Defining and Acknowledging Music Education Technology in Music Teacher Training

Abstract

This chapter discusses music education technology from the standpoint of Finnish music teacher education. After briefly narrating the author’s history as a digital immigrant, the chapter describes the Finnish music education system and the varied functions technology has had in it. While music technology has been studied for decades in Finland, there has been a lack of pedagogical concentration on communication technology and the social aspects of music technology. It seems that, at least in Finland, we need a rethinking of how music education technology courses can widen music teachers’ visions. Music teacher training programs would seem to be natural habitats for experimenting with different expressive and creative aspects of digital technology. In conclusion, the chapter presents three suggestions on how to organize music education technology studies in Finnish music teacher education.