COVID-19 Update:
With the recent changes across the state due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are disappointed to announce that we are cancelling the scheduled on-ground events at Montclair, Rutgers, and Rowan.
However, we will be creating a Google site where teachers can upload and view their students’ works in the near future. Please check back in the near future for details and submission guidelines.
About
Bring your students to a memorable live event, and showcase their creative accomplishments making music with technology! The New Jersey Music Educators Association will be sponsoring the 10th Annual Student Music Technology Expo and Competition in May 2019. The Expo will be held in three locations to better accommodate participants: Expo North at Montclair State University, Expo Central at Rutgers University, and Expo South at Rowan University. Music teachers and students in grades 3-12 are invited to this live event featuring hands-on workshops and performances.
“Science fair” style exhibits will showcase student compositions, remixes, multimedia, and applied technology projects. Projects submitted in advance for adjudication will be evaluated using a festival rating scale (gold, silver, bronze). The day will include an on-site ‘live’ production contest and ‘student choice award.’ Students will have opportunity for hands-on workshops with tech gear. Electronic/alternative ensembles are invited to perform.
History
The first-ever Student Music Tech Expo was held on March 15, 2011. The idea for the Expo emerged from a brainstorming session held during an in-service for music technology teachers held on October 12, 2009. The goal was to provide a venue to showcase students’ creativity and accomplishments, starting with the premise of a “music tech science fair.”
Project Categories for Submission
Please note that projects must represent the work of individuals or groups no larger than 4 students.
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Original Compositions
created using technology including works for traditional and/or electronic instruments. Compositions should prominently illustrate creative use of technology. Projects incorporating use of prerecorded loops will not be considered in this category. All compositions, including those intended for live performance, should be rendered or synthesized in some digital manner (MP3, CD, laptop) as there will be no space provided for live performance.
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Covers, Remixes & Loop-Based Projects
including arrangements/recordings of preexisting songs, song samples and projects incorporating a combination of original material and prerecorded loops. Projects should demonstrate originality in musical choices and creative use of technology. All projects should be rendered or synthesized in some digital manner (MP3, CD, laptop) as there will be no space provided for live performance.
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Multimedia
works demonstrating the convergence of music with more than one discipline, which may include art/photography, video, broadcast journalism, digital storytelling and so on. Works need not be original compositions, but should reflect creative use of technology.
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Applied Technology
encompasses distinctive projects that utilize technology for a specific purpose. Works may include the creation of new electronic musical instruments, interactive music systems, software projects to aid in composition, performance, and music instruction, and more. Projects should be self-contained for a simple demonstration. Submission must include a brief description of the design/development process and relevant photos or video.
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Production/Engineering
Students entering this category will demonstrate their skills in production or engineering created within a digital audio workstation (DAW). Students will be provided prerecorded tracks for a recording in advance of the Expo, and work must be completed and submitted by the deadline provided. Individuals and teams of up to 4 students may enter this category.
Details
See this handout for details on this year’s expo, including event date/location details, registration information, and relavant deadlines.
For additional information, please contact: Dr. Andrew Lesser, NJMEA Technology Chair njmeatechexpo@gmail.com
