Until recently, technology played only a very minor role in grade-school music education, and most music teachers have been understandably reluctant to embrace computers, recording equipment, and the like. Fortunately, the situation has changed considerably in the past few years. The Web has made everyone aware of the benefits of computers. Federal and state programs have emphasized making computers an essential part of public education, and new national standards require teachers to take advantage of these tools. Organizations like the Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI:ME), MENC, and others are helping music educators understand and use music technology. Best of all, a steadily increasing number of teachers have discovered that appropriate use of technology helps them raise their programs to new levels — and they're spreading the word!

Clearly, this is the right time to launch a professionally produced periodical that fully supports teachers' efforts to learn about and take advantage of the powerful new tools that are starting to flow their way. Published by the staff of Electronic Musician — the leading technical magazine for musicians who record in personal studios — and written by some of the most respected names in the field of technology for music education, MET combines the technical and publishing expertise of EM with the practical classroom savvy of top educators who have already made the move to technology-enhanced teaching.

MET is a quarterly publication, with issues coming at key times in the education cycle: September, December, March, and June. Each issue spotlights programs that have successfully implemented music technology and presents teacher-friendly stories on why and how you can apply music technology to your program. We'll also show you where to find teaching resources online, how to get funding for tech resources, how to get the most out of the technology you have, and much more.

Our emphasis is on providing clear and straightforward technical solutions for music teachers. Many teachers have little or no experience with music technology, so our technical stories will be accessible and easy to follow. However, those who do have music-tech experience will also find many benefits in our wide-ranging articles.

Music teachers face daunting challenges in the years ahead; transitions of this magnitude are rarely easy. Music Education Technology can supply the essential information you need. So please enjoy its premiere issue, and then pass it around to other music teachers. Grade-school music teachers not already on our mailing list can subscribe for free on our Web site (www.metmagazine.com).

As the editor of MET, I'll do my part to make it everything it should be. But I need your help. If you have suggestions for future articles, wish to write for MET, or simply want to tell me what you think about teaching music with technology, please contact me at METeditorial@primediabusiness.com. Together, we will build a community of technology-empowered educators who are better equipped than ever before to help young musicians realize their dreams!