Teaching Choral Music I (366-0-1)

Instructors

Diego Pinto

Meeting Info

RCMA Lower Level 113: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course provides an overview of the multifaceted nature of choral teaching and learning in elementary and middle school, setting a foundation for students' construction of their philosophy and practices as a choral music educator. Topics covered include but are not limited to rehearsal techniques, vocal technique, repertoire, curriculum design, classroom management, and the adolescent changing voice. Students will apply the acquired knowledge and skills through assigned projects and practicum placements, which shall be determined at the beginning of the class term. Readings, assignments, and classwork will provide practical tools to ensure that what you do on and off the podium reflects best practices to develop an outstanding, thriving choral program applicable in any teaching format and at any educational level.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: Must be 3rd year or above. Co-registration requirement in MUSIC ED 314.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify and describe essential components of middle school choral pedagogy, including vocal technique principles, sight-singing methodologies, warm-up exercises, rehearsal strategies, and characteristics of the adolescent socioemotional development and changing voice.
2. Explain how culturally responsive repertoire selection, student-centered teaching practices, and developmentally appropriate vocal pedagogy align with their developing philosophy of choral music education.
3. Demonstrate effective, evidence-based rehearsal techniques, classroom management strategies, sight-singing instruction, and warm-up sequences.
4. Evaluate choral repertoire using pre-established criteria to assess appropriateness for middle school voices, difficulty level, musical content, curricular objectives, and pedagogical opportunities.
5. Design comprehensive rehearsal plans and concert programs that demonstrate balanced repertoire choices across diverse styles, languages, and difficulty levels while addressing the needs of changing voices and incorporating effective pedagogical sequences.
6. Develop an original philosophy of choral teaching articulating their core beliefs and pedagogical priorities concerning choral music education.
7. Build a choral program website (ePortfolio) that showcases their philosophy of choral teaching, choral pedagogy, and sample materials.

Class Materials (Required)

1. Textbook: Choral Music: Methods and Materials (Grades 5-12).
Authors: Barbara A. Brinson; Steven M. Demorest
Edition: 2nd
Publisher: Schirmer, Cengage Learning
Year: 2014
ISBN-13: 9781133599661
Price: $147 (Amazon)


2. Textbook: Growing Musicians: Teaching Music in Middle School and Beyond.
Authors: Bridget Sweet
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2016
ISBN-13: 9780199372072
Price: $37 (Amazon)

Class Attributes

SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Enrollment is restricted to third-year or higher undergraduate Music Education majors or Master of Music Education students.