Why Minecraft?
Above: the music already built into Minecraft- the various music discs.
Inspired by game-based learning and my desire to make music lessons engaging for gamer students, I created a Minecraft world and associated lesson plan where students recreate folk melodies from different cultures using Minecraft. I wanted students to have ownership of how they express and engage with music and to be able to expierence it in the (familiar for many) forum of minecraft.
Minecraft, as a learning tool, offers a unique platform for music education. It merges hands-on construction, problem-solving, and experimentation. The use of note blocks, redstone repeaters, and multiple timbres from different block types allows students to experiment with sound design, rhythm, and pitch in a creative and visual environment. Game-based learning encourages motivation and engagement, particularly for students who may not connect as easily with traditional music classroom formats.
This project stretched me to consider how game mechanics like redstone logic and block-based sound could be musical tools. It helped me reframe how technology can support deep cultural and musical learning.
