Comments on: Should We Be Using Instrumental Music Video Games In The Music Classroom?

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:41:42 +0000

I teach general music to k-2 students. I have WiiMusic at home, and when I first got it, I thought that it might be a fun way to introduce my students to the instruments and instrument families. However, after I looked at it logistically and realized just how long it would take for every student to have even a little turn, I thought that it would be too time consuming and decided against using it. If I taught 3-5 though, I might consider it because many students that age are more familiar with the Wii and how it works, so it would take less explaining. They also might be a little more patient while waiting their turn!

By: spuggy

spuggy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:06:15 +0000

I don’t see any problem with using these games in the classroom as a reward maybe, but not for educational purposes.

By: learn piano songs

learn piano songs — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:09:54 +0000

One should try new thing and should observe that it can be working. And if one like then he can continue .

By: Robbie

Robbie — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:02:49 +0000

I have to say I love the idea of using video games in Music Education, but not a as a sole method for teaching. This version of Rockband is beneficial to learn about Beatles songs, which can also help teach history. It’s the teacher’s responsibility to take this game, and incorporate it in such a way that the students learn more than if they just played. Another game like this would be WiiMusic. It allows students to ‘play’ several instruments, and kind of get an idea of improvisations, tempo, and composing. There are even games that can help students learn classic songs. Of course, none of this can ever replace learning to play an instrument.

By: paloma

paloma — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:58:26 +0000

I don’t see a problem with using music video games as a reward in a music class setting. Obviously, the reward should not be an everyday occurance that takes up half the class time, but I can see how saying that a solid week of good rehearsal could earn a Guitar Hero party. Not only is it incentive for the students to work hard at rehearsals, but it is a unity activity that helps the ensemble bond and get to know each other on a level outside of the class setting.

By: Music Technology Lover

Music Technology Lover — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:24:34 +0000

First, I think that any tool that gets kids interested or excited about music has merit. But if you’re using programs like Rock Band at lesson time, you have to ask yourself what your students are really learning from it – since you are supposed to be teaching them during that time.

I have been using a program called Piano Marvel in my teaching. It hooks up to an actual piano so the kids actually learn the instrument, but it’s still a game where they try to play the song with as few wrong notes as possible, and work to get trophies. I have a six year old in particular who absolutely loves it! And she’s learning the piano almost all on her own. Pretty impressive. She practices at home on it too, because it’s fun. You can check their free trial at: https://www.pianomarvel.com/users/free-trial/3EEED31A