Black Spaghetti

Getting Started with

Music Technology

presented by Erin Contrady

Ulster Common Conference Day

April 24, 2009

The Black Spaghetti Creed

• Nothing exists until it is saved in two places.

• Electronic equipment malfunctions at the worst possible moment.

• Always have a backup plan and/or a sense of humor.

Overview

• Hardware• Software• Internet Resources• Storage and Management

I. Hardware

• CD and mp3 players• DVD/VCR equipment• overhead projector/document camera• filmstrip projector• microphones and amps • computers and add-ons

What you need to know about hardware:

• What does it do?• Where does it go?• How do I get it?• How does it work?

Computer Add-ons

• External speakers• Headphones• Microphone • LCD projector• MIDI keyboard • Smartboard• ELMO/Document Camera

External Speakers

• Amplify sound so the whole class can hear.• Plugs into AC outlet and green color-coded

port. • Request speakers from your computer lab

TA. • Just make sure you turn them on! ; )

Headphones

• Let students listen independently.• Plug into green headphone port on

computer.• Get headphones from computer lab TA

Microphone

• Digitally records to computer• Plug into pink microphone port on

computer• Need sound recording software, but it

comes with most computers• Unidirectional mics are for soloists,

dynamic mics are for groups• Available in most electronics stores

LCD Projector

• Lets the whole class see what is on the computer screen.

• Sometimes comes on a cart with its own computer.• Cable plugs into dark blue port with two screws

on back of computer. • Projector also plugs into AC outlet. • Use a blue network cable to view internet sites.• Borrow LCD projector from A/V dept.

MIDI Keyboard

• Lets students explore different styles and sounds.• Lets you or a student input music to a computer program.• Keyboards can be used for performance. They are

connected by a MIDI interface cable (purchased separately) to the USB port.

• MIDI controllers can only be used with a computer. Most come with a USB cable.

• Keyboards can be purchased just about anywhere. Controllers can be found online and in supply catalogs.

Smartboard

• Lets you or a student move or select items on the screen by touching them.

• Plugs into AC outlet. Communicates wirelessly or by cable with a computer that has Smartboard software. Also need LCD projector.

• Has to be oriented before you use it.• Borrow a Smartboard from your A/V dept.

II. Software

• Recording• Computer-assisted instruction (CAI)• Sequencing• Notation• Games• Multimedia

Licensing

• Single use• Lab pack• Site/network license

HELP

• Building computer lab TA• friendly and knowledgeable colleague• Footprints (Kingston)• TI:ME

III. Internet Resources

• youtube• itunes• search engines• interactive websites• webquests

More Internet Resources

• smartlessons• MIDI files• Wikis• Podcasting• Moodle• free or cheap music!

Free or Cheap Music

• Internet Public Library• Band Music PDF Library• Musica Viva

IV. File Storage

• On your computer• On the network

• student work• teacher files

• External• CD• Flash drive• SD memory

V. Your Challenge

• Assemble a MIDI system• Set up an LCD projector and Smartboard• Try different types of software• Create a lesson plan to use next week!

Thank you for coming to

Black Spaghetti:

getting started with music technology

Erin Contrady

M. Clifford Miller Middle School

Lake Katrine, NY 12449

(845) 382-2960

econtrady@kingstoncityschools.org

http://contradysclassroom/mypodcast.com