Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
A Tool for Music Analysis
Such an open-ended design as the Music DP Course has its blessings and challenges. On one hand, the accessibility of student choice creates the opportunity for ownership and relevance. On the other hand,...
Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
Building Trust in a Composer
When performing a piece of music, the performer must trust the composer AND trust themself. They need to imagine themself as the composer of the piece. By understanding the composer and his / her intention...
Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
Building Trust in the Audience
When presenting to an audience, one might want to consider the listener as a mirror. They are the other part of a conversation. The presenter needs to CONNECT and COMMUNICATE their message musically....
Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
Building Trust in a Piece of Music
When looking at a score it is important to remember that the printed score is only a guide. The manuscript makes the music, but it is still left to the interpretation of the musician to bring the score...
Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
Building Trust in the Conductor / Teacher
Often one sees the conductor on the podium as the "all-knowing." Traditionally his / her musical interpretations during rehearsals were taken for granted by students in the ensemble. There was little...
Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
Building Trust in Fellow Musicians
Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend and during the discussion you say, "Oh yes, I know what you are thinking"? How might that have happened? Chances are pretty good that you were all CONNECTED...
Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
Building Trust in Oneself
When performing a piece of music, oftentimes students (and professionals !) become absorbed with the mastery of technique. True technique is important, but need not be the driving force behind meaningful...
Activities
Ideas for the Percussionist III
This page completes the ongoing discussion in the series regarding the challenges faced by percussionists, particularly drummers, in the "Experimenting as a Performer" component. In this third instalment,...
Teaching Strategies and Lesson Ideas
Building Trust
One of the most essential elements in creating a healthy and robust culture in the IB Music DP course is the development of trust. In this article, I hope to share why trust is imperative within the practice...
Getting Started
Finding Musical Passion
Take a moment to think back on one of your most impressionable or inspirational musical moments as a young student. Perhaps it was a concert you went to or a song you heard on the radio. Maybe it was...