Is Technology Taking Over Our World? How Music Teachers Are Navigating the Digital Shift in Music and Books
Ever feel like there is TOO much technology in our world?
As music teachers, we’re all feeling the impact of technology in our studios. But is it really taking over? I recently took a poll to see what my fellow teachers preferred when it comes to music formats: digital, paperback, or both. The results were pretty surprising!
First off, not a single person chose just digital. That one caught me off guard. But what did stand out was that a whopping 75% of teachers said they preferred both formats.
Why Both? The Flexibility Factor
The reasons teachers gave for wanting both digital and paperback copies made a lot of sense. Here’s what they said about digital:
Immediate Access: You can purchase and download music instantly.
Space-Saving: No need to find storage space for more books.
Selective Printing: Only print the pages you need.
Versatility: Great for use on tablets or computers.
But why also keep paper copies? For many, it’s about flexibility:
Backup: When students (inevitably) forget their music, you’ve got a digital copy ready to go.
Convenience: It’s easy to share on a device or print out an extra copy on the spot.
I must admit, I thought most teachers would lean towards either digital or paperback. But preferring both formats? That was a pleasant surprise! And honestly, I’m right there with them.
Why I’m Team “Both”
Even though I teach online, I still want my students to have a physical book in their hands. There’s something about turning real pages and having that tangible connection to the music. But having digital downloads on my devices? That’s been a game changer. I can easily choose, print, or share music with students during lessons. Plus, the ability to screen share and annotate scores is a lifesaver in my virtual classes.
A book for preschoolers and young students, both paperback and digital
Little Red Piano: The Best of Both Worlds
Speaking of flexible formats, I’ve made my new preschool method book, Little Red Piano, available in both digital and paperback.
This book has been a hit with my youngest students. They love playing the same songs over and over (which is fine by me—they’re still learning!), and their faces light up when they see the colorful graphics and cute characters. Having the entire book available as a studio license has been a game changer for me. The PDF comes in two formats: landscape for printing and portrait for use on a tablet.
What makes this method so unique is how it encourages creativity and exploration while providing teachers with all the support they need. You don’t need any special training—just get the book, and dive in with your students.
Whether you have a beginner or a special needs student, this book’s flexibility can fill any gaps in their learning. Do your students really know the difference between high and low? Are they struggling to find the group of two black keys and name the bottom or top one? Little Red Piano can help with that.
What About You?
So, where do you stand on the digital vs. paperback debate? Or are you like me, in the “both” camp? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Feel free to drop a comment below and let me know which format you prefer and why!
