Let’s have a discussion with Mozart
Imagine starting your lesson like this:
“Hello everyone, today we will have a pleasure to attend Franz Liszt’s master class and afterwards engage in conversation with the maestro in order to learn more about Romanticism”, or “Hi everyone, today we will have a special visit and discussion with the greatest composer of Baroque music, J.S. Bach. You can ask him anything about his musical style or personal life.” The biggest enigma for my students is how he managed to have twenty kids and still compose so many music pieces. Maybe we could ask him that too.
How do you feel when reading these lesson openers? Can you imagine yourself saying this in the classroom? How would the students react? In the future, this will be possible by using advanced AI-LLMs (large language models) and holographic technology paired with AR (augmented reality). This technology is not ready today, but what we already have is the possibility to converse with AI versions of various historical figures. You can try it for yourself and see how it works, or you can even use it with your students. It is free and here is the link to start your exploration: www.character.ai
One of the trending videos lately is the conversation between Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. Both characters are powered by AI-LLMs, which are trained on all the online data available from both personas (books, videos, interviews, articles, etc.).
At this point, it should be easier for you to imagine Mozart and Beethoven having a discussion about their composing styles and who was the greatest composer of the classical music period. Maybe even through the rap battle, why not? And the most remarkable thing is that you and your students will be able to join the discussion. Wouldn’t that be a great core idea to base your lesson on? Let us now see how this technology can enhance our teaching practice.
Augmented Reality Use Cases in the Classroom
Historical and Cultural Music Exploration: Through the magic of AR apps, students can embark on virtual time travel, immersing themselves in bygone eras and distant cultural landscapes. Imagine the thrill of attending virtual concerts by legendary musicians of the past, witnessing their awe-inspiring performances as if transported back in time. With a simple tap, students can delve into the vibrant traditions of diverse cultures, exploring traditional instruments and unraveling the captivating melodies and customs that define each unique musical heritage. This remarkable fusion of technology and music education opens new gateways for students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of music history.
Music Theory Visualization: Augmented reality has the power to make abstract music theory concepts more tangible and accessible to students. With the help of AR apps, students can witness floating musical notes, scales, and chords seamlessly integrated into their real-world surroundings. Imagine the excitement of seeing musical elements come to life in three-dimensional space, enabling students to visually engage and interact with them. This immersive and visual approach to learning music theory not only enhances understanding but also boosts the retention of key principles. By bridging the gap between theory and reality, augmented reality opens up a whole new dimension of musical exploration and comprehension.
Virtual Performance Spaces: With the aid of AR technology, students can step onto the virtual stage and experience the exhilaration of performing in front of a simulated audience. This immersive environment offers a lifelike rehearsal setting, allowing students to fine-tune their skills, cultivate stage presence, and build unwavering confidence in preparation for real-world performances. As they navigate these virtual performance spaces, students can embrace the transformative power of music, honing their craft and unlocking their full potential as musicians.
Music Instrument Exploration: By leveraging augmented reality apps and devices, students can embark on interactive and captivating journeys through the world of music. Imagine students using an augmented reality app to witness stunning 3D models of musical instruments, where they can explore each instrument's intricate parts and discover how each component contributes to the production of sound. Augmented reality provides a unique opportunity for music students to engage with virtual instruments, transcending the limitations of physical availability.
Composition and Music Production Assistance: AR apps can provide virtual musical elements like virtual synthesizers, drum machines, and effect processors, allowing students to experiment and create music in a virtual space. This hands-on approach can inspire creativity and provide a more intuitive way to learn music production techniques.
Music Education Gamification: AR can gamify music education by incorporating interactive elements into learning experiences. Students can engage in virtual music quizzes, interactive music challenges, and AR-based music games, making learning fun and engaging while reinforcing important musical concepts.
Conclusion
The range of possibilities offered by AR technology extends far beyond what has been discussed above. It's truly an exciting time with endless opportunities for innovation. To wrap up, let me share one more fascinating use case that showcases the power of cutting-edge technology. Imagine a thought-provoking conversation between two intellectual giants: Bill Gates and Socrates, brought to life through AI. They engage in a captivating debate on the future of education and the role of AI. As educators, this topic holds relevance for us, and witnessing this artificial conversation can provide valuable insights into the persuasive nature of such interactions. Click here to watch.
Let's embark on an extraordinary journey where technology meets music education and engage in a discussion to share your thoughts on integrating augmented reality in music education! Subscribe to my newsletter here and stay updated with the latest topics around implementing music-tech into your teaching.
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