Someone sent me this video about a new piece of software that allows users to sing a melody into a microphone and the software automatically adds a piano accompaniment to match it. I watched the first part of the video and I thought, "hey, cool, this would be a sorta neat thing to use with my students." Then I watched further and got to the testimonials:
"I wanted to write this jingle down, but I don't know how to write music"
" I wanted to sing my girlfriend a song, but I don't play any instruments"
"Thanks to MYSONG I don't even have to write a new song"
"I'm gonna be a big star someday, but I don't play any instruments"
.....I got very sad.
Call me a music snob, elitist, or whatever, but as a music educator I feel that EVERYONE should be able to read and write basic music and be able to play an instrument. I would love to see how this piece of software handles someone who can't match a pitch or cannot keep a consistent beat. At least with Garageband, you have the option of seeing it as actual notes on a staff and manipulating the melody that way.
This piece of software is like giving a 1st grader a computer program that allows them to be in a "Shakespeare" play just because they can speak in a funny British accent. Can they read the play? Can the appreciate it? Can they write their own?
But, this did provide me with a good laugh. Especially when the one girl sings her beautiful song "Bob's deli, we put stuff on your bread. Bob's deli, our things don't have no lead". Literacy? bah, who needs it?
I have more...but my 1st graders are coming in. Perhaps I'll just let them bang on the xylophones, record it and send it to Orchestra Hall. Gosh they LOOK cute...
Thus ends my rant. And Here's the Video:
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