Some raw numbers from next year’s registration at the HS I teach at:
Music Tech I: 177 enrolled
Music Tech II: 51 enrolled
…these numbers are consistent with what we had for the current year.
Band enrollment: up 20%
Choir enrollment: up 10%
Other non-performance electives: still being offered
Staff needed to offer Music Tech: 1
Equipment needed: 20-seat lab, 20 MIDI keyboards, software
Cost (assuming you already have a lab): ~$3000 to get it started
Students benefiting from this program next year: 228 (a good portion of which wouldn’t be in the music dept. at all)
We don’t have a unique situation with regard to funding or clientele. We have a class and we offer it – simple as that. Small schools, here’s a way to revitalize your non-performing music electives. Big schools, here’s another avenue for your innovation to take place.
I read recently that despite the shrinking orchestra and pro instrumentalist landscape, more students than ever are being focused toward performance. Why not focus some of them at a billion+ industry like audio with classes like Music Technology?
That is all.
WILL KUHN 