As music making and technology grow more entwined, it is important for teachers to become familiar with available hardware, software, Web apps, yMIDI, sequencing, sampling and other emerging products. If music students in today's digital world wish to make a career out of doing what they love--whether as performers or conductors, composers or…

Explains that after the Columbus (Georgia) Symphony was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant for American music, the symphony director gave a portion of the money for an elementary music composition class that utilized computers for two reasons: (1) students could get immediate feedback; and (2) the computers provided motivation. (CMK)

Maintains that, although none of the National Standards for Arts Education requires the use of computers in music education, it is assumed that computer use will expand. Discusses and reviews the use of computer software and other educational technology in the music classroom. Includes a list of three books for further reading. (CFR)

Contends that band students who are taught composition techniques improve listening skills, make aesthetic decisions, and become more imaginative and creative. Presents ideas from five music teachers for incorporating composition into the music curriculum. Discusses the use of computer software in musical composition. (CFR)

Presents a piece-by-piece description of everything an educator needs for a one-computer music classroom. Provides detailed comparisons between the Macintosh and IBM compatible and gives current prices for all pieces of equipment. Defines and describes related software and provides some beginning instructional advice. (MJP)