Enhanced Technology Transformations at the Music School
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music has taken a significant step forward in the digital age, implementing innovative technology solutions to facilitate remote music collaborations during the pandemic.
In a groundbreaking move, Arturo O'Farrill's Jazz Combos ensemble rehearsal was used as an example of the potential for this technology. O'Farrill, from his studio, was able to connect with students practicing from their own classrooms or practice rooms, showcasing the power of digital connectivity in music education.
The technology team at the School of Music decided to move forward with implementing two software programs: SonoBus and Jamulus. These digital tools allow students and faculty to connect from any room at the School of Music with a data port, thanks to the technology solution of sending audio through the local network called Audio over Ethernet.
As a result, all classrooms at the School of Music will now be able to livestream for hybrid classes in the fall. This development is particularly significant, as musicians are expected to continue working in this way even after the pandemic, with these new tools being essential for sending out audition recordings and similar projects.
The School of Music has also taken steps to ensure that everyone is equipped to use these new technologies. Over 200 people attended the training boot camps, taught by experts and members of the Graduate Council. Additionally, customized one-on-one training sessions were offered for students and faculty.
The School of Music's initiatives represent its commitment to producing 21st-century leading-edge work. The dean of the School of Music supported these technology training efforts and facilitated connections with the technology team.
Moreover, the School of Music's continued investments in low latency connection technology have led to Henao serving on UCLA's campus committee focused on providing a consistent level of AV technology to all classrooms campuswide.
To further enhance the learning experience, new digital signage has been installed in five locations throughout the School of Music. These include monitors in hallways, a screen in the Evelyn & Mo Ostin Music Center Music Café, and a kiosk in the lobby of Schoenberg Hall. The digital signs will display messages about facilities, student services, campus announcements, upcoming events, and public announcements.
As the School of Music moves toward re-opening, upgrades to classrooms and facilities will be key to allowing students to perform together effectively and safely. The challenge was to find technology that would allow musicians to play together with minimal lag time. With the implementation of these innovative technology solutions, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is well-prepared for the future of music education.
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- The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music's adoption of SonoBus and Jamulus software, allowing audio transmission through the local network (Audio over Ethernet), is a testament to how technology can revolutionize music lifestyle, particularly in education-and-self-development, enabling remote collaborations and facilitating hybrid learning.
- The implementation of digital signage in five strategic locations within the School of Music signifies a concerted effort to integrate technology into their lifestyle, enhancing the learning experience by providing information about facilities, services, events, and announcements, thereby contributing to the institution's commitment to leading-edge, 21st-century work.
