My Experience with Soundtrap

Michael Baker Brown

Technology Assisted Music Learning

Dr. Bazan

My Experience with Soundtrap

During my undergraduate degree, I took a music technology class.  The focus of our learning were the programs Finale, Sibelius, and Audacity. Over the years, I have gotten better at using these programs as tools for the classroom.  I use Finale in a number of ways such as altering scores for students, or creating an accompaniment track for the ensemble.  I use Audacity to make audition spots for students.  Still there are times where I find it difficult to operate the software. 

I recently have discovered other programs like MuseScore and Noteflight that are more user friendly.  The cost difference between Finale and these other programs is amazing as well.   Finale is a wonderful program, and I will continue to use it, but it is expensive.  My students cannot afford a program like Finale.  These composition websites are a great affordable alternative to Finale.  I have also discovered the benefits of using these alternate programs with my students to build their musical skills.  These composition programs are wonderful for students, but not all students understand musical concepts such music notation. 

This is where a program like Soundtrap could build students musical knowledge by students working together to build compositions together and individually.  Soundtrap does not rely on music notation; it uses a different form of notation that works in cycles or loops.  I recently found Soundtrap and starting creating right away.  It has many premade loops to choose from, and they vary in genre and style.  All the choices are almost overwhelming, but can fun if you have to time to browse. Soundtrap also recognizes midi instruments.  A student can use a loop, and then record an instrument or voice to add to the track.  I used a combination of loops and midi keyboard to create my fun composition.  As I composed this song, I thought to back to my hip-hop and Rhythm and Blues I used to love in my late teens and early twenties.  As I composed, I listened through my big 6.1 speaker system on my desktop.  I love the thump of the drum, and the booming bass.  I listened through my laptop speakers and did not enjoy the listening experience as much.  I had a few problems when I first started using the program.  I could not get the program to recognize the midi keyboard, but with some troubleshooting, I was able to figure it out easily.  I really enjoyed making a composition on Soundrap, and I will look forward to learning more about this program. 

I could see how this program could have benefits for students who are currently involved in music classes and student who not involved in a music class. On average 80% of students in schools, do not take a music class.  This is because most music classes offered in public education are performance based classes where a student has to have knowledge and proficiency in performing with their voice or an instrument.  Soundtrap could be used in the current music education classroom, but it could also serve as the bridge to students not taking a music class.  This technological class could still be performance based, but would focus on the finished product of sharing and learning the program.  Soundtrap can be used as a tool to build basic music knowledge in non-tradional music students.  Students can work together by using the collaboration feature.  Students can interact live with one another, and work on compositions together.  This could connect students on campus and beyond to a new way of creating music with the use of new music technologies.  Educators should use every avenue possible to share content that could enrich student lives.  Music educators must use the power of music in all forms to help do what music does best.  Change lives.

Ride Along