Overview
(May 2009) Technology plays an important and increasing role in music. Using and embracing aspects of Music Technology are important for all musicians, music educators, composers, and music business personnel. Logically, students in the various disciplines of music must work to understand, refine, and adopt the use of technology. As they learn to understand and encompass new aspects of music, they will learn to integrate technology and other 21st century skills into their daily routines.WHY YOU NEED TECHNOLOGY
Today, music technology integrates with and often relies on computers and computer technology. Very quickly, freshmen will use computing technology for theory and other non-music assignments. Aural assignments, research, and other coursework will use many forms of computing technology. At times, students will create an environment for composition, improvisation, audio recording, and arranging of music, using computers. Computers help the musician to record, transcribe, edit, practice, and perform pieces of music. These musical environments will also enable and invite the student to experiment and discover new methods and new ideas. Computer-based instructional (CBI) software will embellish the journey as students study.Many non-computer based technologies will also be needed and used. Often, computer technology will be required and used to manipulate, enhance, or deliver the products created by the non-computer based technology components.
WHICH MUSIC PATH AM I?
We know that many music students will have overlapping interests within the various music majors and minors, and many will have overlapping academic interests outside the department. We have used a concept map model to "build" a road map to help you understand your pathway as it relates to the technology you will need during your four years. You may find this color-coded map helpful. Please click on the image of the map in the left column or here to use this visual and interactive aid. Click on the document symbol to reveal a link to the topic in question.
THE PITCH
We strongly encourage all Music students to purchase a notebook computer using one of the hardware and software configurations found on the "Computer Systems" page (click the tab above or follow the links on the "road map").We strongly encourage all Music students to purchase the technology and components additionally described on the "Other Items" page (click the "Other Items" tab above or follow the various links on the "road map").
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We have moved in a direction similar to the "model" adopted by many other music departments and schools around the country. Research shows that, students are more successful if they have the opportunity to use the technology they need, when, and where they want to use it. Logically, this implies ownership on the part of the student. Thankfully, ownership is more affordable than ever.YOUR COMPUTING DECISION
Remember, however, that ownership implies at least a four-year commitment. When you are weighing the options of the systems to buy, you have to assess whether you are going to buy one super system with a four year inclusive service plan, buy two moderate systems with moderate service plans over the four years, or create some other scenario on your own that will accomplish a positive end result. Most University of Delaware students bring their own computers to campus. There are computing sites in academic buildings and residence halls equipped with up-to-date hardware, software, and connections to the University of Delaware network. However, these sites are crowded at peak times.Every semester, faculty and students often must upgrade software programs that are more sophisticated than during previous periods. Faculty will require that your software versions are the same as theirs. These applications require faster systems, with more memory, and more disk space. Additionally, a student must seriously assess how well they care for equipment. Do you have a track record that would justify a long-term, power system purchase now? Would your track record suggest two more modest systems over your Delaware career? If you decide to bring an older desktop computer now, will you have to spend additional money to find solutions for other department technology requirements? We can relate that some students have noticed that the last three to four semesters tend to be the most computer intensive, from an application point of view.
