Twelfth International Conference on e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to give the preliminary results of a project I have been working on to provide students with the opportunity to participate in group performances without needing to be present in real time or at the same location. The project was inspired by the AMEB Online Orchestra. By providing a secure and explicit framework in the form of a flexible musical arrangement supported by a guide backing track, I am giving students to opportunity to practise, perform and record their own part in a musical ensemble. Method: The arrangement is produced using the free program “Musescore” and the backing track is recorded using the free program “Audacity.” There is also potential for including a video or photo collage. The implications could be far reaching in terms of building a sense of community among the students and enhancing confidence and motivation. For teachers this should provide a springboard for creating customised performance projects for their own students. Through this process students may also acquire the skills and inspiration to create their own online group performances.