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.