The Benefits Derived from the Use of a Keyboard Workstation in Providing Orchestral Accompaniment to a Live Choral Performance

In present time, a lot of modern technologies including hardware and software for music have been invented and are in use nowadays. Samuel (2009) and Olorunsogo (2009) itemized these technologies and they include music players like iPods, VCD, MP3, DVD, CD-ROM, projector and software for music production like cakewalk, cubase, sawpro as well as software for writing music like finale, Sibelius and so forth. However, as interesting as the use of modern technology in music education is, care must be taken in such a way that it does not distract the attention of the learners. This paper will be discussing the benefits derived from the use of the keyboard workstation to supply full orchestral accompaniment to a live choir performance. Drawing from the problems and challenges in organizing a music concerts and other musical gatherings which has been traced down to the unavailability of skilled instrumentalists and fund to employ the services of the orchestra have been addressed by some applications as designed in the keyboard technology. This study recommends the integration of orchestra programming or music sequencing into the school curricula as a separate subject. Engaging the students in seminars focused on the use of the keyboard workstation is encouraged.