Note: This newsletter is best viewed in your browser for full access to all content.
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new tool on MusicplayOnline – the Drum Machine! With this interactive tool, students can create their own rhythms, explore different beats, and experiment with patterns. A drum machine makes rhythm more tangible, accessible, and fun, while helping students develop creativity, musical understanding, and technology skills all at once.
Choose a Mode: When you first open the Drum Machine, 3 different options are provided: Use a Drum Kit, Choose A Groove, or Custom Drum Kit.
Use a Drum Kit: In this mode, students can choose from a variety of drum kit options. Each kit is pre-programmed with instruments, allowing students to create their own patterns using specific drum sounds.
Choose a Groove: In this mode, pre-made drumming tracks are provided that match a particular musical genre.
Custom Drum Kit: In this mode, students can customize their drum kit by selecting all the sounds they want. The tool guides them step by step through the selection process.
Sounds Include:
Tempo Tool: Use this tool to change the tempo of the track.
Patterns: Create up to 3 different patterns.
Sharing: Click on the arrow in the top right corner to copy a link to share your tracks.
Steady Beat Practice: Students play along with preset beats to internalize pulse and tempo.
Rhythm Matching: Students listen to a pattern and try to replicate it on their own or with classroom instruments.
Note Value Exploration: Experiment with quarter, eighth, or sixteenth note patterns to see and hear the difference.
Create Original Patterns: Students design their own drum grooves, experimenting with sounds and tempos.
Genre Exploration: Assign genres (rock, jazz, samba) and have students build drum patterns that fit.
Layering Sounds: Combine different drum sounds to create textures, helping students understand accompaniment and rhythm layering.
Sequencing and Looping: Teach students how to create loops, reinforcing musical structure and phrasing.
Digital Creativity: Introduces students to music tech and production concepts, connecting traditional music skills to modern tools.
with Barbara Philipak
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 @ 4:30-5:30 MST (60 Minutes)
A recorded version will be available if you are unable to watch live.
In this webinar, Barb will share a variety of developmentally appropriate music center resources. The session will highlight Stacy Werner’s Super Simple Music Centers for primary learners, as well as Veronica Harper’s Music Center Kits 1 & 2 for upper elementary. Additional resources will be shared to support efficient setup, smooth classroom management, and successful implementation of centers. Come explore practical strategies for making centers engaging and sustainable in your classroom! Educators will learn simple, engaging ways to implement music centers that reinforce core musical concepts and skills, including rhythm, pitch, dynamics (loud/quiet), melodic contour (high/low), music literacy (letter names), and more. These strategies are adaptable to a wide range of instructional goals and align easily with standards-based music instruction.
We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team: