New PBS LearningMedia collection features 3D videos and interactive content to teach instrument recognition.
Budding young musicians across Nebraska can explore the world of orchestral music through Virtual Instruments, a new PBS LearningMedia collection created by Nebraska Public Media in collaboration with the Omaha Symphony. Music education is a cornerstone of the Omaha Symphony’s work.
“Meet the Instrument videos and virtual instruments spark curiosity as students begin their musical journeys and support classrooms in meeting state standards for instrument recognition,” said Liz Kendall Weisser, director of education and community engagement for the Omaha Symphony. “This partnership is bringing access to every instrument, even when they aren’t readily available in every school.”
The interactive collection introduces students to the strings, brass, and woodwind families, offering video links to full orchestra performances alongside a learning library of 3D videos. Students can learn how each instrument is played, discover how it produces a sound, as well as participate in activities that guide an exploration of each instrument.
“The 3D learning activities with the instruments were created using augmented reality programs so students could see the musical instruments from every angle,” said Nebraska Public Media Director of Education Jessica Mitchell-McCollough. “These engaging online resources create learning opportunities and make music education accessible to students across Nebraska.”
The resources included in the Virtual Instruments collection are tailored to elementary students in grades K-2, with additional activities for students in grades 3-5.