I like how you videoed yourself and gave instructions. I imagine that pre-recorded lessons by HBL could be like this. It's really good to have a clear diagram of the otamatone head done up for the students.

This is an excellent choice of instrument/device as students won't be intimidated to play the instrument due to its look.

How to improve: Probably can justify further why should schools start using otamatone in their music curriculum comparing to other portable instruments for eg. the ukulele.

1. do you expect students to explore all the sound packs before choosing one? will there be time given to them? or is it expected for them to explore on their own, not during class time?

2. i like the fact that you can only choose one of the components at the time. This provides a creative limit for the students. As I can foresee that some students will feel overwhelmed by the number of choices.

3. goooooo DJ Ryan!!

4. Will you let students work in groups or individually for this?

5. Why did you choose this specific app instead of other beat making apps on the app store?

Reminds me of launchpad! I’m not familiar with launchpad though. Are they similar?

This limited choices gives students a smaller scope to explore but that might not be a bad thing. Garageband has way too many loops to explore and students often get lost on the options. The simplicity makes it suitable for primary school level.

Questions:

• Can import own sound samples?

• Can it export as audio files?

• Does it matter if i start the track on a off-beat?

How to improve: What are the alternatives if the school doesn't own an iPad? is it compatible on other devices?

The initial hurdle of sounding out of pitch might either encourage students to want to work at it to get it right or dissuade students from putting in more effort.

I cannot really see the squeezing of the instrument's mouth in the video though.

The size and micro movements required on the neck will be suitable for children because they have smaller hands and fingers.

The video could include explanation on how to play or create sound. Does just pressing on the neck produce the sound or what else must I do?

What does squeezing the instrument's mouth do?

How do I squeeze the mouth? Do I need to squeeze the mouth? What does squeezing the mouth do or not do? What happens if I don’t squeeze the mouth?

The immediate thing that came to my mind was how cool this app and the music you were making is. It's definitely something the kids would enjoy and immediately catch on to. The whole process was clearly explained and instructed too. It's very current and relevant for the kids to learn this.

My only suggestion would be to explore the ideas of song composing and structure with them first to give them an idea of he layer and stack music before going into it.

I actually think this instrument is cool!

The shape and look of it makes it very simple and manageable and not clunky and daunting to hold. The design of it also makes the shape of the instrument an important part of how it's being played. It's compact enough to carry around too. There's not a lot of barriers to entry, it's easy to evoke the sounds and control it.

The way you explained the instrument was clear,concise and interactive too. You made the instrument fun and even explored various possibilities with it. Good job!

The only issue I see any teacher facing is the funny sound it makes. One, it will easily tickle students making it hard to control them. Two, if played in a large number it could actually be quite annoying : (

I was trying the web version on the ipad but unfortunately it does not seem to work. :(

I’m wondering if this module is conducted, will there be a worksheet for them to compose?

Not sure if the web app allows us to save the project, if not we can have the students to record the symbols on a worksheet.

Another limitation is that we have to click the characters one by one, or mute all. I wonder if that function will be available on the ipad where we can mute 2 or 3 characters simultaneously. In a way we can work around that because the loops only start after one cycle so we can click a few of them quickly.

Maybe in your video at the end can do a short demo rapping over the loops so can pique interest in the students.

Students will like it as there is an animation feature with the characters, but I'm thinking if the characters will appear scary to kids.

I cannot tell what beat is happening at the moment of playback. Is it beat 1, 2, 3, or 4? Because the play wheel is a continuous circular flow.

The symbols for the sounds doesn’t tell me what musical element it represents - is it beats, melody, or countermelody? I have to memorise it?

What if students click the start and stop of sounds out of time?

I'm thinking if it might be a little limited timbre wise as it is all created by voices only.

Is there a time limit for recording?

How will students remember what sequence to trigger the sounds in for their piece?

• Nowell

I’ve learnt so much more about garage band! Never explored much into the live loop functions.

I like that you can trigger the sounds individually and collectively as a column, the ability of effects, and the ability to record your own samples in.

Students will also learn to discern if certain loops work well with each other or not since the pool of loops to use are as a whole, but it could also end up as a endless rabbit hole.

My only gripe for the app is if only it can be visually more attractive.

I think 6/8 still can work. Set to 6 slices and drop the tempo?

Its a really interesting app for students to play around with rhythms!

I find that it is a little hard to relate the preset shapes to the beat that I will hear.

I wonder if it can be incorporated as a music creation app or just limited to a teaching tool.

The fact that this is both beat boxing and music arrangement makes it even more cooler. Students will definitely a enjoy this.

I'm wondering if students can record their song?

I think the only tip I have is maybe having your face in the video too, it might add a more personal touch.

I would go play with this myself! Looks fun and cool!

-Nowell

The app is vibrant and catchy so I think it works. Your presentation style to the kids is also very engaging. Just avoid 6/8 and swing, gets tricky!

This theoretical foundation will help students make more informed creative choices when constructing their beats.

Consider different learning paces and styles by providing extension activities for advanced students and additional support for those who might struggle :)