It was an exciting experience to experiment with and actually make music. Jamstudio, a free open source site, has music software that allows users (once logged in) to create and save songs with any purpose in mind. I created an 'Alert Song' to fulfill an objective-create a piece of music to warn children of danger- for a classroom workshop task.
All sorts of dangers face our children. I thought about hurricanes and the warning signals that students can be given when our island is placed under hurricane warning. I had no predetermined idea of the song that I wanted to create but used the sounds offered by Jamstudio to create one.
I surveyed the different kinds of sounds that Jamstudio offers and I was fascinated by the End of Days, Mutation and Roto Robo Synth sounds as well as the Salt and Rain drum beats and the 8 ball and Bubba Bass sounds. Each instrument I experimented with I used them on separate pages or sheets. Then I put in different combinations of notes on each page which already had the instruments to be played. I looped the page and listened to the melody, altered it if necessary, and included a drum beat and a bass sound to complete it. Afterward, I increased the tempo to make the warning-sound effect come alive. Finally, I ordered the pages to create a smooth flowing song, previewed the sound then saved it.
Surprisingly, it took me a few days to come up with the final piece of music created. This is so probably because I was trying to create an original piece with a melody that is logical. It must be mentioned that the level of difficulty involved in creating the piece of music was moderate or adequate. There was a bit of challenge in coming up with the notes to make the song but eventually it worked out just superbly. In fact, I really enjoyed spending all this time to create the music since one of my interests, as you will have read from my profile, is 'making music'. I will actually continue to make songs using Jamstudio's music software.
It should not be disputed that discovery learning must not be directed. Directing a process sets the framework, boundaries and outcomes with which to work. It does not mean taking everyone through the process or task step by step but it is suggesting that everyone is made aware of their expectations while engaging in the task to send a clear message that structure and guidance are mandatory during the activity. To work towards achieving specific outcomes or objectives as directed may lead to achieving aims that may be a part of the bigger picture. If objectives are left to be chosen by students it is also likely that they may not work towards developing their higher-order thinking and reasoning skills. They may focus on simple knowledge tasks and forgo skill and attitude tasks or vice-versa. Of course, students can give their input in the creation and selection of objectives and tasks for the activity, but ultimately the teacher strikes the balance for the outcomes of the process.
Review of the Open Source Software
Jamstudio's open source music software is a tool that can be used to make music. Many instruments sounds, such as guitar, drums, electronic keyboard and organ among others, can be used in the creation of original songs by almost anyone. These songs can be created in different keys with accompanying chords and variations. It can be used by music teachers and other teachers alike to make music come alive in the classroom.
This software offers lots of advantages for the teaching situation. First of all, it is free; the school does not have to spend money on purchasing and installing a long term music software unto its PCs. Secondly, there is a tutorial, making available assistance for the first time user to get around. Thirdly, one gets to create original songs which eliminate issues with copyright. And finally, everything happens instantly; instrument is selected now, chords are chosen right away and song is played and saved immediately and alterations are mane instantly.
On the other hand one must be a subscriber to gain full access to all of Jamstudios operations. This means that only adults are able to fully utilize the resource.
Nevertheless, this free software is extremely important in classroom applications being free and simple to manoeuvre by teachers and young students alike. You can try it too. Visit my video bar and view a tutorial for JamStudio.
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