First off , I’d like to thank CMEA for giving us a forum that represents music technology in education. I am happy to be representing music technology this year, and I look forward to using CMEA as a valuable resource in my new position as director of the music technology program at Chabot College.

One question I am asking myself in these first stages of developing the program is: since technology in music has tended to promote individualism in the musician (i.e. single-user interface, system controls, and programs) in contrast to the generally grouporiented leanings of music as a whole over history, how does one teach this individual art form in a classroom setting; moreover, how does one incorporate a certain level of group-oriented musicianship into the world of music technology?

Throughout history, technological advancements have generally promoted and encouraged the individual, and rarely the group, to be at the computer, technological instrument, or control surface. Most schools’ Jazz, Rock, and chamber ensembles have historically focused on the group to make one sound, promoted teamwork, and encouraged a group dynamic. Why can’t this be true of Music Technology and educational programs teaching it?

Demystifying the software interfaces and taking the pressure off of the technology to do our creative tasks for us is the fi rst step in changing the stigma of the single user music technology interface. Th e second is to soften the role of the individual and promote the role of the group in this practice. Anyone can learn a program at any age now, but how often do you get a chance to work as a team to create music in the technological realm, outside of band rehearsal?

To be continued…