Richard Llewellyn’s Tech Roundup for the Music Teachers Association

Richard Llewellyn (CEO of TiME: Technology in Music Education UK) has over 35 years of experience in music education, having worked for sheet music publishers, instrumental manufacturers, and several prestigious international music technology companies. Writing here for the Music Teachers’ Association, he reflects on the uneven picture of music technology in schools, where some departments are fully equipped with studios and trained staff, while others struggle with outdated software and limited resources.

Against this backdrop, the pace of technological change remains rapid. Major software platforms, including Ableton, Cubase, Dorico, Logic, Sibelius and others, have all released new updates in recent months.

At the same time, innovative products are expanding the possibilities for both classroom and individual use: Fender’s free, cross-platform Fender Studio app makes recording simple and accessible on almost any device; Korg’s KR-11 Compact Rhythm Box offers a versatile, space-saving digital drum machine; and Odisei Music’s Travel Sax, the world’s smallest and lightest digital saxophone, provides a portable, quieter alternative to traditional instruments, with accessible versions developed for disabled musicians.

These developments highlight both the challenges and exciting opportunities for educators seeking to integrate technology into music learning today. Download the full article here or click on the images below.

First page of the Music Teachers’ Association magazine article “A Music Tech Roundup” by Richard Llewellyn, CEO of TiME. The page introduces recent updates to major music software (Ableton Live, Cubase, Dorico, Logic, Sibelius, Studio One, GarageBand) and highlights Fender’s new free cross-platform recording app, Fender Studio.

Korg KR-11 Compact Rhythm Box, a small white tabletop drum machine with tempo display, knobs, and numbered pads.

Row of Odisei Music Travel Sax digital saxophones shown in different colours, including blue, purple, red, orange, pink, yellow, and green.

Smartphone screen showing the Fender Studio app with multitrack audio and mixer controls.

Second page of the Music Teachers’ Association article “A Music Tech Roundup” by Richard Llewellyn. The page features Korg’s KR-11 Compact Rhythm Box, an overview of the Korg Gallery at the Musical Museum, and an interview with Ramon Manas about the Odisei Music Travel Sax, a lightweight digital saxophone with accessible versions and companion learning apps.

Odisei Music Travel Sax digital saxophone in turquoise