Preparing music lessons with (music) equipment and digital technology can be time-consuming. Teachers often need to gather instruments, cables and adapters, arrange tables, set up devices, start software, connect to projectors or audio systems, and handle last-minute troubleshooting.
Beyond this, preparation may involve logging into software, creating digital content, preparing slideshows or DAW templates, and practicing instructions with the technology.
Even before all that, teachers must select the right tools, learn how to use them, and decide how they fit into the lesson.
Why preparation matters
In technology-enriched music teaching, preparation is part of the deal. Moreover, proper preparation is crucial if you want to keep using technology in the long run (Scherer et al., 2019).
A poor Wi-Fi connection when your students are required to complete an online assessment may negatively affect your attitude towards such assessments. The same goes for struggling with your DAW while a full class is waiting. These moments can easily shape your attitude towards technology—and even stop you from using technology in education altogether.
If you truly want to enrich your lessons with technology, preparation is key. It takes time and effort, but it will save you stress later and make teaching with technology much easier.
How to properly prep
In an ideal world, everything you need would always be set up, up to date and ready to use. But because you probably live in the same world I do, here are some suggestions to help you prepare effectively.
- Label your equipment and storage so you can easily find what you need;
- Use Velcro straps to keep your cables tidy and avoid dealing with “cable spaghetti”;
- Use mobile storage, cases and bags to quickly transport equipment from storage to your classroom without the risk of damage, preventing unnecessary troubleshooting;
- Create storage space in your classroom where students can collect the equipment themselves;
- Find a room in your school, close to your music room, where your students can work with equipment that remains set up for longer periods;
- Get others to help with preparations, for example, students interested in technology or audio engineering. Train them yourself at first, then let more experienced students train new ones. Some supervision will still be required, but it will take less time than setting everything up on your own;
- Teach your students how to connect the equipment, troubleshoot, and return equipment to storage. Showing them how to roll cables properly can also save a lot of time.
These are just a few of the things that you can do to improve your preparation. What works best will differ from school to school, and it will also depend on the tools you use and your digital knowledge and skills.
Getting the support you need
Use this interactive checklist to ensure your preparation is perfect and make technology a natural part of your music teaching.
If you would like support in getting started or improving your preparation, book a one-on-one session with me. I would be glad to meet you online to explore and discuss how you can enrich your music teaching with and through technology.