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.

Featured

  • classroom scene with students gathered around a laptop showing a virtual tour interface

    Discovery Education Announces Spring Lineup of Free Virtual Field Trips

    This Spring, Discovery Education is collaborating with partners such as Warner Bros., DC Comics, National Science Foundation, NBA, and more to present a series of free virtual field trips for K-12 students.

  • glowing padlock shape integrated into a network of interconnected neon-blue lines and digital nodes, set against a soft, blurred geometric background

    3 in 4 Administrators Expect a Security Incident to Impact Their School This Year

    In an annual survey from education identity platform Clever, 74% of administrators admitted that they believe a security incident is likely to impact their school system in the coming year. That's up from 71% who said the same last year.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.