The iPad as a Musical Instrument!
When used to make music, the tablet device is a musical instrument and has several things in common with traditional wind and string instruments: It can be played well, making wonderful music, and it can be played poorly, producing sounds that are wanting in terms of musicality. First, and foremost, a tablet will make no sound until a human touches it. Second, practice is required to perform correctly on a tablet, and the performer must build technique. The tablet, like an oboe or violin, will do nothing musical until a human being interacts with it, develops technique through practice, and makes musical decisions using it. It is possible to use tablets in live performance by examining real-life examples by an iPad ensemble that model learner-centered pedagogical principles. Taking into account the social and musical aspects of the musicians, the chapter discusses possible approaches to rehearsals, what performances might involve, including collaborations with other artists, and breaking down the artificial fourth wall that too often is placed between musicians and audience.