Proposal

Narrative

All music majors at FAU will use the proposed systems to have recieve individualized assistance with developing all aspects of musicianship, from the first semester ear-training course to the final semester recital. The Smartmuisc software package, developed by the Makemusic Corporation, provides computerized accompaniment for music being studied, including solos, orchestral works, etudes, methods books, and instructor-generated materials uploaded locally. These accompaniments follow the live performer via microphone interface, providing real-world interaction through the AI. The combination of platform software that responds to the live performer instantly, and a cloud-based library of over 80,000 music selections, will bring higher achievement, enhanced motivation, more useful and frequent feedback, and more authentic music experiences to students in music classrooms as well as their individual practice. Students in large courses such as Sight-Singing will get individualized assistance in developing skills several times per week, improved from four times per semester. The systems described is presently in-use at Florida State University’s College of Music, where each music major uses the proposed equipment several times per week.

Assessment with Smartmusic

Smartmusic compares live individual performances against music found in a cloud-based library or uploaded locally, and can score the live performance of the student against that library. This can be done as a part of daily preparation (with feedback given only to the student) or an assessment plan (with results transmitted to the instructor).

Music majors and instructors in the following courses would use the Smartmusic system:

• MUT: Sight Singing and Ear Training I, II, III, IV, a four-course sequence required of all 280 undergraduate music majors (three sections per term)
  
• MVx: Applied instruction in every instrument. (Approximately 260 hours of applied music lessons occur each week, every term, at FAU)
  
• MUE: Pedagogy and Methods in Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Jazz Ensemble, and Strings (two sections per term)
  
• MUN: Large ensemble courses including Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus, and Jazz Band (seven sections per term, every term)

Additionally, students may elect to purchase a personal subscription to Smartmusic, allowing for access to both intelligent accompaniment and assessments from off-campus.

Facilities

Installation of workstation can be accomplished with addition of Ethernet drops to seven of the proposed rooms: AL 228, 230, 232, 227, 329, and AH 117

Hardware Requirements

Software Requirements

Nineteen subscriptions to Smartmusic software (Makemusic, Inc.) with educator license : $140 per station = $2,660

Personnel Costs

Personnel costs included in the price of $2000 per room for Ethernet drop, conduit, and set up.

Other Costs

Timeline

All workstations can be set-up and installed by OIT and department staff the first summer session, ending before June 30.

Sustainability

The Smartmusic software requires an annual subscription of $140 per workstation for department faculty. This includes access to the continually expanding library of music (presently over 30,000 titles) and the license to use this music. These subscriptions will require $2,660 annually, recurring.

Resource Matching

The Makemusic company will send the area representative from Tampa to assist with installation, and to proved training for faculty on the use and attributes of Smartmusic. Further training is available through collaboration with the Palm Beach County Schools, extensive users of Smartmusic.

Implementing Organization

The Department of Music in the Dorothy F Schmidt College of Arts and Letters.