Digital audio technology in music teaching and learning: A preliminary investigation

The inclusion of digital audio technology for sampling, editing, mixing and producing music in formal music classrooms has been considered a needed area of expansion across the music teaching and learning landscape. Current research suggests that music technology, defined broadly, is often disregarded in many music classrooms. However, the ubiquity of music technology suggests its relevancy in the digital age, especially for sampling editing, mixing and producing music. The purpose of this research was to survey the current climate of music education across all levels of instruction, with a special focus on teaching digital audio technology using MIDI controllers and audio production techniques. A researcher-developed survey was distributed to a population of music teachers across the United States (N=83). Results found that participants taught few digital audio technology concepts, used Garageband extensively, were self-taught, relied on out-of-date hardware and used a variety of MIDI controllers. Implications for music education and considerations for additional research are provided in conclusion.