Noteflight

Noteflight can be an excellent resource for educational settings. It is a browser-based notation program that has many of the same functionalities as other notation programs. There are limitations; the playback is not very realistic, and more complicated functions are unavailable. However, you can do many of the more common notation activities. As an educator, I can write out simple exercises, melodies, and accompaniments that can be printed or shared online. Students can also use Noteflight for their own composition. Playback is extremely beneficial for instant feedback, and files can be sent to the teacher or peers for additional feedback and editing. For me, the best features of Noteflight are that it is web-based and free. Limited budgets and a lack of dedicated computers can stall composition activities. With access to a computer lab and time, composition can be addressed in the curriculum with Noteflight.

Notation program in general, and Noteflight in particular, can help constrain students by avoid a need to draw notation including notes, rhythms, and other music symbols. Notation programs automatically adjust measures to have the correct number of beats which can help students who might struggle with counting. Notation programs also afford students with the ability to playback their compositions for immediate editing. Normally, a student would need to either use a piano or use "inner hearing" to have an idea of how their composition might sound. Noteflight allows students to use a "guess a check" method which might help students create music that better fits their intention.