Technological Directions in Music Education
A Position Paper by Music Educators
February 1, 1997

    Music educators at the 1996 International Technological Directions in Music Education Conference (TDME) stated that "we must take the time to step back and evaluate where technology fits into our overall plans for attaining musical goals." This document is a product of deliberate consideration of problems and solutions in incorporating technology into music teaching by 1997 TDME participants. Consensus was reached among the participants on the following points:
Musical learning goals
    The National Standards for Music, published by MENC, is a valid representation of what should be taught in music curricula and provides criteria for determining the utility of technology in teaching music.
Curriculum and standards
    Music teachers of Pre-K through graduate levels should work in concert to determine appropriate curricula and standards for technology in music education. Collaborations should include interested educators from every region and culture.
Equity and inclusion
    There is a concern that technology may exacerbate the gap between the music education "haves" and "have nots." Every effort must be made to make music technology affordable and accessible to all learners.
Product development
    Music teachers who are currently teaching in public schools and music education researchers should be involved in hardware and software development. Products must be nonproprietary and cross-platform for success.
Professional development
    Faculty should be encouraged to develop technological skills through seminars and training sessions. Professional organizations and music education conferences should promote the incorporation of technology into music teaching. Conference sessions featuring real-life implementations of music education technology by active teaching professionals are preferable to product demonstrations.
Research
    Research into how children learn music through technology should be supported and published.

TDME was sponsored by the Institute for Music Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio and was chaired by Kimberly C. Walls. This position paper is copyrighted by IMR. It may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety, but it may not be abridged or amended. It may be translated if a copy of the translation is sent to the Institute for Music Research. This copyright clause must be pan of the reproduction.