How Technology Is Shaping Music Education

The year 2020 has created a technological uproar by integrating technology in almost every aspect of our lives. As the lines between technology and education continue to blur with our ever-increasing dependency upon technology, it continues to sow its revolutionary seeds in the realm of education. Music education which had to take a backseat due to the lack of resources has now burgeoned into a stellar industry, that has begun to adapt with its times. This transition has paved the way for an advanced pedagogical approach that extends beyond the four walls of a classroom. It offers a great deal of flexibility along with facilitating an enriching ambience for educators and students alike.

 A varied repertoire of music is now made available to every music enthusiast in a more cost-effective manner. As technology continues to alter the course of music education, it broadens the scope of learning by interweaving nuanced factors into a defined music curriculum. This organized music curriculum brings different learning styles and methods under consideration by delivering quality music education. It reverses the mechanical ways of traditional structures and gives it a more appealing touch which can be witnessed in its versatile approach towards learning. These efforts also lead to the creation of diverse educational tools which are fueled on the basis of creativity and innovation, particularly among young impressionable minds. This technological upsurge can be witnessed in the pedagogical journey of Furtados School of Music, which has carved its own way into the music industry by espousing modern ways of learning. During such challenging times, embracing technology has truly become the need of the hour which prevents the hampering of Music Education. Through the aid of technology, even reputed institutions like the Trinity College of London and the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya which cater to western and Indian classical music respectively; have sustained their assessments in Music education, thereby not depriving their students of such opportunities. In the wake of such unprecedented times, online learning platforms play a very pivotal role in defining the ways in which music is learned and transmitted across the globe. It also has significant effects on the composition of Music, which encourages experimentation and creativity which forms the basic premise of learning through the medium of technology. Online Music Workshops have also garnered considerable attention among amateur learners, which successfully manages to give them a taste of music, in the comfort of their own home. 

Thus, modern technology has opened new possibilities by removing the previously enforced barriers to learning and establishing a more holistic and cross-curriculum-based learning environment that thrives on creativity. It also aims to narrow the gap between academia and fine arts, by providing equal opportunities to every musically inclined soul to partake in such an enriching experience. 

Dharini Upadhyaya

Guest Author Co- CEO and Co- Founder, Furtados School of Music