we visit with Eckart Burgwedel, the CEO of UberChord
First Half Notes:
- Apple Pro Applications Bundle (Mac OS) for $199: https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/product/BMGE2Z/A/pro-apps-bundle-for-education
- LumaFusion (Referral Link for Paul, Referral Link for Chris)
- Chordette (Ukulele Educational Font)
- AirTurn PED Pro (New)
- PageFlip Dragonfly
- PageFlip lineup blog post by Matt Libera
- Soundtrap
- iCab Mobile (Referral Link for Paul, Referral Link for Chris)
- Other Music Education Podcasts to Follow
- Our podcast (for subscribing purposes to Apple Podcasts)
- Katie Wardrobe
- Robby Burns
- Music Ed Mentor Podcast (Elisa Jones – MakeMusic)
- Music Education, and Technology Podcast (Dr. Joseph Pisano & Darren Morton)
Second Half Notes:
- UberChord (Note: not optimized for the iPad screen size…however, it will work on an an iPad)
- UberChord Website
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20009.mp3
It has been a while since we have recorded a podcast, but in this podcast we are pleased to introduce David Zemsky, the developer who created Sheet Music Scanner (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris), an inexpensive scanning app for iOS. First Half Notes: Handwriting Based Notation Apps Komp (Referral Link from Paul, Referral … Continue reading "An Interview with David Zemsky, Developer of Sheet Music Scanner"
It has been a while since we have recorded a podcast, but in this podcast we are pleased to introduce David Zemsky, the developer who created Sheet Music Scanner (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris), an inexpensive scanning app for iOS.
First Half Notes:
- Handwriting Based Notation Apps
- Komp (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- Music Jot (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- Touch Notation by Kawai (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- NotateMe(Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- Notion for iOS (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- StaffPad (Windows)
- MyScript (makes the engine behind some handwriting recognition software)
- Music Notation Apps (standard)
- Noteflight (Learn) (web based)
- Flat.io (web based)
- Dorico (great cross grade price for education; time may be running out on that price)
- Notion for Mac/Windows
- MuseScore
- Finale
- Sibelius
- Incredibox
- Interactive Web Site
- iOS App (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- M&Ms Web Interface
- Note-taking Apps
- GoodNotes (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- Notability (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- GVIDO E ink Tablet
- Some Blogs and Podcasts
- Robert Puff’s Website
- Scoring Notes Blog (formerly the Sibelius Blog)
- Katie Wardrobe’s Podcast (Midnight Music)
- RSS Readers
- Mr. Reader, mention by Paul, is no longer available
- Feedly (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- UberChord (providing the funding for this year on SoundCloud). Thank you!
- Uberchord (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- Monster Chord (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris) (Powered by UberChord)
Second Half Notes:
- Sheet Music Scanner (Referral Link from Paul, Referral Link from Chris)
- PhotoScore (the class leading scanning software by Neuratron, basic version comes as part of Sibelius; there is a mobile version in NotateMe as an In-App Purchase)
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20008.m4a
In this episode, Paul and Chris, after seven years of communication have finally met in person and record an episode with each other in the same room! Topics of the conversation include the 2017 Michigan Music Conference (particularly the Thursday Technology Pre-Conference), and news from NAMM including Komp, IK Multimedia products, and big changes to … Continue reading "Chris and Paul at the Michigan Music Conference"
In this episode, Paul and Chris, after seven years of communication have finally met in person and record an episode with each other in the same room! Topics of the conversation include the 2017 Michigan Music Conference (particularly the Thursday Technology Pre-Conference), and news from NAMM including Komp, IK Multimedia products, and big changes to GarageBand for iOS and Logic.
Links:
- Michigan Music Conference: http://www.michiganmusicconference.org/
- Komp notation software for iOS (Not yet avaialble): https://www.semitone.audio/
- The Sibelius Blog news item about Komp: http://www.sibeliusblog.com/news/namm-2017-komp-a-music-handwriting-app-for-ios-is-in-development/
- IK Multimedia iRig IO: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/news/?item_id=9995
- IK Multimedia iRig Acoustic Stage: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/news/?item_id=9994
- GarageBand (now with the Alchemy synthesizer, multiple takes, and more): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785?
- Logic Pro: http://www.apple.com/logic-pro/
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20007.m4a
In the sixth episode of the Music Education and Technology Podcast, Chris and Paul discuss Dorico’s new 30 day trial, Google Classroom, Showbie, SeeSaw, and the latest update to Uberchord. Google Classroom, Showbie, and SeeSaw are web-based services that can be used with many platforms (Showbie still has more features for iOS, but has expanded much of its functionality to web based interactions). In the second half of the podcast, our guest is Raphael Schumann, the CEO of Newzik. Newzik is a relatively new (nine months) app that is used for music reading–with both PDFs and MusicXML files. The app has a special focus on group distribution, and has already been used for a complete orchestral concert with the Opera de Rouen. Newzik also offers equipment rentals to orchestras and ensembles. We also want to continue to thank Uberchord for its sponsorship of SoundCloud hosting for this podcast this year.
Show Links:
- Google Classroom
- Showbie
- SeeSaw
- Uberchord
- Newzik
- Newzik App (referral links: Paul or Chris)
- Sheet Music Scanner (referral links: Paul or Chris)
- Gustaf
- Chromatik
- Blackbinder
- TomPlay
- Evernote (referral links: Paul or Chris)
See Newzik’s use with the Opera de Rouen:
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20006.m4a
In the sixth episode of the Music Education and Technology Podcast, Chris and Paul discuss Dorico’s new 30 day trial, Google Classroom, Showbie, SeeSaw, and the latest update to Uberchord. Google Classroom, Showbie, and SeeSaw are web-based services that can be used with many platforms (Showbie still has more features for iOS, but has expanded … Continue reading "An Interview with Raphaël Schumann, CEO of Newzik"
In the first part of Episode 005, Paul and Chris discuss BLE MIDI (Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI) which is a newer standard found on Apple Products (iOS and macOS) and there are some solutions for other platforms. They also discuss Sheet Music Scanner which recently added the ability to export to MusicXML and reads … Continue reading "An Interview with John Mlynczak from Noteflight (a Hal Leonard Company)"
In the first part of Episode 005, Paul and Chris discuss BLE MIDI (Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI) which is a newer standard found on Apple Products (iOS and macOS) and there are some solutions for other platforms. They also discuss Sheet Music Scanner which recently added the ability to export to MusicXML and reads PDF files (see links below). In the second part of Episode 005, Paul and Chris (mainly Paul, as Chris was sick and didn’t have much of a voice) visited with John Mlynczak, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Noteflight, a Hal Leonard Company.
Links:
- Blocks by Roli
- Ableton Push
- Minim by Livid
- Seaboard Rise by Livid
- Noise App (referral links: Paul or Chris)
- Quicco Sound mi.1 (MIDI to BLE MIDI adapter)
- Miselu C.24 keyboard
- Zivix JamStik + (BLE Guitar Controller)
- Zivix PUC+ (MIDI to BLE MIDI adapter)
- Yamaha UD-BT01 (MIDI to BLE MIDI adapter)
- Yamaha MT-BT01 (MIDI to BLE MIDI adapter)
- CME XKey Air (BLE MIDI Keyboard)
- Korg MicroKey Air
- CME WIDI Bud (USB dongle to add BLE MIDI capability to many devices)
- Sheet Music Scanner (referral links: Paul or Chris)
- Noteflight
- Noteflight Learn
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20005.m4a
Chris and Paul discuss the release of Dorico, the latest update for Notion for iOS (and some of the problems with the handwriting feature/in-app purchase), Sheet Music Plus, Gustaf, Sample Tank, and some classroom management tips. The second half of the podcast is an interview with Aron Nelson, developer of unrealBook. Special thanks to Aron … Continue reading "An Interview with Aron Nelson, developer of unrealBook"
Chris and Paul discuss the release of Dorico, the latest update for Notion for iOS (and some of the problems with the handwriting feature/in-app purchase), Sheet Music Plus, Gustaf, Sample Tank, and some classroom management tips. The second half of the podcast is an interview with Aron Nelson, developer of unrealBook. Special thanks to Aron for joining us, and to UberChord for sponsoring the podcast!
Part One Links:
Dorico: http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/dorico/start.html
Notion for iOS: referral links (Paul or Chris)
Gustaf: referral links (Paul or Chris)
Sample Tank: referral links (Paul or Chris)
Noteflight: https://www.noteflight.com/login
Flat.io: https://flat.io
Daniel Spreadbury Twitter: @dspreadbury
Soundtrap: referral links (Paul or Chris)
Incredibox: referral links (Paul or Chris)
Paul’s Blog: ipadmusiced.wordpress.com
S-Cubed Sight Reading Method: http://inthemiddlewithmrd1.blogspot.com
Uberchord: referral links (Paul or Chris)
Music Prodigy: http://www.musicprodigy.com/
With Aron:
unrealBook: referral links (Paul or Chris)
unrealBook One (for iPad 1): referral links (Paul or Chris)
unrealBook website: unrealbook.rocks or unrealbookapp.com
unrealBook Twitter: @unrealbook
JotNot: referral links (Paul or Chris)
Aron’s Stompbox Forum: diystompboxes.com
Aron’s new PDF Music Reader Forum:
AirTurn foot pedals: http://www.airturn.com
iRig IK Multimedia Blueboard Footpedals: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigblueboard/
iMazing: https://imazing.com/
Aron’s new Music PDF Reader Forum: musicreaderforipad.com
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20004.m4a
In the third episode of the Music Education & Technology Podcast, Chris and Paul start off by reviewing the latest developments, as well as discussing tips and tricks. Afterwards, Paul and Chris talk with Catie Dwinal about Quaver Music, elementary music education, and how Catie found herself involved with Quaver Music.
Show Notes:
- Chris Russell’s blog: techinmusiced.com
- Paul Shimmon’s blog: ipadmusiced.wordpress.com
- Flat.io released another update that allows for the customization of number of lines on a staff.
- iOS 10 was released
- There is a bug with iOS 10 and Notion for iOS (referral links for Paul, for Chris). If you select a measure for editing purpose, the app will crash. Notion has found the solution and a future update will solve the problem. For now, if you are using Notion, make sure Speak Selection is turned off. You can find this in your device’s settings, under General>Accessibility>Speech
- YouTube subscriptions are being “weird” on the iPad in iOS 10
- Mac OS Sierra is out…both Chris and Paul are skipping the upgrade. Chris’ MacBook is so old it can no longer be updated, and Paul’s 2010 MacBook isn’t able to use the new features (newer hardware is required)
- Apple has been very slow in announcing or “leaking” news about new MacBooks and iPads. We would love to tell you when new products were coming. Nobody but Apple seems to know at this point.
- A special shout-out to Loren Finkelstein, who has helped us with some of the technological aspects of the podcast.
Information from our guest interview:
- Guest: Catie Dwinal, Key Accounts Representative for Quaver for the Northeast United States and Global Sales. e-mail: catie@quavermusic.com; Twitter: musiccargirl14
- Quaver Music Link
- Quaver is a K-8 (soon to be PK-8) cloud-based, customizable general music curriculum. Quaver is creating 21st century resources that meet the needs of 21st century learners.
- Quaver is generally accessed on a computer or a Chromebook (not an iPad program yet)
- The Q Student App does work on iPad (interaction with teacher and assessments), and there are two stand-alone apps: Qastronotes and Qdancer.
- The Quaver curriculum is subscription based, up to ten years. There are significant discounts starting at year five. As an example, a single year license for K-5 would be $1500. A five year license is a better deal for the school.
- Quaver’s 6-8 program is project based.
- Quaver modifies for the needs of the individual teacher and the technology that is available to them.
- Quaver is reaching a lot of beginning teachers who need a curriculum. Those teachers are using Quaver as a curriculum versus as an supplement.
- There is a new college initiative with Quaver where students can access Quaver before they graduate and prepare for the workforce with a curriculum in hand. Collegiate teachers, reach out to your local representative (see the Quaver website) if you are interested in more about the college initiative.
- The free virtual world is a collection of free activities for students at the Quaver website. They can create music with a drum pad and loops, visit musical periods, play games, and more.
- Every Quaver game has a purpose.
- The Quaver Music Library (Class Play) is a song based activity hub with many types of music. Activities surround each song. There are printable that follow each song.
- There is a full twelve week recorder level in 3rd Grade, keyboard unit in 8th grade, ukulele in 5th grade and 7th grade. There is also a lot of Orff instrumentation in the program.
- Quaver is getting ready to launch a new Kodàly/Orff/Music Learning Theory section called “Song-Based Lessons.”
- There are topic-based essentials that are used by band directors. There are 30 Quaver episodes (DVD or online) that teach the basics of music theory, terminology, instruments, and so on. If you feel “I need to reinforce ____,” they can often find a Quaver activity to meet that need.
- Some things that Catie did to incorporate technology in the elementary classroom when teaching K-5: Skype visits with other classrooms, go out on a limb and find someone out of your area and build relationships with others, invest in mobile devices and their power (for teacher and students), have students listen back to themselves.
- All of the curriculum is going digital; Quaver was just there first. In other words, elementary curriculum either is or will be digital.
Key Thoughts:
- Want to improve the performance of your older MacBook? Get an SSD drive and max out the RAM on the machine. Ask others for help if you need it. SSD drives are becoming incredibly affordable right now.
- If looking for a used MacBook…consider one that is 2012 or newer. If you want a new MacBook, wait for the next new model.
Tip of the Podcast:
- From Paul: It is important to constantly record your ensembles. Cubasis (referral links from Paul, from Chris), a full featured DAW by Steinberg, is on sale right now for 50% off until 10/6/2016 for $25.
- Set a realistic goal when incorporating technology. If you are a techie, feel free to experiment with students. If you are not, practice before hand. Go for one thing and focus on that.
- The Apple Camera Connection Kit is a great solution for a number of things. The new USB 3 version also allows you to connect power to the adapter.
*Note: referral links, when used to purchase an app, send 7% of the purchase price to the person who refers the app. This comes out of the 30% that Apple collects from the app, not the 70% that goes back to the developer. When you use a referral app, it is the same price as if you search for it yourself on the App Store. We thank you in advance for using our referral links when possible.
Link to audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20003.m4a
In this podcast, Chris and Paul have the opportunity to visit with Micah Blouin, from PreSonus about Notion 6, Studio One, and other solutions from PreSonus.
Show Notes:
- Chris Russell’s blog: techinmusiced.com
- Paul Shimmon’s blog: ipadmusiced.wordpress.com
- Notion 6. A new version of Notion (music notation program) from PreSonus. Notion is fast and easy, and Notion 6 has many updates, including integration with…
- Studio One, the Digital Audio Workstation from PreSonus.
- TI-ME Technology in Music Education. The professional organization for music educators and musicians, originally created through the help of NAMM to expand the concepts of music within music education.
- Need ukuleles for your school? Kala (Kala Brand Music) has been known to donate sets of Waterman ukuleles..contact them (no promises) via Facebook.
- Flat.io recently upgraded to Version 8. And it now works on iPads!
- iPhone 7 is out without a headphone jack. This is a natural progression in the loss of wires. Check out T-Mobile’s free iPhone 7 offer if you have an iPhone 6 or 6S to trade in.
- New Apple Watch is out. Chris hasn’t used his much for music, but uses it frequently for other things.
- Consider Apple Teacher certification.
- Apple’s “iWork” programs (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) are now truly collaborative. You can also access them through a web browser via iCloud.com.
Links from our guest interview:
- Guest: Micah Blouin, Education Market Manager for PreSonus. e-mail: musiced@presonus.com; Twitter: presonusmued; musiced.presonus.com
- Want to help fund flood relief for PreSonus employees who lost their homes? Consider this GoFundMe campaign.
- Notion is a modern, fast notation software. New additions: DAW integration with Studio One–over network, handwriting recognition, better score layout control (CTRL+L or CMD+L)
- There is a free version version of Studio One (teachers should check it out). There are other levels of Studio One as well.
- Handwriting in Notion allows you to add extra items after entering the notes. You can toggle handwriting in a specific area, or on the entire screen.
- If you use iCloud with your MacBook and iOS, you can use an immediately updated version of a score, on your device and your MacBook. You can even collaborate at the same time (on the same account)
- Paul: “Notion’s iCloud integration is the best that I have seen on any app.”
- Chris: Remember that not all features on Mac/Windows are on the iOS App
- One of Notion’s great features is N-Tempo, which can capture performance tempos, override tempos, vamp, etc. You can use this tool for transcribing. Use the Mixer to pan as you need to.
- You can embed an audio file (WAV) into Notion.
- The mixer in Notion has a lot of features…including making groups of instruments.
- Compression brings down the highs and brings up the lows.
- PreSonus is a hardware and software solution provider. Example: AudioBox Music Creation Suite. AudioBox Stereo (room stereo recording). Monitors are also available. Marching band audio solutions are available.
- Consider recording your ensembles to provide valuable feedback BEFORE the concert, not just after.
- Why consider Notion? Easy to look at, easy to use, shortcuts are intuitive, people are upset with subscription models, excellent audio playback, and customer support.
- Look for Micah’s Notion 6 videos.
- Paul uses the iPad app for his Studio Live 16.4.2 soun board to control sound from his podium.
- You can use WAV forms to show attacks, styles, etc.
- Capture Duo: free version of Capture, 2-channel for iPad which will wirelessly transfer recordings to StudioOne on a desktop – very slick!
- PreSonus has site licensing…incredible deals with unlimited site licenses.
- Check out Nimbit, which works with Studio One, to sell recordings (legally) after a concert.
Key Thoughts:
- If you are a GAFE school (Google Apps School), and programs that you use take advantage of Google log-in information, that is a huge benefit in terms of helping kids and avoiding frustration.
- Paul’s eventual goal is to perform a concert with student compositions–and he spends time each week having students compose music.
- If you are going to buy Apple products, check with people who keep track of Apple’s product cycle before buying a device. You don’t want to buy something that will be replaced in a month unless you have to. Right now, Apple is taking a year or more on just about every product.
- If you are buying an iPhone or iPad, buy at least the middle-of-the-road level of memory on that device. That extra $100 will pay itself back when you don’t have the hassle of deleting apps.
- A listener wrote in concerned about password protection as based on our last podcast. There are a number of programs that will keep passwords and generates unhackable passwords, such as 1Password or One Safe.
- Please continue to e-mail us with questions, comments, or suggestions of topics you would like us to cover.
Tip of the Podcast:
- AirPlay, wireless mirroring, is wonderful and magical. You can mirror to an Apple TV, or to a computer via Reflector, Air Server, or XMirage. In addition, Lonelyscreen is new and free. Note: to use these services on your school network, your network administrators have to have Apple’s Bonjour services enabled (or at least not blocked). If you are in an anti-Apple environment, you may not be able to use these tools.
- If you don’t have an iPad Pro, there is a very nice non-rubber, non-squishy stylus that works with any touch device. Roughly $45. Adonit Jot Dash
“Ah Ha” Moment:
- Check out the songwriting ability of Grave VanderWaal on America’s Got Talent (see YouTube). The 12 year old singer/ukulele player who has written her own music throughout the contest. Her ability to write a melodic line over simple harmonic patterns is incredible, and an encouragement that perhaps we should be doing more of this with our students.
*Note: referral links, when used to purchase an app, send 7% of the purchase price to the person who refers the app. This comes out of the 30% that Apple collects from the app, not the 70% that goes back to the developer. When you use a referral app, it is the same price as if you search for it yourself on the App Store. We thank you in advance for using our referral links when possible.
Link to Audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20002.m4a
In the inaugural episode of the ME&T Podcast, Paul Shimmons and Chris Russell introduce themselves and the purpose of the podcast. They then cover news items, and offer tips and tricks that can help music educators and musicians integrate technology into their lives.
Show Notes:
- Chris Russell’s blog: techinmusiced.com
- Paul Shimmon’s blog: ipadmusiced.wordpress.com
- forScore Version 10 (referral links from Paul, from Chris). ForScore has a wide variety of features and tools for music education.
- Drillbook Next Director Version (referral links from Paul, from Chris). Drillbook is a way that Paul can have his marching drill at hand during practice sessions with animation, details, and more.
- Drill Book Next Reader HD (referral links from Paul, from Chris). This version lets students see a director-created drill.
- Notion for iOS (referral links from Paul, from Chris). The most advanced music notation app on iOS.
- Notion for Mac or Windows. Chris is using this to make ukulele lead sheets for his students with inline fretboards. Paul is using this exclusively right now in his notation creation.
- Finale 25. Finale looks the same, but is completely different under the hood, and is now a 64-bit only program on Windows. Free 30 day trial.
- unrealBook (referral links from Paul, from Chris). The other full featured music PDF reader (like forScore) and highly recommended by Paul and Chris.
- Dorico. A new notation computer application from the former team that worked on Sibelius, and now employed at Steinberg. Coming Quarter 4 2016.
- MuseScore. Free music notation that works. Version 2 out now, Version 3 under development.
- Noteflight. Online music notation. Education packages available. Now owned by Hal Leonard. Noteflight Learn also available.
- Flat.io. Online music notation. Highly embedded with Google services, education packages available.
- NotateMe with PhotoScore IAP (referral links from Paul, from Chris). Scan from your phone or iPad to a notation app with incredible accuracy, even as scanning disappeared from Finale 25. Expensive ($70 total investment) but no scanner or other software needed–just your phone.
- NotateMe Now (iTunes link, free). Try PhotoScore Now with one staff for free (as well as the handwriting features of NotateMe Now)
- Symphony Pro (referral links from Paul, from Chris). Another decent music notation app on iPad.
- WIDI Bud by CME. (Link to B&H) A USB adapter to turn an non BLE MIDI device (Gen 2 iPad, Chromebook, Windows device) into a Bluetooth MIDI enabled device.
Key Thoughts:
- Every program has its own positives or negatives, strengths and weaknesses
- Some things are easier to do on a computer, and some things are easier to do on a tablet
- If you have a performance in the future, be careful about updating or running a beta.
- Paul and Chris are both people who like a purchase model versus a subscription model.
- What is the notation world going to look like with a new “major” program (Dorico), existing programs (Finale, Sibelius), lower price options (Notion), and online options (Noteflight, Flat.io)?
- Flash, as a programming tool, is finally dead. Steve Jobs was vindicated.
- With apps, companies are often small (sometimes an individual) companies. They make their apps for their own use, but want to hear about your feedback and suggestions. Do contact developers.
- Please e-mail us with questions, opinions, and suggestions for future topics.
Tip of the Podcast:
- Have a way to keep track of your passwords. For an easy solution, look at Apple’s Notes (synced in iCloud). Don’t use the same password everywhere.
“Ah Ha” Moment:
- NotateMe with the PhotoScore IAP is a mind-blowing app for many musicians. Available on all iOS devices and Android devices. Even as scanning is no longer a part of Finale, for $70 you can purchase this app and scan with great accuracy. Results can be exported to any music notation program. The only thing that doesn’t work well is scanning percussion parts, which are not standard from publisher to publisher or composer to composer.
- With NotateMe/PhotoScore. scan with a white background. Use good lighting. Use the flash. If possible, use it on your phone, as you have a better camera on your phone than on your iPad.
*Note: referral links, when used to purchase an app, send 7% of the purchase price to the person who refers the app. This comes out of the 30% that Apple collects from the app, not the 70% that goes back to the developer. When you use a referral app, it is the same price as if you search for it yourself on the App Store. We thank you in advance for using our referral links when possible.
Link to Audio: https://archive.org/download/METPodcast/MET%20Podcast%20001.m4a
In this two part episode, Paul and Chris first discuss some recent news (Notion 6, Flat V8, iPhone 7, and Apple Watch 2), and then talk with Micah Blouin, from PreSonus, about Notion 6, Studio One, and other education offerings from PreSonus.
Paul and Chris get the ME&T Podcast underway, setting up "every podcast" discussions and spending a bit of time talking about forScore (forScore was unable to join us for an interview). Key discussion points include forScore, Finale 25, and Dorico.