OXFORD – The pubic education system has changed dramatically in the past decade with the advent of technology geared toward enhancing the accessibility of learning tools for students. Whereas inches-thick textbooks and paper study guides were utilized by teachers of past generations, today's students are now utilizing tablets and online tutorials as a means to tailored education.
When opportunity knocked for a new hire at the Oxford High school, music teacher Corey Riley was there to answer. Oxford Academy High School had been awarded a technology grant which supplied the school with ten new iMac computers.
“I knew that the Macs were not assigned to any one department, so I wrote a curriculum that would make the best use of them for the music department,” said Riley, Ohio State University 2010 Graduate. “These computers are used in recording and production studios across the country, and I was aware that all I would need to teach my students the essentials of digital production was right there.”
With the aid of a smaller accompanying grant that Riley wrote, the digital music workstations would be complete with the MIDI keyboard controllers and studio-grade reference headphones students would need to get the most potential out of the technology that was already available.
“My goal with this was not to just create another music class to for the students, but to build and design a high-quality music class and really teach them everything that I could in a year about music technology,” Riley said.
Music education is defined by the federal government as a core subject area of study, and Riley points out that New York State places an increased emphasis on music technology integration than the majority of other states. Riley said, “This is the next step in making music teachers more relevant and proving to administrators that it's viable.”
“No matter what career path or field they go into, these students will utilize the skills they've learned here for the rest of their lives,” Riley explained as his group of afternoon students worked quietly at the workstations.
Not only is Riley teaching students how to write and create with the use of high-end hardware, but he also incorporated the basics of electronic leaning through the use of screen casts and online forms stored in “Google docs” into the curriculum.
“Distance learning through the use of technology is how many colleges and universities deliver information currently, and introducing the students to this style of learning at the high school level can only better prepare them for their future higher learning,” Riley said.
“Because of the nature of the technology, these students are able to access the coursework at anytime, anywhere,” explained Riley. “They complete the bulk of they studies outside of the classroom and use their time in the classroom to demonstrate what they've learned online.
According to Riley, the depth of learning is also much more intense due to the fact that students can learn at their own pace. If a student does not understand something, they can simply rewind and go over the material again without the pressure of slowing others down.
Teaching the basic fundamentals of digital music production during serves as the hook of the program. An added benefit to the Music Technology program is increasing the number of students participating in the Arts.
It is more important than ever to introduce students to the world of career opportunities that exist in the 21st century job market: Sound engineering, computer music, audio-visual production and post-production, mastering, scoring for film and multimedia, audio for games, software development, and multimedia production.
Riley, who is in his second year at Oxford Academy High School, also directs the Concert, Marching, Jazz and Pep Bands. Riley also teaches music appreciation and music theory. Mr. Riley also directs the pit orchestra for OXAC's annual musical. Music is a major part of his life and he believes that there is no better job than teaching young people music. Mr. Riley is actively involved in the Association of Chenango Area Music Teachers.