Neuroscientists are discovering multiple ways that musical training improves the function and connectivity of different brain

regions.
Musical training increases brain volume, and strengthens communication between brain areas. Playing an instrument changes how
the brain interprets and integrates a wide range of sensory information, especially for those who start before age 7. These findings
were presented at the Neuroscience 2013 conference in San Diego.[1]
I have often wondered how much more I could impact student achievement from the music classroom if I saw my students for 50
minutes every day, instead of 50 minutes every three days. I wish I could provide them all with private music lessons, but there are
not enough hours in the day to accomplish this. In a building with 81% of our students receiving free and reduced lunches, and 20%
English Language Learners, most families are not able to afford private music instruction for their children. Since technology has
become more accessible to these families through cell phones and tablets, I feel that these devices would be a n avenue to increase
the students ability to receive more music instruction. For students who do not have internet access at home, I will provide the same
materials on DVDs that they can either watch at home, or in the classroom. My main goal is to enrich learners who are able to pass
assessments easily, and provide interventions for learners that require more instruction to succeed.
I have always been interested in integrating technology into my classroom. Right now, our school has approximately 770 students
with about a 4:1 student-to-technology device ratio. Although we have 5 iPad carts in the building, it is difficult for a music teacher to
gain access to these devices. Many times throughout the year, the devices are dedicated to standardized testing, and therefore, are
not even available to the core subject classrooms. There are just not enough devices to go around to accomplish the desired
integration throughout the building.

We also do not have technology skills classes to help these learners use the technology that is available. Regular classroom
teachers are expected to keep up with these skills while trying to teach the core curriculum.
My students are willing to learn and love music class. They need more instructional time to be able to master the needed skills when
they transfer their learning to band instruments in 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade.
The best thing about music is that it incorporates reading, writing, math, social studies, and science into a class where they can apply
the knowledge learned in the regular classroom by analyzing pieces of music, synthesize their skills by playing the music on a
musical instrument, and evaluate their performance to improve their technique and music reading skills. I want to instill a lifelong
curiosity of learning and the technology skills needed to communicate in the global conversation whether musical or not.
About 2 years ago an administrator in our district told the elementary music teachers that we were also literacy teachers. I had
always know this, but was so impressed that someone on the administrative level was aware as well. In the music classroom I teach
the language of music. All languages have symbols that create sounds that learners need to be able to decode in order to read and
write the language. Music is no different, but in music class students can be exposed to many different languages at one time.
Besides the obvious combination of music with the English language, the music classroom can expose learners to languages from
around the world. Following the SAMR model (see Appendix 1),my goal for all grade levels is to not only teach learners to read and
write music, but to use the English language to collaborate and communicate with other learners in a global conversation about the
theory, historical and cultural aspects of music.

I currently have a 1 iPad 2, which I recieved 3 years ago.This spring I wrote a grant in hopes of receiving 2 iPad Air devices to enrich
my flipped classroom and to use in music centers for all grades. This would put the devices to student ratio 1:15 as I use my teacher
iPad mainly for classroom management. In the first year of my plan, I am requesting 4 additional iPad Air devices to reduce this ratio
to a 1:5 device to student ratio to increase the accessibility of technology in my classroom. My hopes are that the 1:1 device ratio
that our school district has been planning will occur in the course of this plan, but i have included the purchase of more Apple devices
in order to eventually create a 1:1 ratio in my classroom.
I am asking that you review the attached technology plan as a guideline to the technology integration that I would like to incorporate
in my classroom over the next five years. I will continue to seek grant opportunities to implement my plan. I have also included
training opportunities where I would learn about technology tools and activities that can be integrated into the classroom setting and I
would open a weekly Technology Cafe in our building to mentor other educators in reaching their technology integration goals. I
hope that we can work together to create more technology access and learning opportunities in the music classroom and in all
classrooms here at Martin City.
Existing Technology Components
Item Description

Quantity

Recommendation

VCR

Keep for educational videos which are not

on DVD or available online.

DVD Player

Keep. I use this as a backup to my PC for

substitutes and technical difficulties when
viewing educational videos..

Teamboard

Keep. Still functional and be used with

LCD Projector

Keep. Still functional and be used with

Apple TV.

Apple TV

Keep. Brand new.

iPad 2 16gb

Keep. Keep. Still functional and be used

with Apple TV.

PSD340 Dual Drive CD/MP3 Player / CD

Recorder

Keep for recording and burning compact

discs for students who do not have online
devices at home.

Dell Desktop Teacher Computer

Keep. It is still functional and is used for

lesson planning and other clerical
functions.I would like to replace this
computer in the next couple of years to
become more up to date with applications
that are newer.

Dell Desktop Computer Connected to

LCD projector/Teamboard

Keep. It is still functional and is used for

classroom instruction and centers .I would
like to replace this computer in the next
couple of years to become more up to
date with applications that are available. I
would like to replace this with a more
updated laptop in year 2.

Built in Speakers

Keep. They are still functional and are

used with the teamboard and ipad for
instructional purposes and listening and
moving to music examples.

Purchases for School Year 2015-2016 - Year One

Description

Justification

Qty.

Cost

Total

Training - Attend ISTE

Conference Summer
2015

Learn more about the

tools and activities that
are available to
integrate into the
classroom and mentor
other teachers through
a weekly Technology
Cafe.

$ 1710.00

$ 1710.00

Attend In District
Technology Trainings

To learn about the

technology tools and
applications that our
district is using and
mentor other teachers
through a weekly
Technology Cafe.

Free

Free

Join and engage in

collaboration on the
following Facebook
pages:
Elementary Music
Teachers, Music
Technology in
Education, and Music
Teachers.

This would enable me to 1

collaborate and
exchange integration
strategies with other
music teachers around
the world. Many apps
are reviewed on this
page. This would also
be more training for
mentoring other
educators through a
weekly Technology
Cafe.

Free

Free

Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi -

I have written a grant for

406.97

1,627.88

tablet - 16 GB - 9.7"

2 iPad Airs and would

like to buy 4 more, so
that more students have
access to them during
classroom instruction,
assessment, and
centers. This would
create a1:5 device to
student ratio in my
classroom.

Start up app budget for

iPads

Buy apps that are

appropriate for use in
the elementary music
classroom. (See
Appendix 2 for a listing
of start up apps)

60.00

360.00

Blue Microphones

This microphone would

be used by both myself
and learners to digitally
record student practice
materials, classroom
activities, assessments,
and performances using
my desktop computer
and ipad..

64.95

64.95

Hamilton Buhl 12 pk

These headphones

92.77

92.77

Headphones w/ volume

would be used with the

control

iPads for individual and

20.94

83.76

Snowball USB
Microphone

center work.
Verbatim Folio Flex for

Case to protect iPads

iPad Air - case for tablet

and save battery usage.

LocknCharge Wall Cage Charge and Lock

Station for 10 iPads to
- storage box
store, secure, and
charge each iPad.

$638.39

$638.39

Total for 2015-2016

$3,879.36

Purchases for 2016-2017 - Year 2

Description

Justification

Qty.

Cost

Total

Training - Attend the

METC Conference in
February 2017

Learn more about the

tools and activities that
are available to
integrate into the
classroom and mentor
other teachers through
a weekly Technology
Cafe. I would also be
able to network with
educators from our area
and exchange new
integration strategies.

400.00

400.00

Training - Attend In
District Technology
Trainings

To learn about the

technology tools and
applications that our
district is using and
mentor other teachers
through a weekly
Technology Cafe.

Free

Free

Apple MacBook Air -

To replace the Dell

$ 1,199.00

1,199.00

13.3" - Core i5 - OS X
10.10 Yosemite - 4 GB
RAM - 256

Desktop computer that

is currently connected to
my LCD projector and
Teamboard. When not
in use for classroom
instruction, I would use
it for lesson planning
and other clerical and
instructional activities.

Office 365 University

Downloadable Software

This is a 4 year
subscription to Office
365 University for Mac
and will be used for
instructional, planning.
and clerical activities.
This download includes:
Word, Excel,
Powerpoint, and
OneNote, and can be
loaded on my teacher
iPad as well.

$79.99

$79.99

Additional app budget

for the iPads.

To purchase new music

education and writing
applications and set up
the 6 new iPads.

25.00

150.00

Total for 2016-2017

$1749.00

Purchases for 2017-2018 - Year 3

Description
Training - Attend ISTE
Conference Summer

Justification
Learn more about the
tools and activities that

Qty.
1

Cost
$ 1710.00

Total
$ 1710.00

2018

are available to
integrate into the
classroom and mentor
other teachers through
a weekly Technology
Cafe.

Training - Attend In
District Technology
Trainings

To learn about the

technology tools and
applications that our
district is using and
mentor other teachers
through a weekly
Technology Cafe.

Free

Free

Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi tablet - 16 GB - 9.7"

Increase student access

to technology in the
elementary music
classroom. This would
create approximately
1:2.5 ratio of devices to
learners.

$406.97

$2,441.82

Verbatim Folio Flex for

iPad Air - case for tablet

Case to protect iPads

and save battery usage.

20.94

$125.64

LocknCharge Wall Cage Charge and Lock

Station for 10 iPads to
- storage box
store, secure, and
charge each iPad.

$638.39

$638.39

Additional app budget

for the iPads.

12

30.00

$360.00

Purchase startup apps

for new iPads and new
music education and

writing applications for

existing iPads..
Total for 2017-2018

$4,511.82

Purchases for 2018-2019 - Year 4

Description

Justification

Qty.

Cost

Total

Training - Attend the

METC Conference in
February 2019

Learn more about the

tools and activities that
are available to
integrate into the
classroom and mentor
other teachers through
a weekly Technology
Cafe. I would also be
able to network with
educators from our area
and exchange new
integration strategies.

$600.00

$600.00

Training - Attend In
District Technology
Trainings

To learn about the

technology tools and
applications that our
district is using and
mentor other teachers
through a weekly
Technology Cafe.

Free

Free

Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi tablet - 16 GB - 9.7"

Increase student access

to technology in the
elementary music
classroom. This would
create approximately
1:1.7 ratio of devices to

$406.97

$2,441.82

learners.
Verbatim Folio Flex for
iPad Air - case for tablet

Case to protect iPads

and save battery usage.

20.94

$125.64

LocknCharge Wall Cage Charge and Lock

Station for 10 iPads to
- storage box
store, secure, and
charge each iPad.

$638.39

$638.39

Additional app budget

for the iPads.

18

35.00

$630.00

Purchase startup apps

for new iPads and new
music education and
writing applications for
existing iPads.

Total for 2018-2019

Purchases for 2019-2020 - Year 5
Description

Justification

Qty.

Cost

Total

Training - Attend ISTE

Conference Summer
2019

Learn more about the

tools and activities that
are available to
integrate into the
classroom and mentor
other teachers through
a weekly Technology
Cafe.

$ 1710.00

$ 1710.00

Training - Attend In
District Technology
Trainings

To learn about the

technology tools and
applications that our
district is using and

Free

Free

mentor other teachers

through a weekly
Technology Cafe.

Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi tablet - 16 GB - 9.7"

Increase student access

to technology in the
elementary music
classroom. This would
create approximately an
1:1.25 ratio of devices
to learners.

$406.97

$2,441.82

Verbatim Folio Flex for

iPad Air - case for tablet

Case to protect iPads

and save battery usage.

20.94

$125.64

LocknCharge Wall Cage Charge and Lock

Station for 10 iPads to
- storage box
store, secure, and
charge each iPad.

$638.39

$638.39

Additional app budget

for the iPads.

24

35.00

$630.00

Purchase startup apps

for new iPads and new
music education and
writing applications for
existing iPads.

Total for 2019-2020

1. Bergland, C. (2013, November 13). Musical Training Optimizes Brain Function. Retrieved September 13,2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/theathletes-way/201311/musical-training-optimizes-brain-function

Appendix 1
Appendix 2 - Start Up Apps
App

Description

Price

Presentation and Collaboration Apps

Edmodo

Edmodo makes a teachers daily life easier by

providing a safe and easy way for teachers and
students to engage and collaborate for free,
anytime, anywhere.

Free

Capture your thoughts, discoveries, and ideas with

OneNote, your very own digital notebook.

Free

Photon Flash Browser for Education is a flash

browser design for children, parents, schools and
the education market. It packs all the power of the
#1 Flash browser on the app store (Photon Flash
Browser) but with a restrictive filter that prevents
children from visiting adult sites and other sites with
inappropriate content.

$4.99

Educreations is a unique interactive whiteboard

and screen casting tool that's simple, powerful, and
fun to use. Annotate, animate, and narrate nearly
any type of content as you explain any concept.
Teachers can create short instructional videos and
share them instantly with students, or ask students
to show what they know and help friends learn
something new.

Free

Sock Puppets lets you create your own lip-synched

videos and share them on Facebook and YouTube.
Add Puppets, props, scenery, and backgrounds
and start creating. Hit the record button and the
puppets automatically lip-synch to your voice.

Free

One Note

Photon Flash Browser for Kids

Educreations

Sock Puppets

Explain Everything

Skype (Teacher iPad only)

Explain Everything is an easy-to-use design,

screencasting, and interactive whiteboard tool that
lets you annotate, animate, narrate, import, and
export almost anything to and from almost
anywhere.

$2.99

Say hello to friends and family with an instant

message, voice or video call on Skype for free.
Theres so much you can do, right from the palm of
your hand Learners can collaborate with other
classrooms around the world.

Free

This app listens to you playing your instrument!

Watch the notes fly off the screen when you play
them correctly! 'My Note Games!' comprises a suite
of simple games to teach music theory and
instrument mastery.

$6.99

Want your child to experience the joy of creating

music but dont know where to start? Tap & Sing
lets kids tap their way to an understanding of
concepts like notes, chords and melodies, all while
having fun! By tapping the StoryBots in sequence
after they raise their hands, kids can even learn
how to play songs. Its like Guitar Hero for
kindergartners!

Free

This educational game is already used in

thousands of schools to introduce children to pitch
and improve their musical ear for notes. Each of
the blobs in the chorus sing a note then king blob
sings his note. The aim of the game is to identify
the blob that sang the same note as king blob. Its
more difficult than it sounds but if things do get too
easy for your child you can increase the size of the
choir.

Free

Melody Apps

My Note Games

Storybots Tap and Sing

Blob Chorus

Rain Rain Story

The Rain Rain Story App is more than a read along

story! Children ages 1-8 will not only listen to the
story. They will sing along with the Rain Rain song.
They will learn a rain poem and will be able to
create sound effects to play with the poem.
Children will be able to play rhythm instruments - a
triangle, drum, claves and rhythm sticks. Children
will develop listening skills by playing the patterns
game. They will be able to play a xylophone, and
learn to play the Rain Rain song on it. This app is
companion component to our current music
curriculum.

$1.99

A fun game that will help kids and adults learn to

read some basic music rhythms.
60 entertaining levels that get progressively more
challenging.

$4.99

Making music has never been so fun, or so easy!

Play realistic instruments and watch as little jungle
animals copy your tunes. See their funny reactions
as you feed them bananas, spin them, or bop them
on the head! Make them happy and see them
reward you with a special song!

$3.99

Here is a fun and creative way to introduce young

people to the joys of the orchestra and the thrill of
music-making. This app is aimed at 711 year olds
but will be enjoyed by much younger children and
grandparents alike! It is also a great resource for
the classroom. At the heart of the app is a new,
complete recording of Benjamin Brittens The
Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra conducted
by Sir Mark Elder. The games and quizzes are an
engaging way of becoming familiar with the music
while learning about the instruments, musical terms

Free

Rhythm Apps

Rhythm Cat Pro HD

Monkey Drum Deluxe

Orchestra and Music Listening Apps

The Young Persons Guide to

the Orchestra

and composition.

Sounds of the Orchestra

The Saint Saens Carnival of

the Animals

Sounds of the Orchestra is a fun way for children,

parents, teachers, and anyone with an interest in
music to learn about the classical musical
instruments that comprise the orchestra. Everyone
will enjoy the wide variety of playing, learning, and
listening activities

$1.99

New App The Carnival of the Animals is a magical

book which takes children into the heart of Camille
Saint-Saenss musical masterpiece.

$3.99

Page after page, you will discover Saint-Saenss

musical universe with various games and activities,
and more than 20 minutes of film extracts starring
the Philharmonic Orchestra of Radio France,
directed by the maestro Myung-Whun Chung.
The magical keyboard, the funny chickens tap-tap,
the drawing lion and many other marvellous
musical activities offer a new way to listen classical
music.

Composition and Form Apps

Garage Band

Symphony Pro

GarageBand turns your iPad, iPhone, and iPod

touch into a collection of Touch Instruments and a
full-featured recording studio so you can make
music anywhere you go. Use Multi-Touch gestures
to play a piano, organ, guitar, and drums. They
sound and play like their counterparts, but let you
do things you could never do on a real instrument.

$4.99

A pioneer in touch-based music notation and

composition, Symphony Pro lets you compose
complex orchestrations, lead sheets, chord charts,
and guitar tabs on the iPad and instantly hear them
played back. This is the easiest and most
comprehensive way to compose sheet music on
your iPad.

$12.99

TuneTrain is a music creation app, where kids can

quickly create and edit melodies through a fun linedrawing mechanic.

Free

With LoopsequeKids you don't need a beat highscore or reach 10000 level in 5 seconds. You meet
only peaceful locations and gentle sounds created
for inspiration and fun.

Free

Tune Train

Loopseque Kids

The kid gradually learns the basics of the rhythm,

and can appreciate the true value and beauty of the
symmetry of music patterns on both audio-visual
and tactile levels.

Recorder Apps

Learn and Play Recorder

Learn and Play Recorder 2

General Music Apps

Learn and Play Recorder teaches beginners about

the recorder, how to
read music and how to play the soprano recorder.
The app includes 38
songs from Just B to Camptown Races, all with a
full performance track. This app is companion
component to our current music curriculum.

$3.99

Learn and Play Recorder gives beginning and

intermediate recorder players 24 duets to play on
soprano recorders or 24 trios using two soprano
and an alto recorder.This app is companion
component to our current music curriculum.

$3.99

Learners independently learn basic facts about

music.

Free

Children's Music Whiz

Resources
30+ Fun Ways to Teach the Notes of the Staff Using Technology, (n.d.) Retreived May4, 2015, from
http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/2014/08/30-fun-ways-to-teach-the-notes-of-the-staff-using-technology/
Burns, A.(2014) Help! I am an Elementary Music Teacher with one or more iPads! (iBooks)
Elemntary Music Teachers, (n.d.)Retrieved May 4, 2015, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/481909418563309/.
iPads in the Music Room, (n.d.)Retrieved May 4, 2015, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/292810547462700/.
ITunes. (n.d.)Retreived May 5, 2015, from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app.
Music Technology in Education, (n.d.)Retrieved May 4, 2015, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/6092997703/.
Evolving Technology in Musical Education, (n.d.) Retrieved May 3, 2015, from http://www.visualistan.com/2013/10/evolvingtechnology-in-musical.html