Integrating technology into the music classroom can enhance student engagement, support individualized learning, and provide valuable tools for teaching performance, composition, and theory. Below are nine tech tools, along with descriptions and examples of how they can be used effectively in a music classroom.

What is it? makemusic Cloud (formerly Smartmusic) is a subscription-based practice and assessment platform explicitly designed for music educators and students. It includes a vast library of sheet music, interactive accompaniments, and assessment tools that provide immediate feedback. Teachers can assign pieces, conduct sightreading exercises, customize practice goals, and track student progress through a built-in grade book.

 How can you use it in a classroom? Assign a challenging section of a concert piece for practice. Students can play along with a virtual accompaniment and receive real-time feedback on rhythm and pitch accuracy. Teachers can review student recordings to provide additional feedback or adjust assignments. 

What is it? Flat.io is an intuitive, browser-based music notation tool. It allows students to create, edit, and share sheet music. The platform is collaborative, enabling group compositions in real-time, and integrates with Google Classroom for easy assignment management.

How can you use it in a classroom? Students work in pairs to arrange a familiar melody, adding harmonies and dynamics. Flat.io’s cloud-based design lets them continue their work at home or on personal devices. 

What is it? BandLab is a free, cloud-based digital audio workstation (DAW) that allows students to compose, record, and edit music. It features tools like loops, effects, MIDI instruments, and multitrack recording. Teachers can create assignments, provide feedback, and monitor progress within the platform.

 How can you use it in a classroom? For a composition unit, students use BandLab to layer drum tracks, bass lines, and melodies, creating their own original songs. It’s also a great tool for teaching basic music production techniques. 

What is it? MusicFirst is a comprehensive online platform that combines learning management with music-specific tools. It offers apps for ear training, theory, notation, and performance, making it a one-stop solution for music educators. Teachers can assign lessons, quizzes, and projects, then track student progress.

How can you use it in a classroom? Use the integrated ear training app for students to practice identifying intervals, scales, and chords. Follow up with a theory quiz to reinforce their understanding. 

Yes-YouTube has been around forever, and I'm sure you are very familiar with it. But it is a versatile resource for music education, offering access to performance videos, tutorials, and educational content from experts worldwide. Teachers can curate playlists or create their own instructional videos.

In a Classroom?  Create a playlist of professional performances of your concert repertoire. Students can analyze the performers' use of dynamics, phrasing, and expression to apply to their own practice. 

What is it? Soundtrap is an accessible DAW  (digital audio workstation) that allows students to compose, arrange, and edit music. Its collaboration features make it especially useful for group projects, and it includes a variety of loops, effects, and MIDI instruments.

 How to use it in a Classroom: Assign a collaborative project where small groups create a soundtrack for a short video clip. Each student can contribute remotely, fostering teamwork and creativity. 

What is it? Sight Reading Factory generates unlimited sight-reading exercises tailored to the skill level, instrument, and time signature of your choice. Teachers can assign exercises and track progress over time.

In the Classroom: Dedicate five minutes of rehearsal to sight-reading practice. Use the tool to display a new exercise on the projector for the entire class, or assign individualized exercises for students to practice at home. 

What is it? Musictheory.net provides free, interactive lessons, exercises, and tools for teaching music theory. It includes customizable drills on topics like note identification, key signatures, intervals, and rhythm.

How to use it in the classroom: Use the rhythm trainer during class to reinforce counting and clapping exercises. Students can also practice ear training exercises at home to develop their ability to identify intervals and chord progressions. 

What is it? Finale is a professional music notation software that allows users to create, edit, and print high-quality sheet music. It is widely used for composing, arranging, and publishing scores, making it an excellent tool for music educators. Finale supports a wide range of features, including playback, customizable layouts, and export options for sharing music.

In the Classroom: Teachers can use Finale to create custom arrangements of concert repertoire tailored to their ensemble’s needs. Students can use it for composition projects, writing melodies or arranging parts for their instrument. Finale can also be used to generate sight-reading exercises or worksheets to reinforce music literacy.