Ping is a social networking site that makes learning music fun, simple and accessible, and provides creative musical opportunities for middle year school students in Australia. Using Web 2.0 technologies, the emphasis is on student centred, self-directed learning, exploring a range of musical styles. Ping incorporates video resources with online classrooms, master classes and real-time concert streaming. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of Ping is that it is completely free!

At the start of Term 3 2010, Ping went live to 15 schools across rural Victoria . Each school started by working through the ‘Ping Do’ tutorials where students learn the sign up process, how to create their own profile and how to make their personal blog. Once students where comfortable in using the site, they are then able to access 3 different streams of learning through the comfort of their classroom computer. These are singing, junk percussion and composition/notation.

Ping has been able to offer schools the opportunity to attend Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concerts in their rural areas, to have professional musicians attend their Ping workshops, as well as the opportunity to engage with other members of the site. At the end of Term 4 schools Ping will bring schools together in their clusters to perform what they have learnt throughout their Ping workshops.

In 2011, Ping will begin the next phase of tutorials in guitar and drum lessons while continuing to develop the composition elements. We are now seeking schools who would like to participate for 2011. If you are interested in becoming a Ping school, please register your interest to kent@songroom.org.au and check out the site at http://www.pingmusic.com.au   Remember, you don’t need to be a musical genius or tech savvy to be involved.

The Ping project is a collaboration between The Song Room, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, Victorian Opera, Country Education Project, 3MBS FM and is funded by the Victorian Government.