Flat for Education is a cloud-based solution to music teaching in a digital world. As such, this combines all you could need to teach music in a way that transcends the page and even any one device.
The idea here is to offer a teaching system that works for educators and students across and range of instruments and musical styles, while remaining accessible from any device.
This music theory and composition space serves to let students and teachers create, edit, share feedback, and engage on musical work all in one place.
Designed for classroom use, this makes for easy class management, music assignment generation, progress tracking, and more. This guide lays it all out so you can see how Flat could be of note in your class.
What is Flat for Education?
Flat for Education is beyond your basic notation editor as this goes way further to encompass music education support across a range of systems.
This offers notation, composition, collaboration, and assessment tools all in one place. That allows students and teachers to create, edit, and share musical scores, complete assignments, receive feedback, and engage with classmates in real time.
Beyond that, this also allows for schools and districts to manage classes, generate music assignments, track progress, and integrate with popular learning management systems such as Google Classroom, Canvas, and Microsoft Teams.
So while this is a music theory and composition workspace, it's also a lot more.
How does Flat for Education work?
Flat for Education is web-based so it can be used across devices without the need to install any software. Everything runs within the browser so it can be accessed from a laptop, tablet, or phone with ease.
Students can start working on making music using a notation editor, which supports more than 100 instruments. This offers instant playback, and tools to customize notational symbols and layouts.
Students immediately hear what they write, to deepen their understanding of pitch, rhythm, harmony, and musical structure.
Teachers can set assignments, with auto-grading worksheets and collaborative shared writing project options. After students have worked on an assignment, or co-edited in real-time, it can be easily shared and assessed easily thanks to LMS integration options.
What are the best Flat for Education features?
Flat for Education works across a wide range of users, from beginners to more advanced musicians, from writing melodies to creating full scores. Notes, rests, articulations, and dynamics are all easy to place and edit.
The ability to collaborate is a big part of the appeal here. Student groups can co-compose in real time, with teachers observing live edits and offering feedback. This can help to foster teamwork and mimic real-world creative workflows.
Integration with LMS options allow teachers to sync student rosters and share assignments directly within Google Classroom, Canvas, Microsoft Teams, and more.
Tasks are varied with options that include composition tasks and performance assignments with video and audio uploads, plus auto-graded theory worksheets that are ideal for assessing fundamentals.
Real-time feedback is helpful as teachers can comment on scores and rate submissions, and provide formative feedback live.
How much does Flat for Education cost?
Flat for Education offers a 30-day free trial, after which a paid plan is required.
Quotes are generally on a per institution basis so the price per user per year will vary depending on the needs. But there is a minimum of 50 users required for one of these plans.
Flat for Education best tips and tricks
Embed music theory
Use auto-graded worksheets to reinforce fundamentals such as intervals, key signatures, and rhythms. These can quickly check comprehension and free up class time for deeper discussion.
Use shared writing
Assign students into small groups to co-compose original pieces. Shared writing turns composition into an interactive teamwork experience.
Blend performance and notation
Have students not only compose but also perform their pieces by uploading audio or video recordings of themselves playing the scores.
