Digital Music Composition and Out-of-School Learning

Digital music composition provides access to the music creation process for anyone with an interest in music. In Western cultures, the art of composing music is traditionally viewed as an activity beyond the means of the average person due to the perception that it involves an extensive formal study of music, including in-depth knowledge of music theory and standard music notation. The composer, whose role is often separate from that of the performer, is often given elite status within the musical hierarchy. With the advent of digital music technology, it is now possible for anyone with a computer and/or mobile device, along with a variety of software programs and apps, to create, produce, and compose music. No formal study of music is required. This entry ...