Disciplinary Expert Tour Blog Post by Julie Hensel
On Monday, June 21st, 2021, I had the pleasure of observing and chatting with music composer Dr. Benjamin Taylor. Dr. Taylor is an up-and-coming contemporary music composer. What makes his compositions unique and fresh is that most of his music includes electronic elements.
“His energetic, adventurous music provides a uniquely refreshing sonic experience for performers and audiences alike.”
I had such an amazing experience observing Dr. Benjamin Taylor! When presented with this assignment, Dr. Taylor was the first person I thought to observe. I knew observing him would be beneficial to me and my teaching experience. He is a young and well-respected music professional who utilizes technology in distinctive ways.
Our visit began with a tour of Dr. Taylor’s office. Dr. Taylor works from home. His office has everything he needs to self-publish his works as well as compose music. Dr. Taylor uses his piano keyboard to compose and experiment. The piano keyboard sends midi signals directly to his computer. This technology also communicates with the music notation software he uses to write music.
Ben Taylor giving an office tour and explaining the technological capabilities of his piano keyboard.
The music notation software that Ben Taylor uses is called Finale. I have experience using Finale and therefore was familiar with the software. Dr. Taylor uses Finale to write all of his compositions. He begins by writing the conductor’s score. When completed, Dr. Taylor then manually creates each instrument part. He explained that he spends most of his time using Finale. Many of Dr. Taylor's students, however, use other software or websites to compose and write music, including Dorico, Sibelius, and MuseScore.
Dr. Taylor showing me how he uses the music notation software Finale to write and compose music, as well as finalize his self-published sheet music.
In order to record, edit and produce audio files to use for his compositions, Dr. Taylor uses Logic Pro, a digital audio workstation (DAW) software. This software allows Dr. Taylor to create electronic sounds and music. Many of his compositions require the performing ensemble to play along with a pre-recorded audio track. These tracks are created by Dr. Taylor using Logic Pro. Click here to listen to the audio track Dr. Taylor created using Logic Pro to go along with his band composition entitled “Techno Blade”.
Dr. Taylor also uses Audacity, a free and open-source digital audio editor and recording application software. He uses Audacity to convert and/or trim audio files. Also, when looking to create a video to go along with his compositions, Dr. Taylor uses iMovie.
Once the music is ready for publishing, Dr. Taylor uses PDF-Batch Booklet to create a booklet of parts. This technology allows him to create 8.5X11 sheet music booklets. For each instrument or part, a separate booklet must be created.
Teaching Implications
The technology tools that Dr. Taylor uses are very commonly used in the music profession AND in music education! I was previously familiar with and have used most of the technologies I observed Dr. Taylor using. This was encouraging for me because it made me feel up-to-date with music technology. Therefore meaning that I have the ability to incorporate these tech tools into my teaching!
Many of the technology used by Dr. Taylor can be used in the classroom. In some cases, however, a simpler version might be necessary. For example, the music notation software Finale might be appropriate for high school and upper-level middle school music students. This software, however, is complex and most likely too complicated for young student musicians. Therefore, a simplified version, such as Google Flat or MuseScore might be more appropriate for those students.
Similarly, Logic Pro is a very advanced digital audio workstation (DAW) software. Music educators may want to instead use student-friendly digital audio workstations such as Garage Band. Garage Band is a wonderful creativity tool to use with students!
It is also important for teachers to seek out technology that is accessible and equitable. When deciding which tech tools to use with my students, I will refer back to the equity vision I created in Challenge #2 (see image below). Educators must ensure that the technology being used in the classroom empowers students, allows learners to communicate their thinking, and gives students the opportunity to inquire deeply into a concept. The 5cs, SAMR, content standards, and Universal Design for Learning must be considered.
How these technologies mediate what people could "do, mean, relate, think, and be" in the music profession:
Doing - The music technology covered in this blog post allows music professionals to composer and notate music, record, edit and produce audio files, convert and/or trim audio files, and create ready-to-publish sheet music.
Meaning - When used together, the technology Dr. Taylor uses can truly change the meaning of music composition. Composers can utilize this technology to create a completely original piece of music while incorporating electronic elements.
Relation - These tech creations can often be shared with others, providing musicians with a community of like-minded professionals.
Thinking - The music technology used in this observation allow professionals to think in creative ways.
Being - These tech tools give professionals the chance to be music composers, editors, creators, and publishers.
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How to Develop these Technological Skills with Students
Meeting with Dr. Taylor inspired me to include more music composition techniques with my middle school band students. Many music students long for the technological skills that Dr. Taylor uses to compose, such as how to notate music and compose electronic music. I would like to incorporate the following composition games:
Day 1 - "Copy Cat" - Students will compose three note melodies. I will demonstrate a three note melody, give the students a chance to try to learn it (copy) on their instrument. Volunteers will then play the melody on their instrument. Next, students will create their own three note melodies and volunteers will learn and play their melody. No technology needed.
Day 2 - "Melodic Translation" - Students will use melodic dictation to compose a short melody. After instruction, the students will be given time to think of a melody and learn in on their instrument. Volunteers will explain their melody and perform it for the class. No technology needed.
Day 3 - Google Flat - After instruction, students will use Google Flat to notate their Melodic Dictation melody.
Day 4 & 5 - Garage Band - Students will be introduced to Garage Band. They will record themselves playing their melody. They will use Garage Band to fuse together their recorded melody with electronic sounds and music. Students will be given time to compose new sounds to go along with their melody, such as drum beats, electronic sounds, and/or pitched instruments.
Julie, this was so much fun to read. I actually interacted with Dr. Taylor a couple years ago when he was the guest speaker (through Skype) at my Composers' Guild club. He was so much fun to work with, and I am extremely impressed with his music.
That is amazing that you already used a lot of the technology in your instruction. I think that speaks a lot to your commitment to staying current in your field. I feel like that is one of the best things I liked about TCH401 and am enjoying about this course, they push you to branch out and explore and see what new tools are out there. It is awesome you are already using many of them!
WOAH! Why did I not know of him before?? If I were still teaching at Minooka I would totally be inviting to come work with my recording students! Thank you so much for sharing this interview, I will be keeping him in mind for if I teach technology courses again! I don't have much of context to say, just super excited to see this. How did you learn about him? Have you performed some of his work either with your band or in your quartet?
Nicely done! It's crazy to think about how much technology is needed to be a successful composer today. I'm curious how older composers fare in this new world? For example - do you think John Williams uses notation software? Or pencil and paper?
When I was in my undergrad, I basically worked as a copyist for the orchestra director, so I'm sure many older composers hire out for that sort of thing too. Just another way technology is changing everything!
Very interesting to see all of the technology involved in composing! I really like how you brought it back to your equity vision and thoughtfully put for implications for the classroom. Does he always work from home or was that a pandemic transition?