summary of survey result of young musicians about use of ICT
How do school pupils use computers and the web in their music making? A recent survey conducting by NUMU, the online music community for schools, reveals some interesting facts and views.
Pupils were asked to complete a simple online questionnaire about their musical tastes, how they use computers and what their school is like for music lessons.
Some highlights of the results:
Most pupils who responded were Year 9 UK pupils and members of NUMU
70% said their music lessons were either “Really Good” or “OMG! Amazing”
0% said their music lessons were “hideously boring”
41 % said their teacher was “genius level” at using computers for making music
50% said “Good Teachers” were the most important thing for a music lesson – 37% thought “The Latest Technology” was more important
85% of school musicians have used computers to make or record their music.
80% share music they make with others – Web, CD and Mobile were most popular ways – NUMU was cited as most popular for sharing ahead of Facebook, You tube and Myspace.
Only 3% share music through their school VLE
39% would like to sell their music but only 24 % say their school helps them do this
52% visit NUMU every day or two
46% access NUMU more from home than school
84% spend time on NUMU listening to other pupils music
The survey also asked what music young people liked best and what software they used:
http://www.wordle.net/gallery?username=NUMU
What makes a Great music lesson?
“When everyone joins in and gets really involved in what you are doing.”
“practical and time to record, also some of the history and theory as this information can make your playing better”
“being able to be let free and make my own piece of music with what ever musical technology we have, then at the end have a big show and tell with everyone in the class to show the music they made”
“Being allowed time to create music with others and by yourself that isn’t laid down by rules regarding what genre it MUST be and what notes you HAVE to use”
“fun and loads of time making music”
“Amps with blasting volumes, and Jamming with the band.”
Summary
Whilst the survey is only a small snapshot the results suggest that technology and community are very important to young peoples music making. This comment by one pupil about NUMU sums it up quite well:
“You can share music and you can listen to other peoples talents and you can make friends through music.”
To set up your own school record label and let your pupils share their music safely join NUMU for FREE at www.numu.org.uk
