Music notation software was a huge technological breakthrough for musicians back in the pre-internet days, allowing musicians at all ability levels to experiment with music composition by connecting the visual elements of notation with the aural elements of music. However, there were two huge barriers to entry with this technology: 1. the cost to purchase the software, and 2. a very steep learning curve to be able to use the software at even a basic level. Over time, music notation software became easier to use, and a free version of Finale (the MS Office of notation software) became available. With the free Finale Notepad, students could access the software at home, and schools could have a copy on every computer in every lab. When makers of Finale started charging for Notepad, music educators were left without a valuable tool they had relied on for teaching music composition to students.
Fortunately, there is now a Web 2.0 tool available to fill the need for a free, easy to use music notation tool for students -- Noteflight (www.noteflight.com). Like traditional notation software, Noteflight allows users to compose and notate basic pieces for a variety of instruments and ensembles. Noteflight is extremely easy to learn, and the website has great tutorial videos and help files.
In many ways, Noteflight is even better than traditional installed notation software because it combines the features of notation software with the benefits of Web 2.0. Students can share their compositions with others on the Noteflight website. Compositions can be edited by multiple users. Noteflight compositions can be linked to or embedded in websites.
Beyond the traditional uses of notation software (all of which still can be accomplished in Noteflight) students can easily link to their compositions from a personal website, class website, or digital portfolio. Groups of students could collaborate on a shared composition. Students could easily get peer feedback on their compositions entirely online and away from school.
References:
Noteflight - online music notation. (2009). Retrieved October 18, 2009 from http://www.noteflight.com/
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