In episode 76, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Gillian Desmarais Keller, an award-winning music educator specializing in K-12 music technology. Gillian shares her journey from teaching elementary music to establishing a cutting-edge music technology program in Maplewood Public Schools. She highlights the importance of integrating technology into traditional music education, offering students new opportunities for creativity through recording, lyric writing, and music production. Gillian also discusses how technology can enhance the learning experience by blending traditional music theory with modern tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Soundtrap and Ableton.
The conversation emphasizes the potential of music technology to engage a wider range of students, including those who may not be interested in traditional music programs. Gillian shares practical tips for teachers to start incorporating technology into their classrooms, advocating for the use of web applications like Chrome Music Lab and Groove Pizza as entry points. Whether you're a band director, choir teacher, or general music instructor, this episode provides valuable insights on how to make music education more accessible and relevant to all students.
Connect with Gillian:
- Website: http://www.soundteched.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillian.desmarais
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilliandesmarais/
Learn more about Pass the Baton:
- Pass the Baton website: https://www.passthebatonbook.com/
- Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership
- Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton
- Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9
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