BP4_Review_Web_2.0_uTutti

Web 2.0 Tool:

uTutti - a management system for the music teacher. https://www.ututti.com/app

Tutti - the Italian word for "all or everyone" in music...

uTutti gives the user a variety of tool within one application that can organize almost every aspect of the physical "plant" of a high school (or middle school) instrumental (or vocal) music program. From instrument inventory to fund raising, from calendars to accounting software, from student lists to music library - the uTutti is a comprehensive - all in one - app for the high school music teacher.

As a music teacher - the duties of the job go way beyond teaching fingerings and phrasings. The day (and most of the night) is consumed with a plethora of tasks - most of which are menial and mundane, to say the least. You are constantly required to bring together many bits of information regarding students, instruments, inventory and finances. The uTutti app is a great way, especially for the emergent band director to "clean up his act"!

The app is organized with a Home Page that has tabs -

Each tab controls a different area of the department. The user also has the option to print reports regarding any aspect of the program. The user is also given the option of customizing the home page as well. 

The Student Page - directors can list all of their students information. A grade book option is included, as well as options to import information from external files. Directors can also assign groups, seating charts and include assignments.

My favorite feature is the Inventory Tab - I'm always creating database files etc... for the instrument inventory, uniforms and the music library. The music library includes barcode, date purchased and dates performed. Instrument inventory includes to whom the instrument is assigned.

Another fantastic feature is the ability to track finances. The Finances Tab. Here the director or band parent can track deposits, outlays, student fees, fund raising and every aspect of the finances of the program. Since most high school band programs are not financed from within their respective Board of Educations - this becomes an essential need for all active band programs.

This is a great app for all directors who are techno-challenged and techno-proficient. It organizes all of the daily drudge of the program into one localized place, that's instantly accessible from any internet connection. The drawback - well if you're techno proficient, you can create a lot of this on your own and save the (I think) very pricey $175/year subscription. Although, having all of this in one organized place does seem very appealing. For the director without the time or skills - this is a great addition to streamline the work day!