Tech Tools for Teachers PODCAST

Making Music in the Classroom with Online Sequencer

March 11, 2024

A smiling woman with brown hair is shown against a blue background with wavy lines. The image indicates this is episode 178 of the "Tech Tools for Teachers" podcast about online sequencers.

It’s time to crank some tunes! This week we talk about an awesome music tool! OnlineSequencer is an incredible free online tool that allows anyone to create their own music masterpieces! With access to a huge range of virtual instruments, from classic pianos and guitars to synthesizers, drums, and beyond, students can arrange loops, adjust tempos, and experiment with different sounds and textures using the easy-to-navigate interface.

Online Sequencer

A music sequencer grid in Logic Pro or similar digital audio workbench software. The grid shows a pattern programmed on the "Electric Drum Kit" instrument. Each row represents a different drum or cymbal sound, while the columns represent 16th note subdivisions. Red blocks indicate where each drum hit is triggered.Another zoomed-in view of the "Electric Drum Kit" pattern, this time showing the low timbale, high timbale, low and open conga, mute and open hi conga, low bongo, high bongo, two ride cymbals, two crash cymbals, and cowbell parts. The various instruments are color-coded and have their hits spread across 16th note subdivisions.A grid showing various musical instruments categorized as Simple (D - drum sound) or Advanced (R - rhythmic sound). The instruments include electric piano, grand piano, harpsichord, ragtime piano, music box, drum kit, xylophone, vibraphone, steel drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, bass guitar, slap bass, jazz guitar, distortion guitar, clean guitar, sitar, koto, smooth synth, synth pluck, 8-bit sine and square waves, 8-bit sawtooth and triangle waves, pop synth, synth bass, French horn, trombone, violin, cello, concert harp, pizzicato, flute, saxophone, church organ, and more.A zoomed-in view of the "Electric Drum Kit" drum pattern from the previous image. The pattern spans one 4/4 measure and includes the closed hi-hat, long and short guiro, and tambourine parts.A view of the online sequencer showing notes on the left and various markings of the 1/8th note entries on the sequencer.

Not just a music playground, OnlineSequencer is also a powerful learning tool. Students can choose from a variety of musical keys and settings, allowing them to apply music theory concepts in a hands-on way as they build compositions. They’ll gain a deeper understanding of melody, harmony, and rhythm. One of the best features is how easily creations can be saved and shared with a shareable link or downloaded as an MP3 file.

Suitable for middle school students and up (though younger kids may need guidance), OnlineSequencer taps into students’ creativity and love of music. By making learning concepts like chord progressions and time signatures feel joyful rather than tedious, it’s a wonderful way to facilitate musical self-expression. Teachers should be aware of the chat feature and monitor usage accordingly. Overall, this free tool unlocks the ability for students to become musical makers!

So sing a happy tune! Have a great week everyone!

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