Spark a love of STEM with exciting, ready-made lessons and activities.
David E. Thomascall, PhD
Check me out on social media or email me at STEMbits@gmail.com
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Music and Coding in the Classroom
Music and coding may seem worlds apart on the surface. However, there are many parallels that teachers can highlight through cross-curricular learning to help students make connections across subjects. Both music and coding are specialized languages with their own rules, structures, and means of expression/communication. Musicians use notes, rhythms, scales etc. to compose music, while coders use commands, algorithms, variables etc. to write programs. Core concepts link the two fields, including breaking down complex ideas into components (phrases/notes in music, functions/loops in coding), relying on sequencing, using control structures, and hierarchies where smaller parts build into larger composites. Musicians and coders share key mindsets and skills - eagerness to learn new tools/techniques in their constantly evolving domains, problem-solving by deconstructing challenges, iterating through multiple drafts, collaboration, and detailed documentation. The connections go back to early computing pioneers like Ada Lovelace who envisioned machines creating music. Companies even recruited musicians for their logic skills to become early programmers. Today, new applications leverage code to generate and manipulate music in innovative ways, further blurring the lines between these two rich disciplines with many underlying similarities.
Collaboration
Imagine a classroom buzzing with creativity, where students are both composing melodies and writing code. This is the magic that happens when music and technology teachers join forces. Here's why this collaboration is a win-win: Dynamic Learning: By merging music and coding, you create a stimulating environment that keeps students engaged and eager to learn. Interconnectedness: This approach highlights the connections between different subjects, showing students how the world around them fits together. Well-Rounded Education: Students gain a deeper appreciation for both the artistic and technical sides of the world, promoting a holistic learning experience. Increased Engagement: These interdisciplinary projects can spark curiosity in students who might otherwise struggle with traditional music lessons or coding exercises. The combination caters to diverse learning styles and interests. 21st Century Skills: Collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity are all critical skills in today's world. These projects provide a platform for students to develop and refine these essential abilities. By working together, music and technology teachers can unlock a world of possibilities, fostering a deeper love of learning in their students.
Song Maker
Forget sheet music, Chrome Music Lab's Song Maker lets students code their own tunes, no experience required. Imagine dots transforming into melodies – that's the magic of Song Maker. Just like ones and zeros power computers, dots on the staff bring music to life. The adventure starts with drawing shapes on the staff, each creating a unique sound. Then, students become musical detectives, filling in the missing notes of familiar tunes. It's a captivating blend of coding and music, perfect for sparking creativity and igniting a love for both!
Scratch Band
Calling all future rockstars and coding whizzes! Scratch, a free coding platform for kidfs, lets students create their own orchestra... with code! Forget boring lines of text - Scratch uses drag-and-drop blocks to build melodies and even animate a musical band. Learn about how Scratch lets students become musical coders, revealing the surprising connection between making hit songs and creating computer programs. Get ready to code, compose, and conduct your very own digital orchestra!
Music Boxes
Imagine a world without digital music players or streaming services. Instead, music comes from a tiny box that tinkles with a crank of a handle. That's the magic of the music box, a centuries-old invention that continues to charm listeners of all ages. But beyond the delightful melodies, music boxes hold a surprising secret: a connection to the history of technology. This article will unlock the inner workings of these fascinating instruments, explore their unexpected link to the past, and guide you through a fun activity that lets your students create their own music box masterpieces.