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Coding-Meets-Composition: EarSketch

Monday, October 16th, 2023 at 7:00 AM by Kelly Paredes music tech integration techinnovation interactive learning education coding earsketch georgiatech musiccoding edutech codecomposition digitalmusiccreation

The Symphony of Code: Exploring EarSketch from Georgia Tech

In the heart of every programmer is an artist, and in every musician, a coder is waiting to come out. EarSketch from Georgia Tech reveals a compelling overlap between coding and music.

The Melody of Learning

EarSketch provides learners with a hands-on approach to understanding coding concepts by creating music. It is a platform where coders can practice the basics of coding by creating music. It's not just about writing lines of code; it's about making your code sing, literally. This blend of music and coding is a great way to get kids hooked on code.
EarSketch

Making Music with makeBeat and fitMedia

Two core functions used on EarSketch are makeBeat and fitMedia. Both functions help make understanding functions and parameters easier to grasp through music.


makeBeat: Make beat reinforces the idea of variables and parameters in coding. Kids must set their track's beat, rhythm, and pace when using this function. The function has four parameters: clip, track, start, and beat, a variation of 16 count string that changes the beat of the clip.

fitMedia: The fitMedia function parameters let students adjust the placement and length of musical tracks. Here, they can use the power of variables and generators to change and manipulate sound with loops.

Enhancing Songs with Loops

In programming, loops let us repeat actions. In music, they set the groove. Using musical/coding loops in Earsketch helps highlight the importance of repetition and modularity in music and code.

Skills and Fun: Striking the Right Chord

EarSketch is the perfect balance between coding skills and fun. By the end of their Earsketch journey, students develop:

  • Cognitive Skills: Kids develop logical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and understanding of core programming concepts.
  • Creativity: Learners understand that coding can be both functional and expressive.
  • Music Basics: Even without prior knowledge, they grasp fundamental musical concepts. They have a foundational understanding of beats, rhythms, and song composition.
  • Motivation: The immediate feedback from music keeps students motivated.

EarSketch is a tool that merges the worlds of coding and music. Using the Earsketch library, kids learn about beats, variables, loop functions, and parameters. Through melodies, they discover the joy of coding. Through this platform, students learn coding fundamentals and see (and hear) their practical applications in a unique and engaging way.


Georgia Tech. "EarSketch." n.d., https://earsketch.gatech.edu/landing/#/