Today I will cover changing the snares and heads on a concert snare drum, some playing techniques. Many of the principles I covered yesterday for timpani will apply equally to snare drum. Once again, you must begin with an instrument that is in good condition. In schools, snare drum heads tend to be abused, so … Continue reading A Conductor’s Guide to Percussion: Snare Drum
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A Conductor’s Guide to Percussion: Timpani Methods
When it comes to directing instrumental music ensembles, the teacher is expected to have at least a working knowledge of every instrument that is being played. In schools, instrumental music teachers generally have taken instrument methods classes as part of their teacher preparation program, and there have learned how each instrument is played, and gained … Continue reading A Conductor’s Guide to Percussion: Timpani Methods
How Do Language and Music Mix in the Music Classroom?
As we saw yesterday with rhythm, language and music are closely related so that training in one strengthens proficiency in the other. Although language and music differ in form, purpose, and use, both are highly syntax-dependent. Neither music nor language makes sense if the sounds heard cannot be cognitively organized, and if meaning cannot be … Continue reading How Do Language and Music Mix in the Music Classroom?
How Do Math and Music Mix in a Music Classroom?
Most people I know, both teachers and non-teachers, musicians and non-musicians, believe that students use a lot of math concepts when making music. In the current environment created by core curriculum state standards, this belief can easily lead to the desire for music teachers to explicitly teach, or at the very least reinforce math concepts … Continue reading How Do Math and Music Mix in a Music Classroom?
What Are Some Ways To Handle A Small Music Classroom Budget?
I am fortunate to teach in a school district with a strong music program, and supportive administrators at all levels. Even so, when it comes to purchasing materials for my classroom, money is scarce, so I have to make a very few dollars go as far as possible. In truth, I really don’t need a … Continue reading What Are Some Ways To Handle A Small Music Classroom Budget?
Where Is That Meter?
Recently, I attended a chamber music concert that included the first of Beethoven’s “Razumofsky” string quartets, the Op. 59, no. 1. The performance was by an ensemble made of advanced musicians from prestigious music conservatories that had gathered to attend a music festival. As the performance got under way, I quickly became unsettled. I couldn’t … Continue reading Where Is That Meter?
What Are The Best Pitch Combinations For Teaching Our Youngest Children Singing?
The popularity and success of the Kodaly approach to teaching music in schools has resulted in a widespread practice of using songs and chants comprised of a minor third when beginning formal music education with young children. There is much to recommend this practice, including the ease with which a small interval can be sung, … Continue reading What Are The Best Pitch Combinations For Teaching Our Youngest Children Singing?
Is There A Better Way?
Why do you do anything the way you do? If your answer to this question is “because I’ve always done it that way,” or “because it works,” then you may be missing out on much greater success. Being a New Englander all my life, I have been very happy with the mantra, “If ain’t broke, … Continue reading Is There A Better Way?
A Realistic Look at the Mozart Effect
Much has been made, and continues to be made, of the benefits of music education beyond developing musical expertise. I have touched on some of these benefits in past posts. While I am as eager as the next music educator to trumpet the virtues of musical training, I have also tried to be objectively cautious … Continue reading A Realistic Look at the Mozart Effect
Conduct More, Talk Less
In my July 16, 2014 post, I described a music conductor. That description was drawn from the great maestros of the twentieth century; men like Reiner, Koussevitzky and Bernstein. There is always value in studying how the greats in any field go about their business, and trying to emulate them. Everything I mentioned is relevant … Continue reading Conduct More, Talk Less
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