Sample Music Review Podcast

Podcasts would provide my music students with the opportunity to learn about using Garageband, a music production program. Recording audio in such an application requires learning a new way about thinking about data. Programs such as Garageband use a timeline to represent audio data. Since events happen on a timeline, they occur as part of a sequence. Garageband allows the user to layer sounds on top of other sounds in a true "multi-track" fashion. Understanding the concept of layering sounds to create a sequence synced to a timeline requires the user to think logically. These logical skills are developed in students subconsciously, but are essential to creating a successful podcast.

One practical application of a podcast in a music education setting would be CD reviews. Students could either be assigned or pick a CD of their choice (their own choice would require approval in the case of inappropriate content) for review. The teacher could then present students with a series of general prompts designed to stimulate their thought process about the material on the CD. Students would take notes according to the prompts and write a short script. They would then record themselves using Garageband and the internal mic on a school laptop. Sound files from the CD could be edited and layered in with the review to illustrate observations outlined. Students would then have the option of syndicating their podcast using RSS. This project would promote logical thinking, music appreciation, and increase student literacy on a communicative level.

My sample uses a more technical approach, but students who are not familiar with technical analysis could use a more aesthetic approach.

Click on the title of this post to download the file.