iPads as Instruments Response

I like that educators are reaching out to technology and playing with the definition of a musical instrument. Students would be some what curious as to how their everyday items could double as a musical instrument and ultimately attract them to join the ensembles. 

The concept of using iPads as an instrument for students with special needs is truly magnificent. Especially since in our society today, many individuals know how to work cell phones/tablets by roughly the age of 3. This pre-learned skill set would allow those who may struggle with he many demands of multitasking that is music. There are so many things to think about during the making of music: posture, fingering, reading the sheet music, breathing, dynamics, etc. Having an instrument where posture and breathing aren’t absolutely necessary for success could help a student manage the multitasking a little better. In the end, their music educational experience would be less frustrating, hopefully increasing the positivity of their experience.

    This is not directly related to the text but was involved in it. A teacher at a conference said this against the new ideals of music education: “iPad ensembles and rock bands are not the way we should be heading We need to be seeking out students and exposing them to quality art” -Anonymous. Honestly this makes me irate. Art in itself is subjective, so the idea of ‘quality art’ doesn’t really exist. Clearly this teacher has a prejudice against rock bands and iPads, but who says these ensembles don’t have quality EDUCATIONAL aspects? Who says students attracted to rock bands would even consider looking into said ‘quality art’? If they were interested int he traditional music program, those students would be currently enrolled and relatively passionate already. We as educators should be striving to give our students the most positive education experience, I’m sure none of us would want to be the reason a student drops out or begins to hate a subject; or worse education in genera.

(mini rant over).

It is interesting how Williams compares an iPad to an oboe, specifically the part where he says “the person uses the instrument to create music” and mentions that different instruments are better depending on the situation. This does not mean that one instrument is superior to another. I think the concept of instrument equality does need to be reiterated occasionally, because even some professional musicians seem to have these beliefs. We are all equally capable regardless if we play the electric guitar, the piano or an iPad. I believe we as musicians can work towards breaking down this instrumental hierarchy by incorporating iPad ensembles and rock bands into our everyday curriculum.

Williams, D. A. (2014). Another Perspective The iPad Is a REAL Musical Instrument. Music Educators Journal, 101(1), 93-98.