Students are Embracing Technology to Make Music

Last summer, members of the Music Department researched and selected the music platform ‘MusicFirst’ to integrate into all music classes from JK-12. This comprehensive software tool offers a variety of music programs for all different levels and has presented our music students with an opportunity to embrace technology like never before.

Soundtrap is an application within MusicFirst where students can record their music. They essentially create a recording studio complete with a metronome. After recording, you can do editing, add dynamics to your piece, adjust the volume, and if you want to collaborate with other people, you can do that too through a shared studio.

 

According to Ms. Promane, Head of Music, GY student Vivien Zhang has become particularly adept at using Soundtrap as demonstrated in her recent recording of Triplet Study duet, which she played both parts for on her Clarinet.

 

“Of course I had to practice the study first, and then when I recorded it I used Soundtrap,” explains Vivien. “I would record each part separately, and sometimes I would divide the two parts into smaller sections so that the rhythm and dynamics were smooth too. One setback I faced was that the rhythms wouldn’t match up, so I had to rerecord a few times. I also had to snip off some audio, which you can only do using technology."

 

Vivien went on to share that Ms. Promane sometimes gives them a backing track, so everyone can add their separate tracks and record their individual parts. “Then when you play it, it sounds like a small ensemble.”

 

Grade 11 student, Connor Fortin is also enjoying using the new application. “It helps us do unique tasks like creating our own songs or putting four recordings together of us playing our instruments in unison. Soundtrap has helped us engage in music class during COVID by using technology like never before.”

“We got a hint of what sound engineering would be like, which was really cool,” noted Vivien. “We never really explored that aspect of music before. We usually would just spend our time practicing and playing our instruments. It was a fresh new opportunity to learn something new. I think that it’s really important for us to know that aspect of music.”

When asked what she misses most about pre-COVID music class, Vivien replied “Soundtrap is just another way for us to play as a group, but of course it doesn’t replace the feeling that you have when actually playing alongside other people in the same room. I miss that and am really looking forward to doing that again. Performing as a group in front of a large audience is definitely a thrill that will never get replaced.”

 

In the immediate future, Vivien is considering putting this new technology to use for a performance with a friend at the upcoming spring Coffee House. “I might have to use this technology to cut our different pieces together to form one whole song.”

 

We’ll all get to witness that performance and more on April 22 at the Senior School Spring Coffee House!