Technologically mediated composition learning: Josh's story

An innovative ICT project called Compose has been implemented in some New Zealand primary schools in an effort to counteract the lack of classroom composition opportunities. Compose combines the use of music software and online learning with attempts to address barriers to primary classroom composition. This article illustrates, through personal narrative, how Compose made successful composition experiences possible for a student in a classroom where no such opportunities had previously existed. The project led to the student acquiring compositional skill and knowledge and a positive music self-concept. Though it is not possible to generalise from a single case study, the findings indicate that Compose could offer a potentially viable way to increase classroom composition learning opportunities.