Posts Tagged ‘Teaching’

Music Teaching Tips Based on My Experience

June 7th, 2011

I would probably say that I was not the only one, who got bored looking at musical notes during a Music class years ago. Perhaps, it is because children just do not get fascinated with pages of lines and notes, colored black and white. Now, that I am no more a kid, I admit that it’s still dull to look at those stuffs and I still feel the same way.

I have nothing against reading musical notes but I would just rather sing than struggle dealing with such complicated matters. Music teaching tips might help me learn music easier, but I would also need of a very patient teacher to assist me so.

When I was in grade school, I used to be a member of a drum and lyre band. I experienced playing both the lyre and the drums and found the latter easier. However, I ended up playing the lyre. It was fun especially when we won awards in exhibition competitions. We also did caroling during Christmas holidays and played in different events and occasions.

I enjoyed playing those instruments although there were times I got embarrassed when I made mistakes. There came some instances when I escaped attending band practices because I knew I would be called by our bandmaster. I did not like the feeling of receiving special attention. Worst, I got such because I messed up.

We had our band practices a group at a time. Usually, the lyrists practiced first then the drummers, or otherwise. Then, we played in a classroom as a whole – all together. Our bandmaster used different music teaching tips and strategies to help us learn music pieces easily. What was remarkable to me was that of Psychology’s Operant Conditioning.

Does it ring a bell? Or does it sound unique? I somehow have a clue how Music is related to Psychology but the other way around, I am not really sure. But I can say it was effective in my case.

Our bandmaster gave us two options: (1) we had to perform in our exhibition drills as if we were in the actual competition-meaning having minimal mistakes as possible- so we could get home early. We used to have practices a couple of whole consecutive days and those were really exhausting; or (2) he would pull our sideburns for every mistake we would commit. The former condition is a ‘reward’ while the ‘latter’ is a punishment. Of course, we would go for the reward. After all, who would want to be punished?

There are lots of accessible music teaching tips and strategies anywhere. You can look for books at the nearest bookshop from your home or visit a fellow music enthusiast and ask for useful tips. Also, you can surf the Internet for easier access of general or specific information.

(This article was written by a friend named Morgan Hall)

Know more applicable music teaching tips, log on to Music Teachers website.

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Music Teaching Resources Advance Strategies More Effectively

April 29th, 2011

Being a music teacher can be a challenging task. It involves a dose of time and effort to be spent on research, enhancement and upgrade in terms of your teaching strategies and methods. Since teaching and learning are both dynamic in nature, you as an educator must know how to advance your music teaching resources and techniques so as to become efficient and effective at all times.

In this article, you would be informed and updated with the latest resources and strategies on music teaching – suitable for all students from different walks of life. This also includes their corresponding benefits, advantages and corresponding approaches. Here they are:

Brainstorming among Students

This is a process that is designed for generating multiple ideas/options in which judgment is suspended until a maximum number of ideas have been made. Following generation of ideas, options are typically analyzed; the best solution is identified; and, a plan of action is developed.

Its advantages include:

* the active involvement of learners in higher levels of thinking;
* the promotion of peer learning and critical thinking; and,
* the creation of synergy, teamwork and cooperation.

To meet their sets of objectives, music teachers must use methods that would stimulate thinking, creativity, inquiry, and consensus. They should also provide clear instructions on how the process exactly works – ensuring that all students adhere to the rules.

Computer Simulation

In this context, such specific and practical examination, procedural training and data interpretation skills in realistic situations through the use of highly realistic computerized dummies and multimedia are utilized and applied accordingly to further teach particular music lessons.

Advantages of computer simulation are the following:

* Students can portray realistic situations, provide immediate feedback and inquiry, and most of all, can make use of such learning and acquisition in real life experiences.
* This also allows the learners to stay focused on such topic – eliminating irrelevant and unnecessary aspects.

Music educators must choose learning objectives that involve hands-on experience that can allow the students to have direct control and access to music technology. However, the faculty must be trained and equipped with such simulation skills so as to instruct the learners correspondingly and facilitate experiences and feedbacks accordingly.

Interactive Demonstrations and Games

These strategies pave way to activities where learners can observe how they are being done and administered in preparation to practical application. These may involve competitions, participations, drills and feedbacks into the learning experience as a motivating factor and a ground for application of principles.

It is really beneficial to both music educators and students to integrate such demo and games in the learning process. These help boost their self-confidence and broaden their attention span – targeting questions and answers. Such techniques also actively involve learners, regenerate motivation, provide challenges and express oneself while creating a fun learning environment.

These may be just some of the many effective music teachers’ resources and teaching strategies that are readily available online to help all music educators around the globe spread this message: Learning music is a rewarding and fun experience that can change and touch lives.

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Teaching Music History In An Interesting Way

April 25th, 2011

History as a subject has never attracted much people, but all learners are well aware, that in order to master their skills, they have to dig into the past of the subject. Music being a universal language has varied historical background and imperative for students to associate themselves with the rich past of the music world.

Learners generally do not feel it is important to understand the work of great historical composers. For them their work is either too complicated to understand or it is too boring. In both cases the person, will not imbibe the knowledge about music in a complete way. To understand things clearly it is vital to know about its origin and teaching music history deals with the same fact.

Teaching music history is boring and complicated and to make teaching music history interesting different teaching and learning methodologies designed. Using a piece of an audio clip is always goo and help the students to quickly relate the things, but since we are unable to get these pieces from the past, it is good to refer to some other songs or advertisement jingle etc, to give them a better understanding.

By highlighting some points about the composer and their work, in an interesting or interactive way, can motivate students to turn over the pages. It is always good if teaching music history is always coupled with some practical experience. It is observed that while practicing if the learning is associated with the lesson then they will immediately grasp the things easily with full clarity.

Many times what is told in class slips out of mind and then retracing the entire details becomes cumbersome and time consuming.  To avoid these complications while teaching music history, it is always good that after the discussion about the lesson and composers the learners work on fun worksheet, where they will jot down the details in a summarized format.

Doing all this will help them to immediately get their mind accustomed with the information provided and retains it for long.

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Music and Music Teaching: Perception by Now and Then

April 1st, 2011

Music nowadays seems to be one of the most popular hobbies that the youngsters are indulging in. For some, it may be just a pure form of entertainment or a way of living, whereas for the others, it can be a serious escape from their stressful lives. They use music as a medium of conveying their suppressed emotions. Not too surprisingly, it makes them really into music.

Because of the different influences that the youth are exposed into, they are easily acquiring the curiosity of engaging into learning music. It may not exactly be reading musical notes and the other formal stuff regarding such, but at least, something highly relevant to it like playing musical instruments or simply singing.

Before, people, specially the youth, viewed Music, a subject in their primary and secondary schooling, as a conservative and boring one. With lots of different bits and pieces that should be memorized and understood without knowing their use and purpose, music then had been a vague and dull form of school activity to do.

Perhaps, the reason is that they relate music with “church” where they usually hear the hymns and praises when they were kids. They thought music should be solemnly expressed all the time.

As these young people aged up, they began to realize how interesting music could be far from what they used to perceive. From all the different genres and styles, they found a match. I am truly glad to say that finally, they are now fascinated with music learning as well as music teaching.

Many are aware that music centers began to spring suddenly nowadays. People look for formal lessons and their aim is, of course, to learn music. They also want to develop the talents they believe they are blessed with.

Music teaching is definitely an issue when talking about learning music. Aside from being considered as something pretty difficult and tedious, many believe that it requires lots of effort, patience, and passion in doing so.

However, with the kinds of trends, technology and methods that we have right now, music teaching has become less complicated. Indeed, different resources and tools are made readily available to be an aid to anyone who has interests in music teaching. It may be through various means like seeking the help and guidance of music enthusiasts and experts, enrolling in various learning centers, reading music-related books, availing advanced music gadgets, or browsing the web.

Music teaching has been both the career and passion of many musically inclined individuals around the globe. Thus, schools of music spring forth worldwide, paving the way for music enthusiasts for greater opportunities globally. That is how powerful music and music teaching can be.

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Music Teaching Tips That Work

March 1st, 2011

Most of us music teachers aim to offer the best services to our students and let them learn their chosen instruments in the most efficient manner. Having a good teaching strategy will not only give your students fun learning experience but it will also earn you respect in the field. Thus, I have listed some music teaching tips that will enable you to teach your students effectively.

* Target both your students’ minds and bodies – Especially if your students are still young, you must understand that they may need a combination of physical and mental exercises and activities in learning. Aside from the fun it may bring to them, the possibility of understanding and recalling the lesson you are teaching may also increase.

* Learn how to energize students during boring moments – there will always be some instances wherein you have to discuss some important topics that are somewhat uninteresting to your students. These may lead to an inattentive class or worse, a sleeping class. Being observant and flexible is important to bring back a lively discussion. Why not ask them to do some stretching or tell some old jokes. Detaching fro the lesson plan for some minutes is better that to teach a daydreaming class.

* Provide your students with the best facilities – this is not one of my music teaching tips but rather it is your key to attract more clients and students. If your students learn and practice their instruments comfortably, you may not need to explain some lessons further. Your students may have greater determination and urge to learn any lesson.

* Give commendations to well-doers – giving applause for those who excel and have positive attitudes in the class will even boost their moral. This might as well motivate all the others to exert their efforts in learning their instrument and join those who have earned commendations.

* Treat slow-learners and wacky students positively – a class includes students with a variety of learning capacities and attitudes. Slow-learners and problem students must not be treated differently. Always remember that music teaching does not only involve explaining music lessons but instilling positive personality to each of your students.

These music teaching tips may vary depending on the circumstances. Private music teachers with fewer students may have an easier time handling their students. But then again, for those who may find these tips effective, please do your part and let other music teachers know about it

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The Role of Media in Music Teaching

February 24th, 2011

Media and arts influence our society in ways we are often not aware of. Growing up surrounded by television, radio, and movies, we often take the images and information they present for granted. Do you ever stop to think about how your interests have been shaped by what you see and hear through electronic media? Have you ever pondered on how your taste in music or arts developed?

Now, more than ever, the possibility of finding almost any information we are researching for is in media. Various sources such as newspaper, radio, television, Internet, and many others, are available almost anywhere.

Different forms of media, indeed, have become a part of everyone’s life. They shape and sometimes dictate or dominate our culture and interests. The mass media is undeniably of great impact to the society as it instills information in our minds that we use in our daily living.

Mass media has different roles in the society. One of these is its substantial role in the music industry.

How do people become interested in music? What makes them sing or become interested in playing musical instruments?

The answers to the questions mentioned rely to role the media plays in the music scene. Music is heard through the radio; thus, it triggers the music interests of its listeners.

Have you watched any television programs that involve competitors aiming for a singing title or a television singing program that shows the training of the contenders?

Television programs like what I have mentioned are usual these days. We expect music to be played only in the radio but with media around, proliferation of music through television and the Internet (singing competitions, music videos, etc.) are also possible.

Having said much of the possibilities that the media can bring to people, it largely contributes to the music teaching aspect of the industry. Media instruments, such as those mentioned earlier, are highly considered as music teacher resources for it supplies them information regarding music.

There are television programs that show trainings and rehearsals of the candidates. Through this, they can share to the viewers the different techniques of developing their singing talents. Few of these techniques that I have watched are the facial exercises done before the proper singing so as to relax the muscles that affect voice belting. Maintaining proper posture and body alignment while singing are also observed. Air supply is very important to reach low and high notes, and many others.

In general, music teacher resources can mostly be found through media in the form of visuals and audios. Other music teacher resources include personal encounters of music teachers during their classes, and those that are not in media forms.

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What Music Teaching Institutions Mainly Offer

February 22nd, 2011

Music teaching tips should be accurate and precise at all times. No matter how great or little they can be, they should serve their purpose of helping the recipient get the improvement and growth they truly deserve.

The earliest music was probably connected to religion according to historians. Long ago, people believed the world was controlled by a variety of gods. Keeping the gods happy was deemed very important to survival. Singing was among the first things humans did to show respect to their so-called gods.

Singing is still an important part of most religions. Buddhists, Christians, and Jews all use chants and/or songs in their religious ceremonies. The Christian Bible instructs those who love God to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord…” and other religions provide similar instructions. If you have ever sung a song – religious or otherwise – you know that singing is fun. The feeling of joy that comes from singing must also have made ancient people feel happy.

Singing was also done before with different activities. Another time people sang was when they worked. One of the best examples is the mining activity of Snow White’s seven dwarfs. Soldiers likewise sang as they marched into battle. Farmers sang one song as they planted and another when they harvested. Singing made the work less burdensome. People used the tunes to pace themselves. Sometimes, they followed instructions through songs.

Music brings entertainment so as singing. Today’s singing compared to ancient times’ is more polished – from an a cappella to a more different singing accompanied by musical instruments. With a tradition conventionally taught by the ancient people to many generations, music schools provide advanced teaching principles and learning techniques to aspirant musicians and singers. If before, it was purely imitating the ways of the elders; now, developing your own creative style through music teachers is highly recognized and appreciated.

These music schools or centers use music teaching tips so they can simply help their students learn music. Music teaching tips tackle the different ways of furnishing music knowledge to students in the perspective of the educators. Music learning has always been easy with the help of the people who know more about it – the music teachers. Certainly, that what music schools mainly offer.

The advantage of readily available music teaching tips is that teachers do not have to improvise teaching techniques to their class. The tips themselves are techniques and just have to be enhanced for outputs that are more effective. These music teaching tips focus mainly in playing instruments, singing, and other related topics.

It can be said that ‘music teaching tips’ are also ‘music learning tips’ for when teaching is learned, learning is most likely to follow.

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Teaching Music History ? Crossing That Hurdle

January 25th, 2011

Teaching Music History is definitely one of the toughest jobs in the world; especially of you have students who are very young kids. Kids are extremely tough to handle, especially when you are teaching them something like music. Since it is more of a vocation or an optional lesson than anything else, students don’t take it very seriously. Most kids learn music because their parents think that it might be good for them. However, in reality, it is very difficult, especially when your course consists of difficult tasks like Teaching Music History.

You can make Teaching Music History much simpler. All you have to do is ensure that the kids manage to retain their interest throughout the course. Also, it must be very important for you to make sure that the lessons are coming alive for the students. This means that they must be able to relate whatever they have learnt to what they see in their real life. You can make this happen for them, as you include some interesting activities and projects that help them in this direction.

Teaching Music History must not be about conformance to the lesson plans alone, although it is a very important aspect. You must be very careful and ensure that the musical education must at no point, become something which students will regard as “work”. Music is something that is learnt so that one can become closer to music. The interest should be there naturally, only then will students be able to learn.

Teaching Music History can be made much simpler when you have a good, well thought out lesson plan. Don’t include every single topic. Also you can make your classes much more fun and motivating with the help of aids like worksheets, charts, games and so on. As long as students are able to see the connect between musical history and their current lives, they will be able to keep their interest in the subject alive.

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Music Teaching Resources: Setting a Good Studio Policy

January 22nd, 2011

Good music teaching resources and studio policies are indeed necessary as they intend to create a conducive and healthy learning environment. Music teachers must set good and strict business principles and classroom practices so as to eliminate confusion, inconsistency and misunderstanding among studio clients, students, parents as well as the entire teaching personnel.

Certainly, as you decide to put up your own music studio, your studio policies and resources must also be ready for posting and dissemination. Therefore, you have to devise, update and implement them consistently and reliably.

Studio Policy: Basics, Advantages and Benefits
A studio policy is a set of written rules and regulations that has to be strictly observed and implemented. Private music studio owners as well as music teachers must specify and define all points and items in the studio policy itself so as to have everything clearly explained and discussed. Studio policy also lessens the risks and circumstances where a problem or a conflict may likely arise.

Though some studio policies differ in concept and context, they must include citations on various areas like fees, payment schemes, work and class schedules, class requirements, lesson preparations, service arrangements and other relevant issues necessary in managing your own music studio.

Music Teaching Resources
As studio policy is made as specific as music teaching resources are, tips on how to make and construct such are certainly essential. Setting a good studio policy is as good as generating music teaching resources. Since these two have to be both up-to-date, concise, concrete and complete, music teachers must keep in mind that rigid research really plays a vital role in coming up with effective and efficient resources and policies in music teaching. Such research can be done in just few clicks – using the power of technology and innovation.

Using informational documents and tools, citing insights and experiences, writing studio policy, motivating social and classroom participation as well as giving tips and advices are all great teaching techniques in driving your way to academic success through music education.

These professional and business means: music teaching resources and studio policies are both important in meeting the goal of the institution. Therefore, you have to be sure that they are truly focused and relevant in teaching and learning music.

Stick to Your Music Teaching Resources and Studio Policies
Music teachers have to be consistent and prompt both in their teaching and managerial strategies. This is to establish reliability and credibility not just for their profession but also for their relationship among students and studio clients. As they stick to their rules, policies, resources and techniques, people around them would be used to those concepts and would be able to apply such in daily activities and endeavors.

Remember that your policies and resources in music education are as important and as beneficial as your motivation and willingness to disseminate and employ to the learners and the clients as well as to implement in their future dealings and ventures.

Still searching for more relevant music teaching resources and tips? Visit this music teachers website.

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Teaching The Music History Of The Assyrians

January 10th, 2011

When you are teaching the music history of the Assyrians you would need to mention to your students about the sculptures that are found in the ruins of the Nineveh. In these sculptures are found the representations of the musicians and the musical instruments that were used at that time. You should also mention to the students that the musical instruments of the Assyrians were artistically perfect.

The musical instruments used by the Assyrians clearly depict that the music of the Assyrians were of light nature. No loud music was using such as blaring of the drums and the large wind instruments. The music of the Assyrians on the contrary was actually an excellent combination of both music and the instruments.

If you go to the British Museum you would find an excellent illustration of the Assyrian musical instruments. This illustration is of a group of marching musicians who are going to meet a conqueror. Here you would see a man marching in the front with a harp and the harp is approximately about four feet high and has ten strings. Then you would find two men walking behind him one with a sort of dulcimer and another with a flute type instrument. Then walked others with instruments like flute and harp.

From this illustration you can come to a conclusion that the main instruments in the musical history of the Assyrians were flute and harp. The harps were the backbones of the orchestra and the other instruments which were there include double flute, dulcimers and drums. The flutes and the dulcimers were placed among the less pronounced instruments and the drums were pretty large in size-though not like the modern age, so that they can serve the purpose of making good sound combination. Along with the above mentioned instruments, the Assyrians also used bells, trumpets and tambourines.

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