Editor’s Note: This morning we have Bobby Herron giving us a look inside the creative world of online music labs. Here he is:
I recently began looking online for websites that help teach drumming fundamentals and techniques so that my students would have some resources to help them learn at home. I stumbled upon a tremendous variety of places where kids can become acquainted with music.
A virtual instrument certainly won’t give a child the tactile and aural experience of a real guitar, violin or trombone but it could be a good tool to be used occasionally during a child’s musical journey.
My recent exploration began with Morton Subotnick’s Creating Music. The name of this site alone made me want to get in there and start clicking. I had some fun creating music with the sketch pad. Kids will learn quickly how to compose their own music with this interface and even edit their masterpiece for maximum listening pleasure. Basically, you can draw your musical composition using the sketch pad. There are other fun and informative things to do on this site. Check it out.
Sphinx Kids is another site with a variety of musical games and videos that can help your kids develop an appreciation of music and how it’s made.
My favorite music site for kids has got to be the New York Philharmonic’s instrument lab. There is so much potential fun here - building your own instruments - I don’t know where to begin. Should I make the one stringed Brazilian berimbao or the one man band? Just click on the picture of the homemade instrument and a window pops up with an explanation and instructions on how to make one. Wondering how to keep your kids entertained on a rainy day? This looks like a winner. There are other things to see and do on NYP kids. I recommend a visit.
There are several virtual musical instrument sites. They range from musical keyboards to virtual drum machines. If you don’t have a collection of musical instruments around the house to help get your kids interest in music peaked, try some of these virtual ones. Later, when you do invest in a drum, keyboard or tuba, your kids will have had a chance to explore.
Here’s a list of the sites I visited:
Now I certainly wouldn’t try to tell a teenager what site to visit or what was cool in the world of online activities and entertainment. I should, however, mention that these are sites which older kids to adults might appreciate.
I discovered songstowearpantsto.com a few years ago. Basically, you write in what you want your song to be about and this fellow just might write, record and post your song on the site. There are, of course, some absurd ideas for songs and I can’t guarantee that all the content is suitable for all ages. But this is a great little niche site and worth a visit or two when you’re in the mood for a different kind of musical entertainment.
daytrotter.com is a fascinating music site with incredible artwork. All kinds of musical artists record in the Daytrotter studio and you get to hear the results. Their in house artist gives you hand renderings of these fearless musicians.
playlist.com is a site where you can create and share playlists with friends. It’s also a great site to find and listen to streaming music. Just type in the name of an artist and voila.
I’m sure this is just the tip of the musical iceberg. Feel free to stop by my site anytime for a visit. You’ll find some information regarding music lessons and even a few beginners drum lessons.
MEET BOBBY!
Bobby Herron began his music career as a singer/ songwriter in the 80s with the b-sides band amidst the legendary Vancouver punk scene. From Caribbean reggae and soca to country swing he has delved into a variety of musical styles over the years. After spending three years as co-owner of a bar/restaurant in Prague, he decided to settle in the Comox Valley in the late 90s to be closer to his family. In addition to his day job, Bobby teaches, makes music in his Village Quirks studio, volunteers and encourages creativity in the community.
