Explore Elements of Composition with this Beatbox Mixing Tool
Community Review for Incredibox
My Take
Incredibox offers a fun way to explore elements of composition and it provides enough material for one or two music lessons. I see two potential pitfalls for use in the classroom: 1) students may get bored with extended use, and 2) students may waste time if left to explore without guidance. Therefore, in order for this website to promote creative composition that involves student collaboration and critical thinking, teachers will have to consider the concepts presented by this tool and then design lessons and projects strategically. Although Incredibox is a website that allows students to "create" (highest level on SAMR ladder) students can create here without much intentionality. Alongside pedagogical aims and plans laid out by the teacher, however, this website can help students gain a deeper understanding of the elements of music and how they interact with one another in a composition.
How I Use It
I would use Incredibox as a compositional tool with 4th - 7th grade students, to develop deeper understanding of various elements of music, namely "ostinato." Students would be required to 1) mix a 7 loop beat-box/vocal composition while completing a hand-written project outline, 2) create and share their recording with the class, and 3) review their peers' recordings.
Although there are other programs available (ie. Soundtrap, Garageband) that allow students to mix beats and record their work, these programs can be overwhelming and require a lot of teaching on how to navigate the tools. Incredibox simplifies this process by limiting the number of musical atmospheres, loops and tracks available. Moreover, students build their compositions with a simple click and drag. A negative point here is that the tracks are lined up as 7 animated male characters who are naked from the waist up (the twenty available loops are icons that become apparel for these male characters). The nakedness of these characters could cause a distraction among students initially.
Free use of the website does not require a user account or provide means for teachers to monitor student progress, but students can send final recordings directly to their teacher/parents/peers by email. With a paid "Incredibox for schools" account, teachers can organize/review student accounts and their mixes by classroom.