Every Once-in-a-While I have a SmartMusic Tip.

www.SmartMusic.com

Every once-in-a-while I have a SmartMusic tip.

When I talk about using SmartMusic with my students and one of things I point out is the balance slider.  If I give an assignment with an accompaniment, I really want to hear the student more than the accompaniment.  Students really need to listen to an assignment before sending it in.  It is very easy to change the balance before sending it.

Now for the kid who forgot or rushed to get things turned-in and didn't listen, what do you do?  You can send it back and if there is time, I do that.  One more take is always good.  However, I am often on deadline when listening too.

That's where a decent set of headphones can help.  I have had some problem assignments become "listenable" by just pulling the side of the headphones with the accompaniment off my ear.  One side is always performer strong and you can hear what they are doing.  Saves you the time of a redo.

Don't forget to follow-up with the kid about his mixing tastes!

Time's Top Ten Apps for Back to School. Another List!

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1919378_1919377,00.html

I AM a sucker for lists. Here's one from Time Magazine!

Time has put together a nice list of iPhone Apps for back to school. I would personally make it a top 11 and add "Things" or maybe substitute that app for the homework organizer. Why are these lists always 10 items? Do we blame Letterman?

This list makes the Touch/iPhone look like a powerful and adaptive tool for learning. No surprise, it really is.

Got to wonder though, would a kid be allowed to take out his iPhone (iPod Touch) without risking confiscation? How many schools allow these tools to be used? Can they be connected to the school wireless network? Is there a school wireless network?

Hey Time! Need a writing prompt for an article?