Kris Gilbert teaches 6-12 Modern Band, Co-Teach HS Band & HS Chorus, 6-8 Chorus in the Windsor Central School District in New York. Gilbert is the first leader of an Area All-State Modern Band, representing an expansion of the higher-level opportunities available to modern band students. She also serves as a NYSSMA state chairperson and representative of TI:ME. She is a contributing author of Modern Band Method – Ukulele vol. 1 (Hal Leonard / Music Will) and a frequent presenter at TI:ME events.

How has technology changed music teaching since the beginning of your career?

Technology has gradually influenced how and what I teach throughout my career, especially in the areas of creation, adaptation and consumption. Regardless of the “vehicle” that is used to create, adapt or consume music – what is most important is accessibility and the freedom to create and listen as we see fit. Technology has created new and exciting ways to create and understand music, especially for our students who may not be involved in our traditional music ensembles. 

Briefly describe your journey in building a technology infused music curriculum (or integrating tech into a traditional curriculum)

I have always been drawn to music technology, with my first exposure being in the realm of notation software and electronic music composition. Mr. Scott Lavine (Crane School of Music) had a huge influence on my understanding and use of technology in the classroom. Further into my career, at a former district we had the opportunity to create a 20-station MIDI lab that also utilized a GEC (Group Education Controller). We fashioned it after a lab that we had toured in a neighboring district. Thus, “Sound Studio” was born and we had a waitlist that was 50 deep. The program grew to several sections today and we found that students who weren’t normally in band and chorus were lining up to create music in this “new” way. I then changed districts and in my new district I was teaching music production, and I melded what I had taught in my previous position into a more culturally relevant class by including lessons in sampling, mashups, and more. In my latest position, I am blessed to have a fully functional recording studio, complete with a session room, live room, iso booth and control room which runs Pro Tools with Slates and we also have a MIDI lab that runs Pro Tools and Garage Band. I have always been a “gear head”, and I love helping teachers find ways to implement tech that is useful and relevant to their needs and not just using “tech for the sake of using tech”. Through my position as the NYSSMA Technology Chairperson, I enjoy ensuring that NYSSMA continues to support New York State music teachers with providing PD in the areas of music technology.

What technology are you using in your music lessons on a daily basis?

The technology that I use on a daily basis varies according to need. I consistently use forScore on my iPad as well as GarageBand on my computer. Depending on projects we are working on, I could also be using notation software (formerly Finale), Ableton, Pro Tools, Chrome Music Lab (MS), forScore, GuitarTuna, Songsterr, Soundtrap, BandLab, Garage Band and any of the plethora of virtual instrument apps that are out there.

“All music, traditional and non-traditional, has a place!”

-Kris Gilbert, on creativity in technology-based music classes

What is a particular success story from using technology in your music classes?

A favorite success story that I like to share is when a student of mine who struggled in other classes was flourishing in mine. He wanted to be there every moment of his free time, creating his own music. He was not a member of our traditional ensembles, but felt like a “real musician” and in his element. Because of his success, his self-esteem improved, his attendance improved and his behavior improved. He felt that he had something to be proud of and it gave him a personal reason and drive to come to school.

What advice do you have for others reshaping their music classes with technology-based lessons?

When incorporating technology in your classes, make it meaningful and applicable. Don’t add tech for the sake of adding tech. Be sure to still allow creative intent to occur even when placing parameters and limitations, but don’t judge on whether YOU think it is “good”. All music, traditional and non-traditional, has a place!