The Computer as a Tool in Creative Music Making

This study is an exploratory observation of optimal conditions for creative music making as illustrated by two boys who composed music utilizing a researcher designed computer program. The purposes of this project are to: a) highlight the students' moments of most creative output relative to a theory of the interaction between reward and task conditions, and, b) illustrate how the students' perceptions of reward and task conditions alter levels of intrinsic motivation and creativity. The results show that unobtrusively recorded music explorations offered glimpses into subjects' creative potential which was otherwise neither realized nor expected. This suggests we should become more aware of students who may be harboring creative talent which is not visible 'upon demand.' Suggestions are offered for the type of environment most conducive to creative thinking and production. Finally, it is suggested that the computer be used as a flexible and practical tool for motivating the musical creative output of children.