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Teaching Instrumental Music I (364-0-1)

Instructors

Jen Blackwell
847/467-1682
RCMA 4-141
Office Hours: by appointment
https://music.northwestern.edu/faculty/profile/jennifer-blackwell

Meeting Info

RCMA 1-164: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course provides students with a survey of skills, strategies, content knowledge and resources necessary for effective music instruction as a school band or orchestra director. The course focuses both on the pedagogical process (teaching/learning) and on philosophical and curricular issues in instrumental music education. Topics of emphasis include: sight to sound pedagogy; rhythm and intonation pedagogy; teaching students to practice; planning, implementing, and reflecting on large ensemble rehearsals; and incorporating elements of comprehensive musicianship, improvisation, and composition into ensemble contexts. Additionally, a significant portion of the course will be devoted to students' areas of personal interest and goals for professional growth. Course activities and concepts will be supplemented by the corequisite field experience lab class.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: MUSIC_ED 237

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course students will...
1. Develop a philosophy of instrumental music education that could serve as a program mission statement
2. Critically consider the role of the teacher and student in a large ensemble setting
3. Be able to apply elements of direct instruction and constructivist pedagogical approaches
4. Be able to design a teaching plan that emphasizes comprehensive musicianship as a complement to performance skill
5. Observe and develop pedagogical skills for school settings
6. Be able to teach rhythmic and tonal concepts using a sound-to-symbol approach
7. Be able to analyze repertoire for pedagogical purposes
8. Be able to apply cooperative learning approaches through peer teaching and chamber music
9. Be able to apply effective rehearsal strategies in large ensembles
10. Consider approaches for effective classroom management and motivation in instrumental music education
11. Add to their developing professional portfolio

Teaching Method

Lecture, discussion, practicum experiences

Evaluation Method

Tests, assignments, teaching evaluations

Class Materials (Required)

Instrumental Music Education: Teaching with the Musical and Practical in Harmony, Third Edition
Authors: by Evan Feldman, Ari Contzius, Mitchell Lutch, Katarzyna Bugaj
ISBN-10: 036713814X
Price: $70