Merging music with technology

West Jefferson Hills School District music teacher Amy Davidson successfully integrates technology into her music lessons keeping students engaged and motivated. Using the “Show Me” application, Mrs. Davidson plays a rhythm on drum while first-graders use iPads to decode the rhythm and write it on the iPads using the correct notation. Second-graders used another application to test themselves on identifying instrument sounds as well as arranging instruments to create their own version of songs. Fifth-grade classes had the opportunity to record themselves playing a familiar song using the popular application Garage Band, then used additional applications to arrange the songs and add a drum beat. Students used creativity in creating their own songs, but also made sure they had correct rhythms and chord changes.