http://www.finetune.com/
Finetune.com has been a wonderful source for me as a music lover. I accidentally stumbled on this site. I was looking for a way to download free music (funny I know), and I found this intriguing site.
Finetune is an online radio in a way. Except you pick the exact tunes that you want to hear. What is even cooler is that it is also a social network where you can look at other people's profiles and look at what they like to listen to as well.
Since I have a very wide range of music that I listen to, I found this site extremely useful. I was able to find many new artists that I have grown to love, as well as new music. I find that finetune has enabled me to broaden my music vocabulary once again.
Even though it has its limitation (you can only have three songs per artists on your playlist) it does offer a way to experience new music. I would encourage those who want to experience new music to try this site out. I love it, and when I am not around my own library, I know I have one close at hand
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
PLN For The Week
http://www.reedmusic.com/
I have used this site so many times, I cannot even tell you how useful it has been.
ReedMusic is an Australian site that allows its users to listen to music before they buy it. It also allows it users to buy music.
As a saxophone player, this site has been really helpful in finding literature. I enjoy hearing some of the world's top players performing the top pieces. Please check this site out, it really comes in handy when you are serious about buying a piece to perform.
I have used this site so many times, I cannot even tell you how useful it has been.
ReedMusic is an Australian site that allows its users to listen to music before they buy it. It also allows it users to buy music.
As a saxophone player, this site has been really helpful in finding literature. I enjoy hearing some of the world's top players performing the top pieces. Please check this site out, it really comes in handy when you are serious about buying a piece to perform.
Readings Week 13
This weeks readings were centered around "Assistive Technology" or AT for short.
AT is technology that has been mechanically enhanced for individuals with physical or mental impairments. AT can be anything homemade, purchased off the shelf, modified, or commercially available which is used to help an individual perform some task of daily living. AT includes a broad range of devices from "low tech" (e.g., pencil grips, splints, paper stabilizers) to "high tech" (e.g., computers, voice synthesizers, braille readers).
Musically, AT is starting to show an impact, especially with the "Soundbeam".
SoundBeam is a device that converts physical movement into sound. So people who are stationary, and confined to a wheelchair can make music. Without getting too scientific, the higher pitches are played when the person is farther away from the receiver and lower pitches are played when they are closer.
From the example video it appears that the sounds move in scale degrees, but I am sure that there are other programs that can change that. I can say in confidence that I am happy to see this program working out.
My views on special education aside, I think that AT can be very useful for disabled individuals. I like how simple AT can be; it does not need to be advanced or well planned. All AT has to be is a way to make technology easier to use.
In my future classroom, I think I will use AT all of the time. I like to solve problems in innovative ways, so I think that AT will become a staple in my curriculum. I know I can find interesting ways to utilize AT in many of my teaching strategies.
AT is technology that has been mechanically enhanced for individuals with physical or mental impairments. AT can be anything homemade, purchased off the shelf, modified, or commercially available which is used to help an individual perform some task of daily living. AT includes a broad range of devices from "low tech" (e.g., pencil grips, splints, paper stabilizers) to "high tech" (e.g., computers, voice synthesizers, braille readers).
Musically, AT is starting to show an impact, especially with the "Soundbeam".
SoundBeam is a device that converts physical movement into sound. So people who are stationary, and confined to a wheelchair can make music. Without getting too scientific, the higher pitches are played when the person is farther away from the receiver and lower pitches are played when they are closer.
From the example video it appears that the sounds move in scale degrees, but I am sure that there are other programs that can change that. I can say in confidence that I am happy to see this program working out.
My views on special education aside, I think that AT can be very useful for disabled individuals. I like how simple AT can be; it does not need to be advanced or well planned. All AT has to be is a way to make technology easier to use.
In my future classroom, I think I will use AT all of the time. I like to solve problems in innovative ways, so I think that AT will become a staple in my curriculum. I know I can find interesting ways to utilize AT in many of my teaching strategies.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
PLN 12
http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/
This is the infamous fingering guide for woodwinds. I am not sure how I stumbled upon this site, but wow! This site is really impressive.
The amount of instruments it covers is amazing as well as how many fingerings they have found for each instrument. This is such a good tool for both students and teachers. Curious students can access the site and learn a great deal. Teachers are able to refresh their memory on fingerings they may have forgotten.
This site is such a good tool for anyone that stumbles upon it like I did.
This is the infamous fingering guide for woodwinds. I am not sure how I stumbled upon this site, but wow! This site is really impressive.
The amount of instruments it covers is amazing as well as how many fingerings they have found for each instrument. This is such a good tool for both students and teachers. Curious students can access the site and learn a great deal. Teachers are able to refresh their memory on fingerings they may have forgotten.
This site is such a good tool for anyone that stumbles upon it like I did.
Readings Week 12
This week's readings were focused on digital photography. In class we went over the program GIMP, a free version of the better known PhotoShop.
I was not that interested in the actual concept of digital photography, I was more interested in the problems that can arise from using it. There are many copyright laws that must be taken into account as well as legal issues that come from doctoring photos.
As musicians we must be very careful about copyright laws. We are always under the mirror for using "illegal" music or recording illegally. I feel that it is very important to know when you can and cannot do things as a musician and an educator. One must know where they can step on some toes, and where they cannot.
For digital photography, the doctoring of images is always a problem. Programs such as Gimp and Photoshop are very easy to use and can cause many issues. I really enjoyed the reading on copyright and fair use. I understand that there are many laws in place that put restrictions on what you can and cannot copy or doctor. I was very happy that I had an article to read that dealt with this issue.
I cannot stress enough how important it is as music educators that we do things by the book. We cannot afford to be in trouble with the law. No shortcuts should be taken and help should be given when needed. This is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed more often.
I was not that interested in the actual concept of digital photography, I was more interested in the problems that can arise from using it. There are many copyright laws that must be taken into account as well as legal issues that come from doctoring photos.
As musicians we must be very careful about copyright laws. We are always under the mirror for using "illegal" music or recording illegally. I feel that it is very important to know when you can and cannot do things as a musician and an educator. One must know where they can step on some toes, and where they cannot.
For digital photography, the doctoring of images is always a problem. Programs such as Gimp and Photoshop are very easy to use and can cause many issues. I really enjoyed the reading on copyright and fair use. I understand that there are many laws in place that put restrictions on what you can and cannot copy or doctor. I was very happy that I had an article to read that dealt with this issue.
I cannot stress enough how important it is as music educators that we do things by the book. We cannot afford to be in trouble with the law. No shortcuts should be taken and help should be given when needed. This is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed more often.
Friday, November 6, 2009
PLN Week 11
Krumping. Or Krump. This is actually an acronym for Kingdom Radically Uplifted Mighty Praise. It is a dance craze that has kept many teens out of trouble and turning their anger into a positive art form.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krumping
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-kSNy0yAGY
http://www.rickey.org/?p=25649 at about 45 sec.
Krumping was invented in Compton as a way for young men to express themselves without resorting to violence. The movement of krump is very large, arms and hands flail about, feet move in every direction, and the style is intense.
I am so fascinated by this style. There are many ways to keep kids out of trouble, i.e. music, but this dance style has done something that is innovative. It has used the rage of young teens and lets them express it through dance. They can still punch, but now the punch has a meaning because it is done with musicality and technique.
I am so happy that I found this style of dance. Dance has always fascinated me because it is one of the only things that I know of where someone is trying to outdo music. I hope this style grows into something special.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krumping
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-kSNy0yAGY
http://www.rickey.org/?p=25649 at about 45 sec.
Krumping was invented in Compton as a way for young men to express themselves without resorting to violence. The movement of krump is very large, arms and hands flail about, feet move in every direction, and the style is intense.
I am so fascinated by this style. There are many ways to keep kids out of trouble, i.e. music, but this dance style has done something that is innovative. It has used the rage of young teens and lets them express it through dance. They can still punch, but now the punch has a meaning because it is done with musicality and technique.
I am so happy that I found this style of dance. Dance has always fascinated me because it is one of the only things that I know of where someone is trying to outdo music. I hope this style grows into something special.
Readings Week 11
I thoroughly enjoyed the readings for this week. Every one of them was easy to understand and gave many insightful tips. The readings this week focused on technology and how educators may use it in a more modern classroom.
The first article was a very simple one written by Marcy P. Driscoll. Titled "How People Learn (and What Technology Might Have to do With It)" it describes how learning works and operates. Driscoll then adds in ways that technology aids in learning.
I do see the benefits of technology in learning. However I also wonder how our ancestors learned and functioned without technology. Yes, having electricity and an Internet is a huge benefit to us now, but learning would take place whether we had technology or not. But as long as we have it, I think we should use it to its fullest advantage.
The next article by Marc Prensky is about "digital natives", or people that have grown up surrounded by technology as an integral part of their lives. Prensky also covers those of us who have had to accommodate technology, which he calls "digital immigrants". This was such an interesting article due to the fact that I am on the border of the two.
As a 90's child I grew up playing Nintendo, and Sega, I used compact discs as well as MP3's and cassette players. I feel like accommodating to technology is not that hard at all, like all learning you need to do it slowly and constantly build on previous knowledge. I do not believe that children today are born with the knowledge of how to use the Internet. But they definitely know how to navigate the technology maze. Even though it may take a bit longer, older adults can do the same as their youth. They just need to take their time.
The last article is by Dr. Bauer himself and discusses web quests. I can honestly say I am very fascinated by this concept and would enjoy very much to do one. If anyone one knows what Geocaching is, it is like that but online. I think that this idea is so cool.
What I got from the article is that students have one website that they visit to see what they must accomplish. The site outlines what must be done and what should be achieved. Then students are put on a quest for information via the world wide web. Wow, it is like a treasure hunt. I can easily use this in my classroom.
I feel as though technology is not that hard to understand or use. All you need is to take your time and build upon what you already know. There are so many exciting things that you are able to do in technology and music that knowing a bit about it will make you life easier.
The first article was a very simple one written by Marcy P. Driscoll. Titled "How People Learn (and What Technology Might Have to do With It)" it describes how learning works and operates. Driscoll then adds in ways that technology aids in learning.
I do see the benefits of technology in learning. However I also wonder how our ancestors learned and functioned without technology. Yes, having electricity and an Internet is a huge benefit to us now, but learning would take place whether we had technology or not. But as long as we have it, I think we should use it to its fullest advantage.
The next article by Marc Prensky is about "digital natives", or people that have grown up surrounded by technology as an integral part of their lives. Prensky also covers those of us who have had to accommodate technology, which he calls "digital immigrants". This was such an interesting article due to the fact that I am on the border of the two.
As a 90's child I grew up playing Nintendo, and Sega, I used compact discs as well as MP3's and cassette players. I feel like accommodating to technology is not that hard at all, like all learning you need to do it slowly and constantly build on previous knowledge. I do not believe that children today are born with the knowledge of how to use the Internet. But they definitely know how to navigate the technology maze. Even though it may take a bit longer, older adults can do the same as their youth. They just need to take their time.
The last article is by Dr. Bauer himself and discusses web quests. I can honestly say I am very fascinated by this concept and would enjoy very much to do one. If anyone one knows what Geocaching is, it is like that but online. I think that this idea is so cool.
What I got from the article is that students have one website that they visit to see what they must accomplish. The site outlines what must be done and what should be achieved. Then students are put on a quest for information via the world wide web. Wow, it is like a treasure hunt. I can easily use this in my classroom.
I feel as though technology is not that hard to understand or use. All you need is to take your time and build upon what you already know. There are so many exciting things that you are able to do in technology and music that knowing a bit about it will make you life easier.
Friday, October 30, 2009
PLN Week 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6tB2KiZuk
This is a link that I fond through a colleague of mine, Elijah Vazquez. It is a video of Bobby McFerrin teaching a crowd of people to sing a pentatonic scale. All McFerrin does in jump around the stage at certain points. Each of these points is a certain note that the crowd is supposed to sing. At the end we learn that no matter where McFerrin goes, everyone is able to do this simple task.
I found this interesting because it shows an inherent trait of music within everyone. Everyone has a musical capability, and if it takes jumping around a stage to get people to learn, do it! There are no limitations on who can be taught, and Bobby McFerrin shows that.
WOW!
This is a link that I fond through a colleague of mine, Elijah Vazquez. It is a video of Bobby McFerrin teaching a crowd of people to sing a pentatonic scale. All McFerrin does in jump around the stage at certain points. Each of these points is a certain note that the crowd is supposed to sing. At the end we learn that no matter where McFerrin goes, everyone is able to do this simple task.
I found this interesting because it shows an inherent trait of music within everyone. Everyone has a musical capability, and if it takes jumping around a stage to get people to learn, do it! There are no limitations on who can be taught, and Bobby McFerrin shows that.
WOW!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
PLN Week 9
http://www.musiccognition.nl/blog/2009/10/do-we-all-have-talent-for-music.html
I had forgotten that I had signed up for this blog. I find that this topic is quite interesting. Do we all have a talent for music?
The author of the blog, says that "Yes", we do. All I have to say is wow.
It has never really dawned on me that someone cannot have some aptitude for music. I can see that some people are less talented than others, but then again, that is why we have architects and doctors.
This is such an interesting topic because music is inherent to humans. The need to have music, the want of it, is so intriguing. There is nothing quite like listening to your favorite song, or improvising in your favorite key. There is a magic.
I feel as though the question lies in what people experience when they hear or perform music. And that is what defines their musical ability.
I had forgotten that I had signed up for this blog. I find that this topic is quite interesting. Do we all have a talent for music?
The author of the blog, says that "Yes", we do. All I have to say is wow.
It has never really dawned on me that someone cannot have some aptitude for music. I can see that some people are less talented than others, but then again, that is why we have architects and doctors.
This is such an interesting topic because music is inherent to humans. The need to have music, the want of it, is so intriguing. There is nothing quite like listening to your favorite song, or improvising in your favorite key. There is a magic.
I feel as though the question lies in what people experience when they hear or perform music. And that is what defines their musical ability.
Week 9 Reactions
This week in technology we had to learn to use different websites. The two in particular were wikispaces, and delicious. I can honestly say that this felt more like a hassle then a benefit.
I had a lot of qualms with both of these sites. I feel that I am only adding things to my toolbar that are not really essential. Yes both these sites have their benefits, but I am failing to see the point in using them.
Maybe I am a bit old fashioned, but I enjoy looking for information, I do not want it to just come to me. I feel that this is why I do not enjoy delicious.com. I feel as though I am using resources that too many teachers are using.
Wikispaces is a bit of a different story. I do not mind this site as much. And in a way I know that it will be quite useful. However, the emphasis that has been put on it is too great, in my opinion.
Yes it is great for collaboration, but beyond that, I have trouble seeing a use for it. Again, it will become a place where people will post their ideals, and the true essence of the "space" will have lost all meaning.
Again, I may be a bit quick to look down upon these sites. I realize that I have just been introduced to them, but I cannot help but address my concerns. I think that sometimes good, old fashioned searching is more beneficial than having all your information come to you.
I had a lot of qualms with both of these sites. I feel that I am only adding things to my toolbar that are not really essential. Yes both these sites have their benefits, but I am failing to see the point in using them.
Maybe I am a bit old fashioned, but I enjoy looking for information, I do not want it to just come to me. I feel that this is why I do not enjoy delicious.com. I feel as though I am using resources that too many teachers are using.
Wikispaces is a bit of a different story. I do not mind this site as much. And in a way I know that it will be quite useful. However, the emphasis that has been put on it is too great, in my opinion.
Yes it is great for collaboration, but beyond that, I have trouble seeing a use for it. Again, it will become a place where people will post their ideals, and the true essence of the "space" will have lost all meaning.
Again, I may be a bit quick to look down upon these sites. I realize that I have just been introduced to them, but I cannot help but address my concerns. I think that sometimes good, old fashioned searching is more beneficial than having all your information come to you.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
PLN Week 8
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/musicinstinct/video/music-and-medicine/music-therapy-for-infants/76/
This link is from a PBS website that has many interesting articles on it. I picked this one because I find that music therapy is one category that is not delved into enough.
I went to a lecture last year for Phi Delta Epsilon on music therapy and was intrigued with the work the UH has been doing with infants. There are so many things that can go wrong with young kids that music can fix. It was this idea that stuck with me and the reason as to why I picked this article.
Music therapists have been able to recreate the sound of a mother's heartbeat so that a newborn can continue to hear it. The reason behind this is that the all the infant can hear when it is not born yet is its mother's heartbeat. This helps the fetus to learn how to nurse correctly.
The instrument that they use is called a Gato Box. When played with the hand, the sound that resonates from it is close to that of a mother's heartbeat. Thus a new born that is having trouble nursing will have an easier time.
I believe that it is imperative that music therapy be taught to our future adults. I firmly believe that music therapy holds a lot of keys to helping ailing people.
This link is from a PBS website that has many interesting articles on it. I picked this one because I find that music therapy is one category that is not delved into enough.
I went to a lecture last year for Phi Delta Epsilon on music therapy and was intrigued with the work the UH has been doing with infants. There are so many things that can go wrong with young kids that music can fix. It was this idea that stuck with me and the reason as to why I picked this article.
Music therapists have been able to recreate the sound of a mother's heartbeat so that a newborn can continue to hear it. The reason behind this is that the all the infant can hear when it is not born yet is its mother's heartbeat. This helps the fetus to learn how to nurse correctly.
The instrument that they use is called a Gato Box. When played with the hand, the sound that resonates from it is close to that of a mother's heartbeat. Thus a new born that is having trouble nursing will have an easier time.
I believe that it is imperative that music therapy be taught to our future adults. I firmly believe that music therapy holds a lot of keys to helping ailing people.
Readings 10/12 - 10/16
This week I had to read articles that dealt with "Computer Aided Instruction" or CAI. Instead of the broad term music technology, CAI deals with just using multiple or a single computer in the classroom.
The article that struck me the most was the Kassner article on teaching an entire class with a single computer. It was not just the ideas that struck me as unique and quite useful, but it was how Kassner told that there would be problems with a singe computer approach.
I also liked how he included a chart of specific programs such as Cakewalk and Toney Games and showed how they could be used. I feel that if I was at a school with limited resources I would be okay and able to teach appropriately.
Another article by Chad Criswell was bout the "Smartboard". This is a plain looking white board, but it is in fact even more. What happens is there are no markers used. It is a whiteboard for a projection. The screen then reads what you "write on it" and it will appear on the projection. You can erase, augment, move, and generally do anything you want with a Smartboard.
This would be an ideal situation if a music classroom had a Smartboard, because it would save so much time and effort. I am however worried for the school systems that do not have the resources to buy one of these boards. Although I know they are not needed, they allow for great teaching opportunities.
I feel that a computer could be a vital resource in the classroom that is not for just administrative reasons. I have been enlightened this week to that fact. I can see that having a computer as a tool to teach is starting to become imperative.
The article that struck me the most was the Kassner article on teaching an entire class with a single computer. It was not just the ideas that struck me as unique and quite useful, but it was how Kassner told that there would be problems with a singe computer approach.
I also liked how he included a chart of specific programs such as Cakewalk and Toney Games and showed how they could be used. I feel that if I was at a school with limited resources I would be okay and able to teach appropriately.
Another article by Chad Criswell was bout the "Smartboard". This is a plain looking white board, but it is in fact even more. What happens is there are no markers used. It is a whiteboard for a projection. The screen then reads what you "write on it" and it will appear on the projection. You can erase, augment, move, and generally do anything you want with a Smartboard.
This would be an ideal situation if a music classroom had a Smartboard, because it would save so much time and effort. I am however worried for the school systems that do not have the resources to buy one of these boards. Although I know they are not needed, they allow for great teaching opportunities.
I feel that a computer could be a vital resource in the classroom that is not for just administrative reasons. I have been enlightened this week to that fact. I can see that having a computer as a tool to teach is starting to become imperative.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Readings 10/5-10/9
I am so happy that we are covering this topic because I love the concept behind it. Musical recording is the theme for this weeks readings. This is such a cool idea and I wish that I was introduced to it sooner.
Before I go into the music recording, I would like to say that the PDF of the technology strategies by MENC is such a wonderful guide.
Anyway the two articles that are related to this week's topic are on two different aspects of recording. One was on how to do the recording, and the other one discussed what you should see when you record and what it all means. I think that this was one of my favorite weeks to read. I know nothing about recording and would like to.
The first article I read was by Tim Clukey. This was the article that dealt with the general reason and methods to why music is recorded. I feel that this is an article that everyone should read because it deals with such great information.
The article starts out talking about why music is recorded. It demonstrates how important it is for students to hear themselves and appreciate their own work. This is such an important facet in music. If you do not love how you sound, or think that you need to work on something, you would never know without recordings.
Next the article focused in on the technology and equipment needed for recording. (The rest of the article delves deeper into recording) This is so essential for music educators to know. You should know what you are buying, and where to get what you need. I feel that many educators are not as proficient as they should be in this area.
The last point that I would like to tell about the article is the section on copyright. Many people do some stupid things that cost them lots of time and money, and copyright infringement. Before doing anything that could get you in trouble with the feds, you should check it out first. Make sure you have all originals and rights to do what you are doing.
The other article by Scott Watson is all about seeing recording music. There actually may be more to this article, but what loaded on my computer detailed what you should be looking at when you look at recorded sound.
The article gives an example of the same phrase of a piece of music played two different ways. The two examples are shown side to side and the difference is amazing. The levels that are hit on one are completely different than the levels of the other.
This could actually such a valuable tool for teaching students. If you have visual learners, you can actually show them what their sound looks like. How cool is that? You are actually seeing sound, it is like synesthesia for people who do not have it!
Anyway the article goes a little more in depth, but I could not make out the letters. I did see a section on recording vinyls, which I would love to know how to do.
In conclusion, I am very glad to be learning about recording. I believe that if I am to be a successful band teacher, I need to be educated in as many music related subjects as possible. And since recording is so important to music everywhere, it is imperative that I know about this.
Before I go into the music recording, I would like to say that the PDF of the technology strategies by MENC is such a wonderful guide.
Anyway the two articles that are related to this week's topic are on two different aspects of recording. One was on how to do the recording, and the other one discussed what you should see when you record and what it all means. I think that this was one of my favorite weeks to read. I know nothing about recording and would like to.
The first article I read was by Tim Clukey. This was the article that dealt with the general reason and methods to why music is recorded. I feel that this is an article that everyone should read because it deals with such great information.
The article starts out talking about why music is recorded. It demonstrates how important it is for students to hear themselves and appreciate their own work. This is such an important facet in music. If you do not love how you sound, or think that you need to work on something, you would never know without recordings.
Next the article focused in on the technology and equipment needed for recording. (The rest of the article delves deeper into recording) This is so essential for music educators to know. You should know what you are buying, and where to get what you need. I feel that many educators are not as proficient as they should be in this area.
The last point that I would like to tell about the article is the section on copyright. Many people do some stupid things that cost them lots of time and money, and copyright infringement. Before doing anything that could get you in trouble with the feds, you should check it out first. Make sure you have all originals and rights to do what you are doing.
The other article by Scott Watson is all about seeing recording music. There actually may be more to this article, but what loaded on my computer detailed what you should be looking at when you look at recorded sound.
The article gives an example of the same phrase of a piece of music played two different ways. The two examples are shown side to side and the difference is amazing. The levels that are hit on one are completely different than the levels of the other.
This could actually such a valuable tool for teaching students. If you have visual learners, you can actually show them what their sound looks like. How cool is that? You are actually seeing sound, it is like synesthesia for people who do not have it!
Anyway the article goes a little more in depth, but I could not make out the letters. I did see a section on recording vinyls, which I would love to know how to do.
In conclusion, I am very glad to be learning about recording. I believe that if I am to be a successful band teacher, I need to be educated in as many music related subjects as possible. And since recording is so important to music everywhere, it is imperative that I know about this.
PLN Week 7
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/school-administrators-the-real-world-have-the-ever-really-met/
This is a link that I got off of the Blog "So You Think You Can Teach" that I thought is such a good topic. Why are school administrators so out of touch with the school teachers?
Growing up with two teacher parents I have seen the best and worst of the administrative part of education. And I know that when an administrator is in touch with the people that they oversee, everything runs more smoothly.
The reason I bring this point up is because of a cycle that I noticed. If the best performers make the best educators, then by association shouldn't the best educators make the best administrators? I mean, once you understand how your employees work, you become more knowledgeable and your work environment improves tremendously.
However contrary it is also a little known fact (that I have found from my parents) that it is in fact the worst teachers who become administrative staff. I think that this article shows just some of the things that administrators should be aware of. There are too many situations that teachers should not have to deal with. Those situations would not exist if the administration would properly do their job.
Despite some weakness in the articles arguments for bad administration, I felt that the article raises some awareness to what is going on in our schools.
This is a link that I got off of the Blog "So You Think You Can Teach" that I thought is such a good topic. Why are school administrators so out of touch with the school teachers?
Growing up with two teacher parents I have seen the best and worst of the administrative part of education. And I know that when an administrator is in touch with the people that they oversee, everything runs more smoothly.
The reason I bring this point up is because of a cycle that I noticed. If the best performers make the best educators, then by association shouldn't the best educators make the best administrators? I mean, once you understand how your employees work, you become more knowledgeable and your work environment improves tremendously.
However contrary it is also a little known fact (that I have found from my parents) that it is in fact the worst teachers who become administrative staff. I think that this article shows just some of the things that administrators should be aware of. There are too many situations that teachers should not have to deal with. Those situations would not exist if the administration would properly do their job.
Despite some weakness in the articles arguments for bad administration, I felt that the article raises some awareness to what is going on in our schools.
Friday, October 2, 2009
PLN Week 6
http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/see-there-is-hope-after-all/
This is a link to a blog that I found on my PLN this week. It is actually a link to another blog that a teacher wrote. This aforementioned teacher wrote this blog when she was inclined to quit her job. One of the last posts on this blog was on how to overcome that feeling to quit. In no particular order they are:
1. Don’t give up, even when you feel absolutely useless. We all feel that way at times.
2. Surround yourself with positive people.
3. Avoid negativity like the plague.
4. Learn something from everyone with whom you come into contact.
5. Enjoy the journey.
I thought that these are good pieces of advice, and I want to thank one person in particular for sharing them with me. Brad Hruska, who now teaches in the Perry School system, told me these things last year. I am very happy that I was able to meet Brad, because I look up to him as a music teacher.
I feel that these pieces of advice are common sense and actually are applied to life. I feel that if you do these things in your life, anything that you do will be worth it.
This is a link to a blog that I found on my PLN this week. It is actually a link to another blog that a teacher wrote. This aforementioned teacher wrote this blog when she was inclined to quit her job. One of the last posts on this blog was on how to overcome that feeling to quit. In no particular order they are:
1. Don’t give up, even when you feel absolutely useless. We all feel that way at times.
2. Surround yourself with positive people.
3. Avoid negativity like the plague.
4. Learn something from everyone with whom you come into contact.
5. Enjoy the journey.
I thought that these are good pieces of advice, and I want to thank one person in particular for sharing them with me. Brad Hruska, who now teaches in the Perry School system, told me these things last year. I am very happy that I was able to meet Brad, because I look up to him as a music teacher.
I feel that these pieces of advice are common sense and actually are applied to life. I feel that if you do these things in your life, anything that you do will be worth it.
Readings for 9/28-10/2
Once again, MIDI is the focus of this weeks reading. This week focused in on "sequence stration", which is basically orchestrating parts using MIDI sounds. At first this sounded interesting to me, but really it is just common sense.
The author Scott Watson is an elementary band director in the Philadelphia area and uses sequence stration for his own bands.He talks about how to correctly use MIDI sounds to their fullest advantage, so you can have music that sounds real, but is just pre-programed noises.
Mr. Watson also talked about how to orchestrate MIDI parts correctly. Many of the ranges that MIDI gives instruments are incorrect and often sound terrible. He suggests stick to the instruments natural range, and you should not run into problems. Watson also suggests to use multiple octaves such as a bass sax a soprano sax and an ocarina. All of the MIDI sounds are similar, and will add a nice texture to you composition.
This is all nice and well, I am for MIDI use, but this is getting a bit over done. I feel like people are trying to take the human out of music. Yes, I believe that MIDI can help composers "hear" the parts they are writing, but beyond that I am having trouble seeing a proper function for it.
There is something special in hearing another human pour out their soul with their instrument, and MIDI is taking that away. I would rather hire a professional to play a part, rather than hear a computer play something back to me.
I really am trying to keep an open mind on the MIDI issue, but I am having trouble adjusting to the idea. I like that music is a necessity for human interaction, and a staple of society. I feel that we are taking the feel out of music when MIDI is used.
The author Scott Watson is an elementary band director in the Philadelphia area and uses sequence stration for his own bands.He talks about how to correctly use MIDI sounds to their fullest advantage, so you can have music that sounds real, but is just pre-programed noises.
Mr. Watson also talked about how to orchestrate MIDI parts correctly. Many of the ranges that MIDI gives instruments are incorrect and often sound terrible. He suggests stick to the instruments natural range, and you should not run into problems. Watson also suggests to use multiple octaves such as a bass sax a soprano sax and an ocarina. All of the MIDI sounds are similar, and will add a nice texture to you composition.
This is all nice and well, I am for MIDI use, but this is getting a bit over done. I feel like people are trying to take the human out of music. Yes, I believe that MIDI can help composers "hear" the parts they are writing, but beyond that I am having trouble seeing a proper function for it.
There is something special in hearing another human pour out their soul with their instrument, and MIDI is taking that away. I would rather hire a professional to play a part, rather than hear a computer play something back to me.
I really am trying to keep an open mind on the MIDI issue, but I am having trouble adjusting to the idea. I like that music is a necessity for human interaction, and a staple of society. I feel that we are taking the feel out of music when MIDI is used.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Week 4 PLN
On my PLN I saw an article that was not music sensitive, but I thought was pretty pertinent. Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook have become a staple in the youth of the world. So how do educators deal with their own social network accounts?
The article that I found gave a few tips and hints at what any teacher can do with their social network accounts and why they should do so. Of these were when can you start adding your "student friends" to your group? The most common answer is after the graduate (assuming that you teach high school). The reasons for this were solid. You do not want to have legal issues with pictures of yourself, or for that matter your students. Also you do not want to have friends that are too young, so that you shade away from acquaintances that are closer to your own age.
Overall I feel that social networks are very important. They connect people that would otherwise have a hard time doing so. It is a great way to explore your interests and share them with others. However as educators we do need to be careful. Our career is so important that we need to always be looking out and not find ourselves in sticky situations.
The article that I found gave a few tips and hints at what any teacher can do with their social network accounts and why they should do so. Of these were when can you start adding your "student friends" to your group? The most common answer is after the graduate (assuming that you teach high school). The reasons for this were solid. You do not want to have legal issues with pictures of yourself, or for that matter your students. Also you do not want to have friends that are too young, so that you shade away from acquaintances that are closer to your own age.
Overall I feel that social networks are very important. They connect people that would otherwise have a hard time doing so. It is a great way to explore your interests and share them with others. However as educators we do need to be careful. Our career is so important that we need to always be looking out and not find ourselves in sticky situations.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Readings 9/21-9/25
MIDI! MIDI! MIDI! MIDI! MIDI!
That is the theme for this week, I just felt that I had to chant it. But the reading this week were focused on what MIDI actually is. And i can tell you that I am only a bit more enlightened, and a lot more confused.
The first reading by Dennis Mauricio and Steve Oppenheimer was actually extremely helpful and gave some really good information. I was actually interested in what they had to say. Mauricio and Oppenheimer made it very clear what MIDI actually is and made it very easy to understand.
However the other article by Dr. Estrella was very confusing and went way too deep into the specifics of MIDI. If that was the abridged version, then I am very frightened to see what the actual version looks like.
This article just went way to in depth for me. A lot of the vocabulary that it used was very technologically specific. What I mean by this is that you had to have to knowledge of technology to understand what the article was trying to say. As for me, I have no experience, so I was completely lost.
As for the concept of MIDI itself, I am actually quite impressed. I feel that it is a wonderful tool that many music educators can use to their advantage. Although MIDI dies have its disadvantages, it appears to be quite functional.
I strongly believe that I will have a use for MIDI in my classroom. I do not think that it will run my curriculum, but as a teaching aid I think it is very worth it.
That is the theme for this week, I just felt that I had to chant it. But the reading this week were focused on what MIDI actually is. And i can tell you that I am only a bit more enlightened, and a lot more confused.
The first reading by Dennis Mauricio and Steve Oppenheimer was actually extremely helpful and gave some really good information. I was actually interested in what they had to say. Mauricio and Oppenheimer made it very clear what MIDI actually is and made it very easy to understand.
However the other article by Dr. Estrella was very confusing and went way too deep into the specifics of MIDI. If that was the abridged version, then I am very frightened to see what the actual version looks like.
This article just went way to in depth for me. A lot of the vocabulary that it used was very technologically specific. What I mean by this is that you had to have to knowledge of technology to understand what the article was trying to say. As for me, I have no experience, so I was completely lost.
As for the concept of MIDI itself, I am actually quite impressed. I feel that it is a wonderful tool that many music educators can use to their advantage. Although MIDI dies have its disadvantages, it appears to be quite functional.
I strongly believe that I will have a use for MIDI in my classroom. I do not think that it will run my curriculum, but as a teaching aid I think it is very worth it.
Readings 9/14-9/18
I can honestly say that I am confused. The article by Peter Webster was very interesting and easy to read, but I felt that he did not cover his point well. His "teaching strategies" for the teacher were not creative at all. Everything that he mentioned I felt has already been done, or common sense. I felt that as a future educator, I would have done what he mentioned without reading his article.
The article does have a saving grace. The section on what students can do was phenomenal. Here the teacher would have to give the students creative ideas like write their own etude or score a film (which I have done, and loved it). This section was so fun to read and made me think of even more ideas that I could do with my students.
The reason why am confused is that the article was so "bipolar". I felt that the teaching strategies were actually in the "helping students" sections. And that the actual teaching strategies was just more of an administrative way of using technology. As a teacher my goal is to help my students have a deep and personal relationship with music. I think that is why I connected so well with the second part of this article. It gave me awesome ways to help out my future students.
The other article that I found very interesting was the Vermont MIDI Project. This idea is just so cool, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about it.
What makes this Project so special to me is that it came from the east coast, and more importantly New England. Many east coast states have good music programs such as North Carolina, but New England states lack in this area. The focus is more on sports and academics. So, I am excited to see that a New England state has come up with such an innovative way to have students learn music.
What I really like about this idea is that students get to have their music performed as well as recorded. I know that if I got a chance to have one of my pieces recorded by professional musicians, and then recorded, I would be so ecstatic. I am happy that this program exists so students can get that feeling of wonder and amazement.
I am very happy that this article was brought to my attention. I feel that it gives music a push in the right direction. Music is just as important as anything else that the schools can give our youth (in my opinion the most important). Seeing people get creative and push the limits of their thinking is very inspiring, and I can only hope that I can do the same when I am a music educator in the field.
The article does have a saving grace. The section on what students can do was phenomenal. Here the teacher would have to give the students creative ideas like write their own etude or score a film (which I have done, and loved it). This section was so fun to read and made me think of even more ideas that I could do with my students.
The reason why am confused is that the article was so "bipolar". I felt that the teaching strategies were actually in the "helping students" sections. And that the actual teaching strategies was just more of an administrative way of using technology. As a teacher my goal is to help my students have a deep and personal relationship with music. I think that is why I connected so well with the second part of this article. It gave me awesome ways to help out my future students.
The other article that I found very interesting was the Vermont MIDI Project. This idea is just so cool, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about it.
What makes this Project so special to me is that it came from the east coast, and more importantly New England. Many east coast states have good music programs such as North Carolina, but New England states lack in this area. The focus is more on sports and academics. So, I am excited to see that a New England state has come up with such an innovative way to have students learn music.
What I really like about this idea is that students get to have their music performed as well as recorded. I know that if I got a chance to have one of my pieces recorded by professional musicians, and then recorded, I would be so ecstatic. I am happy that this program exists so students can get that feeling of wonder and amazement.
I am very happy that this article was brought to my attention. I feel that it gives music a push in the right direction. Music is just as important as anything else that the schools can give our youth (in my opinion the most important). Seeing people get creative and push the limits of their thinking is very inspiring, and I can only hope that I can do the same when I am a music educator in the field.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
PLN for 9/14-9/18
This week on my PLN I discovered a way for music educators to stay on their toes. eHow makes learning instruments easy.
I know that there will be times in my career that I do not remember some fingerings, or slide positions, so having the eHow recourse will be very helpful. eHow is essentially a search engine for instructional videos. So if I need a refresher on how to hold mallets, I just search "different mallet grips" and a list of videos will pop up.
I know that it seems silly that this may be the only use for eHow, but I got to thinking that the videos could help students too. Since the how to videos are free, thee student does not have to pay for lessons. This way they can still learn their instrument, while not having to pay an exorbitant amount for private lessons.
At the end of the day I feel that eHow will become a wonderful "quick fix" for music educators. It is readily available and cheap. After all we are all starving artists aren't we?
I know that there will be times in my career that I do not remember some fingerings, or slide positions, so having the eHow recourse will be very helpful. eHow is essentially a search engine for instructional videos. So if I need a refresher on how to hold mallets, I just search "different mallet grips" and a list of videos will pop up.
I know that it seems silly that this may be the only use for eHow, but I got to thinking that the videos could help students too. Since the how to videos are free, thee student does not have to pay for lessons. This way they can still learn their instrument, while not having to pay an exorbitant amount for private lessons.
At the end of the day I feel that eHow will become a wonderful "quick fix" for music educators. It is readily available and cheap. After all we are all starving artists aren't we?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
PLN for the Week
But Wait, That Wasn’t In My Job Description!
That is the title of the article that I read. Having two teachers for parents I understand that educators always go beyond the call of duty. And from my work with bands (both high school and college) music educators are expected to go that extra mile.
This article deals with a hardship that many music teachers face; students that have no interest and desire to be in a musical group but are. The article gives a few examples of what an educator must do with this situation. The main thing that I got from the article was that you have to be flexible, and find ways to get kids interested.
This either means taking things very slow, picking music that your students enjoy, and dealing with a few hardships like a bad sound.
The article says that it would be easier to quit, but if you hang in there, you will be rewarded greatly. I feel that no matter what, a music teacher's job is to instill a love of music in every person that they can touch. Once students start to have a love of music they will start to sound better because they want to become better. Once a student starts to love music they will be more motivated to try new things and get their friends involved. That is why is it is so important not to quit. Give your students a chance to discover a passion that they never knew they had.
That is the title of the article that I read. Having two teachers for parents I understand that educators always go beyond the call of duty. And from my work with bands (both high school and college) music educators are expected to go that extra mile.
This article deals with a hardship that many music teachers face; students that have no interest and desire to be in a musical group but are. The article gives a few examples of what an educator must do with this situation. The main thing that I got from the article was that you have to be flexible, and find ways to get kids interested.
This either means taking things very slow, picking music that your students enjoy, and dealing with a few hardships like a bad sound.
The article says that it would be easier to quit, but if you hang in there, you will be rewarded greatly. I feel that no matter what, a music teacher's job is to instill a love of music in every person that they can touch. Once students start to have a love of music they will start to sound better because they want to become better. Once a student starts to love music they will be more motivated to try new things and get their friends involved. That is why is it is so important not to quit. Give your students a chance to discover a passion that they never knew they had.
Music Tech Readings: 9/7 - 9/11
This week our readings were on music notation software. The software includes programs like Cakewalk, Sibelius, and Finale. I thought that the readings were very uniform and spat out the same information. I felt as though I was rereading the same article three times.
However the article by Dr. Tom Rudolph, I really enjoyed. I thought that it explained the programs well and how an educator could implement them in his classroom. I do not know if it was the tone or the style of the article, but I felt as though I connected to it better.
I enjoyed how Dr. Rudolph gave many different examples of how to implement software. I think he understood that since there are an infinite amount of ways to teach; therefor he gave a myriad of examples to compliment many teaching styles.
Personally, I feel like music notation software is a must for a music educator. Beyond having your musically inclined students work with software, it is a good way to get non-musically inclined students interested in music. With software like Sibelius, it is easy for a non music student to compose and analyze music.
Before I end I just want to stress how fun it is to work with a computer accompanist. I tried it out when I was in high school, and it really helps out your playing. Of course it cannot replace a piano, but it does let you hear how your music should fit in.
I would definitely use music notation software in my classes, I feel as though it would be very beneficial for my band, and my mental health. However I am still not sold on fully relying on technology for my classroom. There are just some things that humans need to go over with other humans.
However the article by Dr. Tom Rudolph, I really enjoyed. I thought that it explained the programs well and how an educator could implement them in his classroom. I do not know if it was the tone or the style of the article, but I felt as though I connected to it better.
I enjoyed how Dr. Rudolph gave many different examples of how to implement software. I think he understood that since there are an infinite amount of ways to teach; therefor he gave a myriad of examples to compliment many teaching styles.
Personally, I feel like music notation software is a must for a music educator. Beyond having your musically inclined students work with software, it is a good way to get non-musically inclined students interested in music. With software like Sibelius, it is easy for a non music student to compose and analyze music.
Before I end I just want to stress how fun it is to work with a computer accompanist. I tried it out when I was in high school, and it really helps out your playing. Of course it cannot replace a piano, but it does let you hear how your music should fit in.
I would definitely use music notation software in my classes, I feel as though it would be very beneficial for my band, and my mental health. However I am still not sold on fully relying on technology for my classroom. There are just some things that humans need to go over with other humans.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
So you want to teach?
On my PLN I subscribed to a blog named "So you want to teach?". I was really impressed by how the site was set up. I think that it will end up becoming a wonderful resource for me.
One post that I liked was one called "Laying Out a Legacy". The post was about what kind of legacy, or impression, that you ( a teacher) would like to leave after you retire.
I think that this topic is on all educator's minds. I know that it is on mine. I see all these great music programs around me, and I say to myself, "I wish that I could do this one day." I really hope that someday I can truly figure out what I want to accomplish. In a perfect world, I would have the best band in America. But I know that I should have more realistic expectations.
Anyway, this blog already seems very good to me. I know that what is on my mind, is on other educator's minds as well. This sight is more than just a good resource; it is a place to feel included and to know that in the world of education you are not alone.
One post that I liked was one called "Laying Out a Legacy". The post was about what kind of legacy, or impression, that you ( a teacher) would like to leave after you retire.
I think that this topic is on all educator's minds. I know that it is on mine. I see all these great music programs around me, and I say to myself, "I wish that I could do this one day." I really hope that someday I can truly figure out what I want to accomplish. In a perfect world, I would have the best band in America. But I know that I should have more realistic expectations.
Anyway, this blog already seems very good to me. I know that what is on my mind, is on other educator's minds as well. This sight is more than just a good resource; it is a place to feel included and to know that in the world of education you are not alone.
Bicycle Built for Two
Here is a link to the piece "A Bicycle Built for Two" that I rewrote using Noteflight.
Noteflight
I am so happy that I was introduced to the Noteflight website. For what it is, a free website where you can write your own music, it is fantastic. It was very easy to use, and accessible to anyone with the internet.
Like I said, the site was not that hard to use at all. In fact it was very easy to start, and then got even easier when I learned the "shortcuts". I had a fun time using all the functions that the site had to offer. I think that having a website as simple as this is excellent.
My only qualm with Noteflight is the lack of slurs. You are able to write in ties, but no slurs. A lot of music that I would put on this site has slurs. So when I hear the site play my composition back to me, I am a bit disappointed. However other than this one thing, I am so excited to have this site at my disposal.
P.S. I will add what I wrote later, as it is not finished yet!
Like I said, the site was not that hard to use at all. In fact it was very easy to start, and then got even easier when I learned the "shortcuts". I had a fun time using all the functions that the site had to offer. I think that having a website as simple as this is excellent.
My only qualm with Noteflight is the lack of slurs. You are able to write in ties, but no slurs. A lot of music that I would put on this site has slurs. So when I hear the site play my composition back to me, I am a bit disappointed. However other than this one thing, I am so excited to have this site at my disposal.
P.S. I will add what I wrote later, as it is not finished yet!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Music Tech: Week 1
After my first class, I realized how dumb I am when it comes to technology. I really only know the bare minimum about, well, everything. So after reading Dr. Bauer's articles, I start to realize why music educators have trouble incorporating technology in their curriculum.
What struck me first was how much music and technology have to walk hand in hand. I mean without electronic technology a lot of great things in music could have never happened. I never actually recognized how important technology affected me as a performer and an educator.
This got me thinking about what it means to use and apply technology. I remember when I was in my percussion methods class, Mr. Bassett played us an excerpt of a song from his iPod. He wanted to show us how to properly play the symbols. Rather than attempting to show us himself, he found a recording where the cymbal crashes were rather exquisite. I know that Mr. Bassett can play the symbols quite well; but he took the time out of the class to show us just how grand that instrument can be. And I can tell you, whenever I think of playing the symbols, I think of that crash.
So why don't more educators do this. Why cannot all music teachers use technology in this tiny manner. In Dr. Bauer's "A Conceptual Framework for Technology..." he talks about how little music educators use technology in their classrooms. Many of the percentiles were under 10%! And I believe I know why this occurs.
I believe that it is safe to assume that at the time that the surveys were taken that many of the teachers were in the "older" part of their lives. If this was true many students that are learning how to become teachers are not exposed to technology the way they should be. This is because the "older" teachers did not have the technology when they were taught how to teach.
Dr. Bauer also touched on this subject. The older the teacher, the less likely they are to use technology. As he put it, they are "technology immigrants". They have to learn how to use all the new things that come out every year. Thus a cycle is born where young teachers who grew up in a technilogic-less environment, end up teaching in the same fashion.
I think that there is a solution. The PLN that was mentioned in the other article is a great way for educators to stay on top of the latest material. I believe that if our "older" educators utilize the PLN, things will start to look up.
The PLN makes finding information very, very simple. Updates on new teaching methods, instruments, musical groups, and technology are all brought to the user. It makes searching the old way of doing things.
If all educators use this tool, they will start using technology in no time. I feel that the PLN will broaden the minds of its users. Educators will get a look at a world that they might not be able to without it.
All in all I feel that technology has its place in the class room. Does it need to be as heavy as it is in some of the examples, no. Does it need to control the classroom environment, no. Should it be implemented as an aid, absolutely. I feel that with the way our society works, having a way to keep up is wonderful. However a music educator should never lose sight of what the main goal is, and should always be. Passing a love and appreciation of music to everyone.
What struck me first was how much music and technology have to walk hand in hand. I mean without electronic technology a lot of great things in music could have never happened. I never actually recognized how important technology affected me as a performer and an educator.
This got me thinking about what it means to use and apply technology. I remember when I was in my percussion methods class, Mr. Bassett played us an excerpt of a song from his iPod. He wanted to show us how to properly play the symbols. Rather than attempting to show us himself, he found a recording where the cymbal crashes were rather exquisite. I know that Mr. Bassett can play the symbols quite well; but he took the time out of the class to show us just how grand that instrument can be. And I can tell you, whenever I think of playing the symbols, I think of that crash.
So why don't more educators do this. Why cannot all music teachers use technology in this tiny manner. In Dr. Bauer's "A Conceptual Framework for Technology..." he talks about how little music educators use technology in their classrooms. Many of the percentiles were under 10%! And I believe I know why this occurs.
I believe that it is safe to assume that at the time that the surveys were taken that many of the teachers were in the "older" part of their lives. If this was true many students that are learning how to become teachers are not exposed to technology the way they should be. This is because the "older" teachers did not have the technology when they were taught how to teach.
Dr. Bauer also touched on this subject. The older the teacher, the less likely they are to use technology. As he put it, they are "technology immigrants". They have to learn how to use all the new things that come out every year. Thus a cycle is born where young teachers who grew up in a technilogic-less environment, end up teaching in the same fashion.
I think that there is a solution. The PLN that was mentioned in the other article is a great way for educators to stay on top of the latest material. I believe that if our "older" educators utilize the PLN, things will start to look up.
The PLN makes finding information very, very simple. Updates on new teaching methods, instruments, musical groups, and technology are all brought to the user. It makes searching the old way of doing things.
If all educators use this tool, they will start using technology in no time. I feel that the PLN will broaden the minds of its users. Educators will get a look at a world that they might not be able to without it.
All in all I feel that technology has its place in the class room. Does it need to be as heavy as it is in some of the examples, no. Does it need to control the classroom environment, no. Should it be implemented as an aid, absolutely. I feel that with the way our society works, having a way to keep up is wonderful. However a music educator should never lose sight of what the main goal is, and should always be. Passing a love and appreciation of music to everyone.
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