Duke Ellington once said, “The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.” There is a lot for music educators to think about in that statement, especially because an enduring understanding for performing includes “knowledge of musical works,” and “understanding of their own technical skill.” Learning, motivation, and satisfaction are always tied to … Continue reading Duke Ellington Had It Right
Vocal Music
More on “What Is A Melody?”
Yesterday, I discussed a balanced definition of melody; one that was broad enough to include all music that contains melody, regardless of cultural difference, and one that was specific enough to exclude sequences of sound that by common consent are not musical. The fundamental way that humans learn what a thing is or what it … Continue reading More on “What Is A Melody?”
What is a Melody?
For virtually everyone who teaches music, melody is one of the basic elements. Though music teachers may vary slightly on what melody is, most definitions will at least include the requirement of a sequence of notes which each have pitch and duration. This fits nicely with a view of music being humanly organized sounds recognized … Continue reading What is a Melody?
What is a Convenient Shorthand for Music Notation Within Word Processing Software?
When writing lesson plans, I frequently have wished that I had a way of writing melodies quickly and easily on my computer within my word processing software. After attempting to use available symbols on the computer keyboard to contrive stick notation, and then line up solfege syllables I found all of this too time consuming … Continue reading What is a Convenient Shorthand for Music Notation Within Word Processing Software?
Music is the Ultimate Social Media
Today was the last day of music class for my 8th graders, who will be graduating tonight. Last class days are more laid back than other days. I began by showing them the segment from Disney’s Fantasia 2000 that sets the story of Noah’s Ark to the music of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. I though … Continue reading Music is the Ultimate Social Media
What role Will Students Play in Selecting Music with the New Arts Standards for Music?
Have you ever asked a student why they selected a particular song for listening? When I have asked, students typically cite that they identify with the song, or they like the beat. Either of these answers are a good start, but none of them go far enough. If music is going to have more than … Continue reading What role Will Students Play in Selecting Music with the New Arts Standards for Music?
Music Teachers: Should You Expect Your Students to Take Lessons During the Summer?
The summer months can bring challenges for music teachers wishing to continue music lessons to their students. Many families travel during the summer, as long anticipated and saved-for vacations finally arrive. Vacations naturally interrupt the regularity of weekly lessons. With some students, even those not going away on vacation, the mere arrival of summer months … Continue reading Music Teachers: Should You Expect Your Students to Take Lessons During the Summer?
The Big Payoff
We teachers live for the big payoff. The moment when the students connect the dots and finally "get it." This morning, I was able to enjoy moments like that with both of my 5th grade classes. Last week, they received printed music for the round Gaudeamus Hodie and worked independently at sight singing it with … Continue reading The Big Payoff
When A Graduating Class Makes A Choir
Every year, the graduating class at my school sings a class song at their graduation ceremony. We spend time considering possible songs, and after two classes, vote on which song will be sung. There are always some among the the minority that are unhappy about the selection, and there are always some who insist they … Continue reading When A Graduating Class Makes A Choir
Why We Sing, Why We Play
Music teachers often work on musical works with their students for one of two general reasons. They learn to perform a work for a concert, or to teach a skill or concept. Of course, good music teachers teach skills and concepts while teacing concert pieces, but the purpose for selecting the work is different. With … Continue reading Why We Sing, Why We Play
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