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?
Robert Adams
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?
One 8th Grade Student’s Findings: The Benefits of Studying Music
Each school year, I teach a unit to my 8th grade classes on the benefits of music to their lives. Of course music gives no benefit to anyone on its own. Music is not a living, breathing creature that can actually do anything, in an active sense. Any benefit music has to us, it brings … Continue reading One 8th Grade Student’s Findings: The Benefits of Studying Music
Nothing Like A Good Band Concert
Recently, I published a post on the correct positions for holding musical instruments. That post was brought to mind today as I was in attendance at a school band concert. It was a recruiting concert, so the director was having each section play the same tune, giving the young audience a chance to see and … Continue reading Nothing Like A Good Band Concert
Why Doesn’t That Reed Play Well?
Not all reeds are created equal. Reeds are often of inconsistent quality, and many do not play well enough to be of use. With this in mind, and assuming that you do not have the time to make your own single reeds, here are some ways you can improve the way you select and place … Continue reading Why Doesn’t That Reed Play Well?
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
mister a music place 
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