I used to be strongly against Chromebooks (particularly when compared to iPads), but web applications have made Chromebooks significantly more useful for music educators. That said, the notation field has simply exploded over the past years, from open source MuseScore to heavy-hitting Dorico…and at least five other significant applications, some on mobile devices.Īt the same time, web applications are improving all the time. I use other tools, too, but when the going gets tough, I use Finale. SmartMusic came along, and now the mission of MakeMusic is “ to develop and market solutions that transform how music is composed, taught, learned, and performed.” That is far beyond the original focus on music notation.ĭon’t get me wrong-I’m a Finale user. In the dark ages when Finale was created (MakeMusic’s other product), Finale was the product. I was stunned to learn that the SmartMusic team has added a full notation feature to SmartMusic. “New” SmartMusic allows for Chromebooks to be used, which opens a huge educational market in the United States-and is one of the best ways for a Chromebook school to put those devices to use (along with Noteflight, Flat.io, and Soundtrap). I still very much see the value of these products, and in a different teaching position, I would insist on (as least the consideration of) the use of those programs in band, choir, orchestra, and general music (recorder, mallats, and ukulele). I have stepped away from red note/green note programs for a while (I’ll write an addendum at the bottom of this post if you are curious why), so while I continue to watch what is happening in the space (SmartMusic, MusicProdigy, PracticeFirst) I am not using any of those products with my students. The “new” SmartMusic is web-based, and works on most devices (iPads still need a proprietary application, as is often the case). You know those movies/TV series where all sorts of events build up to a point of confrontation (That’s just about any movie, TV show, book, drama, etc.)? That is what is happening right now in the space of music notation, practice tools, and student assessment.Ībout a week ago, I was given a “sneak peek” at the new online notation editor that exists inside of the new SmartMusic.
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