The Percussion Studio Online

The ALIVE Project uses computer-based video conferencing technology to teach a wide variety of interactive music lessons. Allan and Stewart both use the Apple platform, but have also successfully made the Mac to PC link.

These sessions have included traditional jazz improvisation lessons where Stewart Smith's students in Winnipeg have been able to successfully trade fours (in real time) with Allan Molnar in New York.

Additional instructional sessions have included brass, percussion, music listening and appreciation, general music and technology workshops. The ALIVE Project utilizes the technological resources which already exist in most schools.

The value of networking cannot be measured and the concept of connecting classrooms by way of video conferencing is very exciting. Teachers sharing ideas, techniques and resources....... students meeting students in other schools, cities and countries.

ALIVE encourages students and teachers to develop the networking skills needed for success in today’s highly competitive world. Every teacher and many students can even afford to use this technology at home!

Music provides an excellent model for the implementation of this idea because in addition to the rich educational value of the subject area, music is social, interactive and a “hands-on” discipline. We are building on this music-based model by establishing connections with teachers from other disciplines. The possibilities are limitless.

Musical Performances

"on the road with iChat"

Back in the 1980’s musicians began taking computers to gigs so they could replace “live” musicians with MIDI instruments. NOW musicians can take computers to gigs and replace MIDI instruments with “live” musicians!

Allan performed with the Kansas State University Latin Jazz Ensemble (Kurt Gartner, Director) at the Swedish Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion, Oct.'04 (Anders Astrand, PAS Chapter President). Allan performed in Stockholm, while the KSU ensemble performed in Kansas.

Aldo Mazza, Artistic director of the KoSA International Percussion Workshops joined Allan's performance in Stockholm from the KoSA Academy in Montreal, Canada.

Bob Meunier, Director of Bands at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa "beamed in" to perform with Allan at the Nalen Concert Hall in Stockholm, Sweden during the PAS Day of Percussion.

Music Education

"in the classroom with iChat"

Accessible video conferencing technology creates a new opportunity for the world of education. Allan and Stewart have taught classes in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and universities using iChat. Allan is sharing this concept with his colleagues through his role as chair of the Percussive Arts Society Technology Committee.

(L-R) Terry Silverlight, Morris "Arnie" Lang (Brooklyn College, New York Philharmonic, Emeritus) Memo Acevedo, Allan Molnar and Brian Willson during the Brooklyn College Day of Percussion, April, 2004.

Memo Acevedo gave a workshop at the Brooklyn College Day of Percussion and interacted with students and teachers from the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg.

Terry Silverlight (Phil Woods, Cedar Walton, George Benson, Roberta Flack, David Matthews) presented an outstanding workshop which clearly demonstrated his skills as a fusion and studio drummer.

Allan and Stewart taught at the KoSA International Percussion Workshop in Castleton, Vermont in August, 2004. Video conferencing was effectively used to teach Allan's "Living the iLife in New York" program using Apple's iLife software suite.

Allan and Stewart are continuing to develop this project and are finding new ways to share this idea with the education community. Stay tuned!

Upcoming conference appearances include "The Percussive Arts Society International Convention" in Nashville (Nov. '04) and "The International Association of Jazz Educators Conference" in Long Beach, CA (Jan.'05).