by Amber McLaughlin
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne music department is going high tech with the development of the music library and lab.
It has five Macintosh computers with 12 listening stations with compilations of several different sources of music along with a CD burner.
Music majors can use iTunes, which has music composition software that operates like a word processor.
Another program available for students is “practica musica,” which has ear training exercises. It works together with a web site that lets students listen to audio exerts.
“We encourage students to buy CDs for class, but if they can’t afford it, the online resources are a great option for them,” said ULV music technician Steve Biondo.
The annex, also known as the musical instrument digital interface lab is another important room, where music majors can put together compositions and records, Biondo said.
All students have access to two televisions to view videotapes and DVDs from the archives, which also consists of nearly 200 CDs of ULV concerts and other artists.
Biondo has been working with a recording engineer on staff to record concerts, student recitals and guest artists from the past five years.
This fall several events will be recorded on digital video to improve the quality.
“The more students listen to music, the easier it is to understand, and watching themselves after a performance gives them a chance to improve,” said Scott Farthing, music department chairman.
Junior Kendell Smith, a music and English major, said he uses the lab’s as much as possible because it is easily accessible. He puts together CDs of his performances to improve his ability to play the guitar and sing.
“It is important to be self-educated to be a music major. You have to know various styles, be good on your instrument and be computer savvy,” Smith said. “Everything I take in and am forced to learn will broaden my aspect on things, and give me different things to use.”
Renee Soliz, senior and music major uses the lab every day since she is in choir and plays the piano.
“We have access to all the materials, can study for music history and watch performances to see what is going on and to improve,” she said.
Founders Hall, room 21 now has a big wide screen television and surround sound that is specialized in music quality. Plans are in the works to have room 22 converted into a high tech music room.
The library/lab is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located in Founders Hall, room 16. The music library/lab is open to everyone.
