Who? Professor Jason Freeman, Associate Professor, School of Music

What? EarSketch: Broadening Participation in Computing Through Music 

When? March 15 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Where? C21U UnConference Room, Klaus 2405

Abstract: The EarSketch computer science learning environment and curriculum (http://earsketch.gatech.edu) seeks to increase and broaden participation in computing using a STEAM (STEM + Arts) approach. EarSketch creates an authentic learning environment in that it is both personally meaningful and industry relevant in terms of its STEM component (computing) and its artistic domain (music remixing). Students learn to code in JavaScript or Python, tackling foundational concepts in computer science as they simultaneously learn core concepts in music technology. They create music through code by uploading their own audio content or remixing loops in popular genres created by music industry veterans. No prior experience in music or computer science is presumed. This talk will outline the motivations behind EarSketch and its approach, the design of the learning environment and curriculum, and key findings in high-school introductory CS courses, college-level courses, and MOOCs.

Bio: Jason Freeman is an Associate Professor of Music at Georgia Tech. His artistic practice and scholarly research focus on using technology to engage diverse audiences in collaborative, experimental, and accessible musical experiences. He also develops educational interventions in K-12, university, and MOOC environments that broaden and increase engagement in STEM disciplines through authentic integrations of music and computing. His music has been performed at Carnegie Hall, exhibited at ACM SIGGRAPH, published by Universal Edition, broadcast on public radio’s Performance Today, and commissioned through support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Freeman’s wide-ranging work has attracted support from sources such as the National Science Foundation, Google, and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. He has published his research in leading conferences and journals such as Computer Music Journal, Organised Sound, NIME, and ACM SIGCSE. Freeman received his B.A. in music from Yale University and his M.A. and D.M.A. in composition from Columbia University.