Bandlab

[CyBeRkId2002]

Dear all,

 

We are being asked by our Music department to support Bandlab and get it on our approved software list (with accompanying DPIA). At present I have a couple of issues preventing me fully signing off on this and wondered if anyone using the software could advise how they have got around these issues:

 

• It does not seem possible to create a classroom where only invited students can join. Whilst it is unlikely guests would be able to work out a classroom code and join without it being published, as a safeguarding measure I like to remove all possibilities and ensure there is zero possibility of this happening.
  
• It seems impossible to disable unmonitored chat between students.
  

 

How have people got around these issues?

 

Michael

[foofighterjim]

Did you get anywhere with this @CyBeRkId2002

 

Our music department are now asking for the same and after reading their privacy policy I have the same concerns as you. I always worry about using a site who provide a dead link to a list of where their data is stored. The privacy policy seems fairly comprehensive for the most part, although slightly contradictory in places.

[paulkerton]

I've had a play with BandLab and whilst it's good, it still seems a little limited to me in terms of functionality.

Are they using it becuase its a "Free SoundTrap" ?

[foofighterjim]

I've had a play with BandLab and whilst it's good, it still seems a little limited to me in terms of functionality.

Are they using it becuase its a "Free SoundTrap" ?

 

I think they are approaching this because it is:

 

• Free
  
• Online
  
• Will enable some form of practical music lessons, as the music room is unavailable to year 7, 8 & 9 currently.
  

 

Honestly, my only real remit and interest given the above is; does it comply with GDPR and is it safe.

[Starbug1]

I have had the same query; if anyone has any thoughts on this we would welcome them

@CyBeRkId2002 @foofighterjim did either of you go with this?

 

Many thanks in advance

[CyBeRkId2002]

Nope, we opted for alternative software due to safeguarding concerns and not being able to work within a walled-garden.

[foofighterjim]

I'm not sure what our Music department did in the end, I raised my concerns and they never came back to me.

[simpsonj]

I've been similarly asked to look into this.

 

Did people go with it, if not, what solutions do other schools use to do composition on ChromeOS?

[markberry]

We wanted to use this but I couldn't authorise it from a DP point of view as the data is held in Singapore and the United States.

[Starbug1]

We also did not go ahead with this

[simpsonj]

Thanks both, I've let the music teacher know that it might not be possible.

 

If anyone finds a free, or very cheap, piece of composition software I can use on Chromebooks, that would be great!

[paulkerton]

Thanks both, I've let the music teacher know that it might not be possible.

 

If anyone finds a free, or very cheap, piece of composition software I can use on Chromebooks, that would be great!

 

https://www.soundtrap.com/pricing-education

 

The best by far that I've found

and the might of Spotify behind it too, so...