BandLab Launches Free Music Platform for Ed

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 07/11/18

A free education platform for creating and collaborating on music has come out of beta. BandLab for Education from BandLab Technologies lets students and teachers work together on tablets and computers to make music and develop their understanding of music production.

The "Feed" in BandLab for Education allows the teacher to communicate with students. Source: BandLab Technologies

The "Feed" in BandLab for Education allows the teacher to communicate with students. Source: BandLab Technologies

The web-based platform runs on Mac, Windows, Linux and Chromebooks. The education edition includes:

  • 100 virtual instruments, including keyboards, synthesizers, drum pads, strings and wind instruments;
  • A digital audio workstation for mastering the music;
  • Access to 2,000-plus free MIDI and audio loops;
  • Support for MIDI hardware and live recording via instrument or microphone input;
  • Integration for importing and exporting files with other music creation and recording tools;
  • Teacher tutorials; and
  • A teacher interface that lets allows the educator to set, manage, track and grade assignments.

According to the company, the software provides a "closed" environment and is COPPA- and FERPA-compliant. The program includes a built-in messaging system.

The BandLab for Education Digital Audio Workstation. Source: BandLab Technologies

The BandLab for Education Digital Audio Workstation. Source: BandLab Technologies

The free version can be used by an unlimited number of classrooms and up to 50 students for any number of projects

The company said it expected to provide integration with learning management systems, including Google Classroom, "in the near future."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

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