Week 3: Noteflight Assignment

ETA: I've noticed that the embedded score looks fine and plays if you visit my blog, but at least in my Google Reader the embedded video doesn't want to load. If you are using Google Reader and would like the link instead of the embedded video, click here: Click Here for Jessica Kling's Bicycle

This was the first time I've used Noteflight, although I've had students tell me about it in the past. I wish I would have checked it out sooner! I found note entry and editing features to be more intuitive than MuseScore and other programs I've tried. I know that's often a personal preference, but it seems to me that the creators of Noteflight really took some time to make logical keyboard shortcuts.

I think this would be a great program to use with students because it doesn't even require a download of any software like MuseScore does. Although I might be able to ask my IT department to download MuseScore onto some student computers, it would be much faster and easier to just use an online program like Noteflight. I like the fact that the program uses sound samples drawn from the internet, so the files will sound the same regardless of the computer playing them back. I also like the accessibility of the files. It would be very simple for students to complete a project and share a link with me so I could view and grade their work. Even more exciting, it would be quick and easy for students to share their work with each other for peer editing activities. We could even create a collaborative piece if the "sharing" options are set to allow others to edit the score.

One drawback is that the program does not sample vocal sounds. I did a bit of research (just through Google) to see if I could figure out why "Voice" was not listed as an option when choosing an instrument for the score. As far as I can tell, other programs that have used vocal samples have run into some issues (e.g., difficulty with a female vs. male voice and where exactly on the staff that switch occurs). Also, even with a vocal sample the lyrics would not come through. We would most likely be stuck with some sort of generic "ooh" or "aah" sound. It was easy to change so the score looked correct; it just doesn't sound like a voice.

My middle school students have music for 1 marking period each year. This means I get a brand new batch of students on April 5th. I'm in the process of redesigning a group composition project, and I'm considering using Noteflight in the process. If I do so, I'll keep you all updated!