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Ok I’m still doing this course on coursera and I wanted to share what I did in module 4
- First there was an introduction to what a DAW (or sequencer) is step sequencers and notation software. These technologies where nothing new to me and I still like to explore what I can do with these tools to create music and how they can help my students to explore and create music.
- For the second topic I was asked if I think that you learn and need a lot of sophisticated musical skills to be a DJ-producer. And yes of course you need these kind of skills to be a great DJ 🙂 As a DJ you should be in control of the music you are presenting to an audience (with all these tools called Controllers around you these should be kind of obvious) Even if you are “just” combining music that somebody else put together to create a nice flow you should develop taste and a good understanding how you could glue all these elements together so that your show feels alive and engaging. I’m always impressed how much hard work you have to put into the preparation of such a performance. Now to a short Segway to the next topic, watching someone do this kind of stuff is also learning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvMpbUsJs5A (ok this is not necessarily DJing but still I like it)
- In the third topic we explored “OPEN Learning” and where presented with the argument that learning has already gone “OPEN” by David Price. I have to agree with that statement because that’s what I can observe and have experienced for myself. Today if I want to know something about a topic the first thing I probably do is “google” it or search a video on youtube. For example presented with the challenge to build my own little home-studio in my basement I made nearly all the electrical installation with the help of youtube. I had also some help by my father and for the finishing touch to connect everything to the grid by a good friend. My friend learned electrician in school but in the end even he googled information 🙂
- A great example of OPEN learning is for example https://www.theschoolinthecloud.org I found this through this course.
- At last I learned a bit more about Project Based Learning. This is probably one of the pedagogic concepts that first introduced me to a more student centred learning. I think Project Based Learning is a good place to start if you are not yet ready to fully embrace self directed learning but also in this context it’s something that comes naturally. To give an example for this in Music: Let’s say your Project is to produce an EP with your students. The learning opportunity here is enormous. From writing or arranging songs, to practicing the songs, learn about music production, learn how to record how to maybe even edit your performance, explore the business side like budgets and copyrights,… It’s also a very practical and real world experience. I personally think that most of Music Education should be a kind of Project Based Learning.
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