ABSTRACT
This chapter is about facilitating digital music instrument ensembles, primarily in small groups, with tablet devices in live performance settings. Specifically, it is the story of a band whose members use iPads as their musical instruments. While the band has undertaken a significant number of diverse projects over the years, the most important aspect continues to involve the facilitation and development of musicianship outside the traditional Western European art canon. The author of this chapter unravels every aspect of performance preparation in this context, but focuses the chapter on pedagogical considerations for facilitating a digital music instrument ensemble (DMIE) in higher education, where social collaboration and creativity are central attributes in the music making process. The author posits that when used for music making purposes, tablet devices, and other digital devices, are musical instruments. The tablet, like an oboe or violin, will do nothing musical until a human interacts with it, develops technique through practice, and makes musical decisions using it. The author makes suggestions and identifies considerations for instructors in higher education, specifically those interested in leading students in ensemble experiences that are learner-led and creative, where music is created and experienced using digital devices.
