Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California introduces himself and his work as a professor of music and technology. He discusses USC’s approach to music education as regards technology, composition, and orchestration, as well as his own involvement in crafting the next generation of music education technologies through the Internet 2 project. He also shares his thoughts on technology and the future of music distance learning, and offers some tips for success to people aspiring to a career in music or the music business.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California argues that a successful musician (or music businessperson) is a well-rounded musician or music businessperson, and discusses fields that ambitious people might consider learning something about if they are to maximize their chances of success in their chosen career. He also assesses the skillsets of the students that he encounters at USC, and whether they come to USC already well-rounded.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California discusses current trends in music technology and how he applies them in the curriculum he teaches at USC.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California defines “composition” as a discipline, and briefly discusses the Music Composition program at USC.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California defines “orchestration” as a discipline, and what it can do for a piece of music. He also discusses how orchestration is taught at USC.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California explains what “Internet2” is, and how the technological innovations it represents offer new opportunities for media/music distribution in general, and for music distance learning in specific.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California explains the career path that led him to be a music educator, and talks about the importance to him of music education as a life-choice and guiding mission.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California discusses the concept of “distance learning” and the changes in technology and pedagogy that are rendering the teacher-student correspondence course model obsolete, and replacing it with a more robust, immersive, and collaborative form of networked learning.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California discusses the value of music education programs to aspiring musicians, and shares his view on why pursuing some form of formal music education is important.

Brian Shepard of the University of Southern California defines “pedagogical technology” and discusses ways in which technologies might be incorporated into music curriculum (or any curriculum).