Research trends in teaching and learning music composition using technology

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the research trends in education on music composition using technology. In total, 101 studies regarding music composition using technology published in international journals from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed. The results based on three categories and six subcategories of publication year, music education subject area, and educational technology were as follows. First, the ratio of publications by year and a period of five years did not show a substantial difference. However, when comparing the 2000s and 2010s, the number of publications increased meaningfully. Second, regarding research topics, the frequency of research on learners’ compositional procedures and strategies was the highest, followed by that on teaching and learning, including teacher-learner interactions. Third, learners, including both primary and secondary students, accounted for the highest proportion of research participants. Including learners of complex subjects, the majority of research was conducted with students. Further, the frequency of studies about professional musicians was also high. Fourth, regarding the research method, the frequency of qualitative research was exceptionally high, especially using the case study method. Fifth, digital media centered on computers accounted for the majority of media used in composing activities utilizing technology. Particularly, considering the new media or the complex category using two or more media, computers were used in almost all studies. Sixth, most studies were conducted in face-to-face environments while the proportion of research using web or mobile, which has already become a part of daily life, appeared to be very low.