Often, a student will come into my classroom drumming a rhythm or singing a tune, or even dancing. Initially, I am glad to see them living with music so enjoyably, but usually, I am compelled to ask them to stop so that we can begin our lesson. Sometimes, the student will reply, "but it's music, … Continue reading Keeping Students Connected to and Enjoying Music Class
What Do Class Objectives Look Like in Music?
One of the most important things any teacher does is set an instructional objective for every class meeting. For music teachers, these goals ought to be tied to our profession's content standards which will soon be the new NCCAS standards. Standards help teachers focus their planning and teaching on what has been identified as most … Continue reading What Do Class Objectives Look Like in Music?
How Much Music Reading Instruction is Enough?
Recently, I observed that music reading has received minimal attention in the new NCCAS music standards. To be sure, music reading is not necessary for every musical experience. From a global perspective, our Western music notation is not used at all in many places, especially where music culture is preserved within an oral tradition. In … Continue reading How Much Music Reading Instruction is Enough?
Which Way Is Up?
The concept of up and down is central to musical understanding and experience. In an earlier post entitled, “Musical Ups and Downs—Why is Contour Important?” I discussed several reasons why this is so. But during formal musical training in early childhood, how up and down is represented is not always readily apparent. Early training in … Continue reading Which Way Is Up?
Every Child Should Have Arts Education Every Day In School
Below is a video of Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser's keynote address to the Houston Arts Partners Conference attendees in 2012. Among the points from his address is that music is not for a talented few. Every child has the propensity to make music. Music education during the early years builds the brain up to be musical. The years … Continue reading Every Child Should Have Arts Education Every Day In School
What Are The Essentials For Teaching Music?
The longer I teach, the more I value simplicity and careful thought. There was a time when I chased after every piece of equipment I could get my hands on. I absolutely had to have more computers, software, instruments, books, microphones, and on and on. Now all of these things are useful, and all of … Continue reading What Are The Essentials For Teaching Music?
How Is Reading Music Relevant Today?
One of the things I find most challenging in my music classroom is keeping music reading relevant to students who by and large don't need to read music in order to have their daily musical experiences. Those of you have been following this blog know that I am a fan of the new NCCAS music … Continue reading How Is Reading Music Relevant Today?
How Do Composers Know When a Musical Work is Finished?
I read an interesting question on social media the other day. A composer asked, “When do you know that a composition is finished?” Several answers were offered, ranging from “when the composer has expressed everything he or she wanted,” to “when the parts are passed out to the musicians.” The first of these has potential. … Continue reading How Do Composers Know When a Musical Work is Finished?
What Can Be Learned About Children from Producing A Musical?
It is good to beck with you again. Our production of Grease School Version was highly successful and great fun. Now I am happy to once again have time to post here. Last week the culmination of months of practice took place as my students gave performances of the musical Grease School Version. The students ranged … Continue reading What Can Be Learned About Children from Producing A Musical?
How Can Music Students Work Smarter?
This week I will be conducting my students in performances of Grease School Version. Because of my schedule associated with the production, my next post here will be Sunday, May 25. It will be good to see you here then. We’ve all heard the saying, work smarter, not harder. In music performance, this is especially good … Continue reading How Can Music Students Work Smarter?
mister a music place 
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