Move Over ChatGPT - Here Comes Claude
This past weekend I learned about another AI tool from a colleague at work. This one is called Claude and it is similar in many ways to the other AI tools out there like ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot. Claude is an advanced AI tool that is created by Anthropic, and it has three versions: Claude 1, Claude 2, and Claude 3.5 Sonnet, which is what I decided to experiment with over the weekend. What sets Claude 3.5 apart from other language models is its comprehensive knowledge base (that isn’t connected to the Internet - yet)., spanning a wide range of topics - including music - and it’s focus on ethics, safety and transparency which is pretty refreshing. Before I entered my first prompt, it gave me the following warning:
That may not seem like a big deal, but in my opinion - it is. Anthropic was founded by ex-OpenAI research executives (the creators of ChatGPT) and one of the core mission statements is: to ensure transformative AI helps people and society flourish. I like the sound of that. Here’s a quick promo video from Claude on how it can be used to inspire creativity. It also gives you an idea of what Claude looks and feels like.
I have been playing around with Claude 3.5 Sonnet all weekend and I am pretty impressed. Here are a few things that I learned, and some ways that music teachers might incorporate it into their preparation for lessons as well as use with students. Claude, like some other AI chat bots, knows a LOT about music, including music theory, history, composition, and pedagogy. You (and your students) can use it to engage in detailed discussions about complex musical concepts, offer insights into different genres and styles, and provide practical advice for teaching and learning music.
One of Claude’s strengths is its ability to adapt its responses to different levels of musical expertise - by using prompts that tell it what grade level or experience level you want it to address. It can explain complex musical concepts in simple terms for beginners or dive into advanced topics for more experienced musicians. It knows quite a bit about music - from basic chord progressions to advanced compositional techniques, and like other AI chat bots, it is familiar with notation systems, instrument-specific terminology, and historical periods in music.
One very cool thing that I experimented with was having Claude write music software for me. I asked it to create a music theory quiz program, and it immediately came back with some very nice code that I could take and implement using my own content, images, and audio examples.
When I started poking around about music education software, I was also impressed with its knowledge of music software, online learning platforms, and innovative teaching methods that incorporate technology. I decided to see what Claude would say about the product that I designed - the MusicFirst Classroom. Here’s what it said:
Certainly! MusicFirst Classroom is a comprehensive online learning management system (LMS) specifically designed for music education. Here's an overview of its key features and benefits:
Cloud-based platform: It's accessible from any device with an internet connection, making it ideal for both in-class and remote learning scenarios.
Integrated software suite: MusicFirst Classroom includes a variety of music education software tools, such as notation software, recording and sequencing tools, and practice and assessment applications.
Customizable curriculum: Teachers can create and assign custom lessons, activities, and assessments tailored to their specific classroom needs.
Content library: It offers a vast library of pre-made lessons, exercises, and resources that teachers can use or adapt.
Gradebook and progress tracking: The platform allows teachers to easily monitor student progress and manage grades within the system.
Collaboration tools: Students can work together on group projects and teachers can provide feedback directly within the platform.
Integration with other music software: MusicFirst Classroom can integrate with popular music education software like Noteflight, Soundation, and PracticeFirst.
Affordable pricing: Compared to purchasing individual software licenses, MusicFirst Classroom offers a cost-effective solution for schools and districts.
Professional development: The platform provides resources and support for teachers to enhance their skills in music technology and online teaching.
Compatibility with school systems: It can often integrate with existing school management systems for easier administration.
MusicFirst Classroom is designed to support various aspects of music education, including general music, instrumental and vocal ensembles, music theory, and composition. It's used by K-12 schools, colleges, and private music teachers to enhance their music programs and provide students with a modern, technology-integrated learning experience.
As with any educational technology, the effectiveness of MusicFirst Classroom can depend on factors such as teacher training, student engagement, and how well it's integrated into the overall curriculum. Teachers considering this platform should evaluate how it aligns with their specific teaching goals and student needs.
Would you like more information on any specific aspect of MusicFirst Classroom?
What I LOVE about this response is the last paragraph, that provides simple and important advice. Rather than being pure marketing babble, Claude reminds you that the effectiveness of the MusicFirst Classroom depends on lots of external factors - which is 100% true.
Claude can also create customized lesson plans and exercises for music, including targeted activities to improve skills like ear training, sight-reading, or improvisation. It can also help design assessments and quizzes to evaluate student progress effectively. The ethical side of Claude keeps showing up whenever I prompt it about creating teaching resources. Here’s what it said in one of the answers it provided:
It's important to note that while I'm a powerful tool, I'm not meant to replace human teachers. Instead, I'm here to complement and enhance the work of music educators. I can provide additional resources, offer alternative explanations for difficult concepts, and help streamline lesson preparation, allowing teachers to focus more on direct interaction with their students.
Overall I am VERY impressed with Claude 3.5 and love that it is rooted in providing an ethical and transparent alternative to ChatGPT and other LLMs. It feels kinder and less scary if that’s possible. The best part? It’s FREE (unless you want the PRO very which is $20/month). I think that Claude is going to be my go to LLM for demonstrations moving forward. As an educator I love the idea of promoting an AI company that isn’t trying to take over the world - or at least that’s the impression they give (and I get).
Let me know what you think about Claude!