Musicians have always been users of technology. Most musical instruments are products of centuries of technological development. In the early twentieth century, the recording of sound on records and tapes changed the way in which music was perceived and was taught. In the late twentieth century, the computer became a focal point for research, development, composition, and production.

The most powerful application for music education may be the use of computers in creating an environment for composition, improvisation, and arrangement of music. When connected to electronic instruments, computers can be used to record, transcribe, edit, and perform pieces of music. Such a musical environment enable experimentation and discovery learning. Us of the computer in transposition enable the teacher directly to accommodate the musical needs of the students, such as providing the appropriate key for the rapidly changing voice. Computer-based instructional softwar for music includes tutorials and programs used for music theory and ear training, music games, and the testing of software.

Many other technological resources have direct applications for music instruction, including compact discs, CD-ROMs, videodiscs, synthesizers, electronic keyboards, tone generators, drum machines, musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) connections, sequencers, sound samplers, and audio mixers.

The rapid change in technology will undoubtedly result in the emergence of new devices that will make this list incomplete. Music teachers must reflect on their instructional goals and determine how best to use the available resources for the most effective student learning. Budgets need to be designed to support technological development in music education. Technology is to be used not for its own sake but for the achievement of high-quality music education.

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