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Blog: Catalysts & Connections

Rap, rhyme, and rhythm for music teaching and learning

The following Vox video Rapping, deconstructed: The best rhymers of all time, produced by Estelle Caswell, provides an introduction to the ways that rap musicians use rhyme and rhythm in their music and traces changes over time. (NOTE: The video contains language from some of the music that is not appropriate in many school settings). Take a look & listen and consider any connections you might make to existing or potential music curricula:

What implications might this have for music teaching and learning?Read More »Rap, rhyme, and rhythm for music teaching and learning

EDM producing for music teaching and learning

Do you ever watch videos that feature musicians sharing their creative process? I find that listening to musicians speak about their music in connection with sonic examples helps expand the ways I think about and know music. It is also interesting to consider the format itself as a model for music learners to reflect on their own processes and share with others. This can serve as a great component of formative or summative assessment in learning contexts.

Consider the following video featuring Joel Thomas Zimmerman AKA Deadmau5 and Steve Duda discussing Deadmau5’s Imaginary Friends (hosted by Razer Music):

https://youtu.be/YpeaTCd3RZ4

How might this connect to or inform music teaching and learning?

Here are just a couple of thoughts I jotted down as I watched the video (and I am curious about yours as well!):Read More »EDM producing for music teaching and learning

Supporting transgender and other students communicate through music creation

CNN recently featured a story on Marcelas Owens and her journey from being known as the Obamacare Kid years ago to transitioning as a transgender teen. The story addresses a number of important themes, one of which might not receive as much attention from the media, which is the power that music played in her life.Read More »Supporting transgender and other students communicate through music creation

Wayne Shorter’s and Herbie Hancock’s open letter to artists

Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock recently wrote an open letter to artists that is definitely worth a read and would be worth sharing with students. It is particularly appropriate for students in that it is addressed to the next generation of artists on how to respond to recent global events and contemporary society. Whatever students’ plans for the future, the suggestions could serve as organizers or starting points for projects in music ensembles or classes. Much of what Wayne Shorter and Herbie… Read More »Wayne Shorter’s and Herbie Hancock’s open letter to artists

Teaching general music: Approaches, issues, and viewpoints

The feelings and perspectives that surround “general music” in music education range from the excitement of those who teach or experience it to curiosity or puzzlement from those who do not. Many people frame general music as an elementary school phenomenon that features recorders, Orff instruments, singing, and teaching approaches such as Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze. Others are at a loss when trying to figure out what they might do in a general music setting.

The newly published book (affiliate links included) Teaching General Music: Approaches, Issues, and Viewpoints, edited by Carlos R. Abril and Brent M. Gault is an excellent starting point for deepening and expanding one’s understanding of what General Music can be and how to go about teaching this type of music course. Teaching General Music is sure to serve as a foundational text for anyone who teaches or might eventually teach general music.

teachinggeneralmusic

In full disclosure, I have a chapter in the book. This is currently the most comprehensive and up to date look at general music in music education. Many of those who read Teaching General Music will benefit by expanding their understanding of general music, the variety of approaches to facilitate musical engagement and learning in the context of general music, and the possibilities for young people across elementary and secondary settings. 
Read More »Teaching general music: Approaches, issues, and viewpoints