Many educators are looking to expand their computer chops beyond the basics of word processing and e-mail so that they can integrate music technology instruction into their classes. One Columbus, Ohio music teacher found a great solution: "I was originally trying to integrate technology in my music classroom with little knowledge other than information I had researched. When I discovered TI:ME, I finally had access to resources that I could immediately use. I was able to network with other professionals and get advice. My TI:ME membership has enabled me to learn more – and teach my students using music technology. If you haven't signed up for TI:ME – it's about time!"

TI:ME, the Technology Institute for Music Educators, is providing a pathway to computer literacy for hundreds of music teachers. Founded in 1995, TI:ME has set the standard for in-service training and has helped bring music educators up to the cutting edge of technological innovations. Besides its widely respected certification program, TI:ME also provides a forum for discussion, research, and development through its excellent Web site, www.ti-me.org. The TI:MES newsletter and regional and national conventions bring educators together with manufacturers, publishers, and software/hardware developers.

A TI:ME member from Philadelphia recalls, "I joined TI:ME back in 1997 when it became clear that music education technology presented unique challenges and opportunities to benefit music teaching. I remain a member today because it keeps me in touch with teachers all over the world who share my interests. I learn a great deal from the conferences, message board discussions, e-mail exchanges, and members-only content at TI:ME. This past week alone, I gained great insight into how other teachers use keyboards in their teaching and how effective distance learning can be. I learned this all from TI:ME's online discussion group. I am happy to be a continuing member of TI:ME."

Courseware and Certification
TI:ME's strength is that they provide hands-on courseware to train music educators in the field. This serves a dual purpose: education and certification. Teachers from across the country can participate in workshops to learn how to better utilize their use music technology in the classroom. Educators learn strategies and methods to integrate music technology into their daily routine and school curriculum. Taught by certified instructors in hands-on environments, these courses are an intense, yet supportive way to learn all things music technology.

TI:ME also has a national music technology certification program, although teachers may take TI:ME courses without pursuing the certification. This professional growth opportunity is designed around straight-forward courseware covering the gamut of music software applications, including notation, sequencing, electronic instruments, multimedia, digital media, digital audio, interactive Internet authoring, and curriculum integration.

In 2007, 65 summer workshops were taught in 16 states, with two other locations offering videoconferencing instruction. For each workshop, participants receive a detailed notebook with between 60 and 100 pages of instruction and projects. Any music educator wishing to obtain TI:ME Level 1 certification must take two required courses (two graduate credits each) and submit an application to TI:ME, along with the appropriate fees. TI:ME membership is also required. Level 2 is comprised of four more courses (eight graduate credits) in any of the 13 available workshops.

Level 1 TI:ME courses focus on using technology in music education and include 1A and 1B components. Upon completion of both courses, teachers are familiar with the following six areas of technology:

1. Electronic Instruments

a. Keyboards
b. Controllers
c. Synthesizers and Samplers
d. Ensemble Performance

2. Music Production Software

a. Data Types
b. MIDI
c. Digital Audio
d. Processes

i.Looping
ii. Sequencing
iii. Signal Processing
iv. Sound Design

3. Music Notation Software

4.Technology Assisted Learning

a. Instructional Software
b. Accompaniment/Practice Tools
c. Internet-based Learning

5. Multimedia

a. Multimedia Authoring

i. Web Pages
ii. Presentations (PowerPoint, Keynote)
iii. Movie/DVD

b. Digital Image Capturing (Scanning, Still/Video Camera)
c.  Internet
d. Electronic Portfolios (Such as Note Taker)

6. Productivity Tools, Classroom and Lab Management

a. Productivity Tools (Text Editor, Spreadsheet, Database)
b. Computer Systems (CPU, I/O Devices, Storage Devices/Media)
c. Lab Management Systems (Korg, Roland, Lentines)
d. Networks (Network Manager Software, Server)

After completing the Level 1 courses (TI:ME 1A and 1B), teachers begin to use technology with students, and the Level 2 courses help teachers to prepare lesson plans that integrate technology into their classes and performing groups. Alternative certification procedures are available for teachers who already have substantial experience with technology and wish to gain certification without taking Level 1 courses.

Level 2 certification is intended for those who are TI:ME Level 1 certified or have experience that is self taught or gleaned from other workshops in music technology. This path of study involves three courses, one required and two elective. The required course is Integrating Technology into the Music Curriculum, TI:ME 2C.

Brian Timmons, band director at Bergenfield (N.J.) High School, has high praise for the TI:ME classes he and Kent Pennell completed. "Through our participation in the TI:ME Level 1A and 1B courses, we have been able to gain proficiency in utilizing music technology as both an instructional tool and as a means of encouraging student exploration in digital music creation," notes Timmons. "We use the ‘Basic Marching Fundamentals' enhanced podcast I created during my TI:ME 1B course as way of introducing our newest students to the marching skills they will need during our fall season. In addition, it exposes the students to the idea that technology will often be at the core of their musical experiences at Bergenfield High School."

Timmons continues, "In our Music Technology I classes, Kent Pennell and I use the GarageBand enhanced podcast project he created during TI:ME 1B as an anticipatory set for discussion of the history and developments in music technology. The podcast also serves as a model of the capabilities of GarageBand and what the students will be able to accomplish during their Music Technology I course. As a TI:ME member, we have access to a network of colleagues willing to serve as a resource for developing lesson plans and curriculum. For example, TI:ME member Mike Fein's ‘Audio History of a Musician' lesson plan on the SoundTree Web site is an ideal interdisciplinary unit which we have used with great success. Our students' projects from this lesson are hosted at online at: bergenfieldmusic.podOmatic.com."

Valuable Resources
The TI:ME Web site includes free content and also has a special Members Only section. TI:ME membership costs $40 per year and more information on the benefits of membership can be found at: www.ti-me.org. Once you become a member, TI:ME serves as a portal to lesson plans, teaching resources, and on-line forums populated by other teachers, as well as industry professionals who devote their time to helping educators like you. It has a repository of up-to-date materials, organized by level and national standards. These resources includes more than 400 in-depth lesson plans available on-line for TI:ME members. Sample lesson plans for non-members can be viewed on the TI:ME Web site, along with a selected bibliography of books, tutorial videos, and other publications, as well as a number of music technology projects.

Every year, TI:ME hosts an annual national conference, in addition to several regional conferences. The locations vary to more effectively reach out to members. The 2009 TI:ME national conference in San Antonio offered over 90 one-hour clinics by an outstanding array of clinicians for novice, intermediate, and advanced technology users. The 2010 conference will be held in conjunction with the New Jersey Music Educators Conference.

Each month, TI:ME sends an eBlast to its members. Twice a year, a printed newsletter is sent to all current members. These newsletters contain vital information about upcoming TI:ME events, relevant issues to TI:ME members, and informative links to music education technology-based Web sites.

More Success Stories
Erin Contrady in Kingston, N.Y., is very positive about her TI:ME experience. She explains, "Because of the knowledge and skills gained though the TI:ME coursework, and the resources available through TI:ME membership, I was able to act quickly on a huge opportunity for the Kingston School District. Having TI:ME certification also added credibility to my course proposal. Since January, we opened a second section of Music Tech in the middle school, secured approval and funding for a MIDI lab in our high school, and won a public referendum to build an Arts Technology Center next to our high school (do a Web search for "Kingston school district voters OK library rehab" for details). The Arts Technology Center is a community collaboration with the Center for Creative Education (www.cce-kingston.org). A $100,000 grant (Google: "Carnegie project gets $100,000 grant") from Lowe's has already been secured for its construction." 

S.J. in Silver Springs, Md., recalls, "I joined TI:ME in 1998 after taking my first 1A course at Villanova. Back then, partly because it was just getting started, there wasn't much in the way of resources. As the years have gone on it has increasingly become a good resource for lesson plan ideas, technical help, and networking with other music teachers who teach the same thing I do, which is wonderful when you want/need to brainstorm. On several occasions, members of TI:ME have helped me solve software installation/usage issues that the manufacturer's help desk couldn't begin to get a handle on. I've enjoyed reading the recent postings because we're finally getting some dialogue going about music tech, financial problems (many of us work in poor districts or in districts that don't value music!), equipment issues, and creative lessons."

"As a music department chair at a university," says M.M. from Lakewood, N.J., "I wanted to add a music technology component to the music education methods classes; these classes train future music teachers. Through an online search, I discovered the summer workshops offered by TI:ME. I now have TI:ME Level 1 certification, which has been helpful in many ways. I am now preparing to teach my first online college course in music. Through the online discussion TI:ME offers, I have sought and received helpful information from my colleagues who are TI:ME members, which will enable me to prepare well for this new challenge in my life."

"I joined TI:ME partly to gain the credentials for completing Levels 1 and 2 – something that would help further legitimize my efforts in using Music Technology to Administrators at my public school teaching job – and partly to help fill some gaps in my own understanding of technology," says T.B. from Rye Brook, N.Y. "TI:ME has helped me improve my skills and given me new ideas and direction for my middle school and high school programs. As I constantly seek to improve both my own skills and the ways I use technology to teach music, continuing membership in TI:ME is valuable to me for several reasons: Most of the TI:ME courses I have taken have been extremely valuable, particularly from the standpoints of content, instructor's expertise, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other teachers; I now rely on being able to find and take at least one TI:ME course each summer, either to learn new skills or to improve existing skills; Technology continues to change rapidly, and TI:ME helps me stay current; There are valuable resources on the TI:ME Web site (links, articles, lesson plans); and TI:ME instructors have been available even weeks after their courses ended to answer questions or give advice. It's a fantastic resource."

Networking
TI:ME can help you change the way you think and teach in the classroom. With technology evolving so rapidly, TI:ME can be the catalyst to help you incorporate the latest and most useful technological innovations into your school day. But TI:ME is only as strong as its membership. If you believe technology can positively impact music education, get involved with TI:ME and spread the word. Within this incredible network, you'll interact with music educators from around the country and the world. Take advantage by joining TI:ME – it just might make a significant difference in your future.