"An Interactive Textbook for the Future": An Interview with Author Matt Altmire

"I am most proud of the interactive nature of the textbook, and the emphasis on actually listening to the musical history described within.?It gives life to all of it."

An interview with GRL author, Matt Altmire.?

What inspired you to develop your own publication?

"I wanted to create a textbook that was practical and engaging for both music and non-music majors.?I also liked the idea of having embedded elements of music, questions, and other things right there in the book – a sort of online interactive textbook for the future!"

What impact has your publication had for you and your students?

"The impact has been very positive, because the students feel more connected to the reading.?They have expressed that they like the interaction, whether it is clicking on a song, looking at a pop-up definitions or fun facts, or simply answering questions right there in the book."

How does your publication engage your students?

"The embedded music is an incredible feature!?It allows students to read, and then listen and interact immediately with the music which is right there in the reading.?Combine that with different types of questions that can be embedded on the spot, and students are interacting with the music in a way that is impossible in a normal textbook."

How was your experience working with Great River Learning?

"Everyone at GRL is first class!?I most appreciate the positivity and encouragement that has been given to me at every level through the whole process.?However, I also appreciate the hard work that they put in on all of the content, clearances, music, images, sources, updates, and everything else to help make this publication an amazing working product."

About Altmire

Matt Altmire has always expressed his love of rock through performing as well as teaching percussion, music appreciation, and music history. He currently teaches at Mt. San Antonio College and Chaffey College in California. Altmire’s publication, Rock DNA, is a culmination of all things rock throughout time. The interactive textbook was developed to be practical and engaging for music and non-music majors. The online resource allows students to learn and connect to the music that is directly embedded in the lessons along with quizzes and surveys along the way. Start rocking out - learn more here: bit.ly/altmirerocknroll