LIS Meets Music At UIS
by TOM IRWIN
As part of the UIS Liberal and Integrative Studies graduate program,
each LNT/LIS student is required to make then take an independent
study course within their field of study. In my master’s degree
proposal, Studies in Music and Words, I listed learning modern
music technologies and developing teaching skills as goals to
achieve in my learning needs statement. Dr. Sharon Graf, as
one of my academic committee advisors, suggested I take a dual
role in Introduction to Music Technology (MUS 181, Spring 2009)
as student and instructor, making the project my required LNT 599
Independent Study.
It was a wonderful idea that fit well into my master’s program and overall educational goals. Professor Brian Pryor, the class instructor, as well as a personal friend and fellow musical collaborator of many years, shared his knowledge ofteaching and music technology by graciously working with me on various levels of learning, from developing basic skills of computer recording to coping with student and classroom issues.
The course is an entertaining and educational look at the basic offerings involved in contemporary music software, including MIDI
use, digital music file manipulation, transferring printed musical
scores into the digital realm, and the concept of a Digital Audio
Workstation (DAW). Also included is an overview of recording history,
song analyzing, copyright information, and learning the terminology
of music technology.
During the process of learning to use the software, students created original projects by applying creativity to technology resulting in some fun, imaginative works that added the entertaining aspect to the experience. Seeing the students get a real kick from presenting their own compositions to class speaks volumes of the course design and the success of a curriculum that combines fun and learning.
Brian and I shared musical moments in the classroom by playing
our respective instruments for the students to demonstrate recording
processes and other technological uses of available music
software. At Dr. Graf’s suggestion, I wrote and gave a presentation
on my experiences and beliefs in creative songwriting to aid the
students in developing their original compositions. A few weeks
ago I began to construct my first DAW using my classroom experiences
to guide the way.
Overall I’d say we had a good time and learned a lot which, in my book, is the way an education ought to be. Many thanks are extended to Dr. Graf, Brian Pryor and the UIS music department for an inspiring and edifying experience.
