SmartMusic as an audience.

http://www.smartmusic.com/Community/Default.aspx

I am surprised by how much better an assignment sounds after the SmartMusic has been turned in. Significantly better. As in I-wish-there-were-a way-to-count-the-right-and-wrong-notes-in-an-ensemble-so-I-could-seriously-measure this effect.

I suppose I could round up a bunch of laptops and SmartMusic the whole ensemble, but try to get everyone to start at the same time...

I believe the effect is there and it is there even when I don't use the notes on screen assessment features.

I think it has something to do with kids using the playback to self evaluate. Yes, he was talking to me about diction/articulation/breath support. Time for take two. SmartMusic is very much like a mirror for my kids.

If kids still don't seem motivated, put the SmartMusic assignment in this frame: we are going to send this recording to someone.

Our writing teachers always talk about considering the audience when you write (It is good advice.) This can be the music analogy to that advice. SmartMusic provides the chance to perform for an audience as an individual, so, do a good job, kids!

It's tht time of year. Dotted quarter- eighths

It's that time of year. Dotted quarter- eighths.

It is a math thing.  My brother, the math teacher, would say "of course it is hard.  It is a compound fraction."  I would add this is another example of dividing and adding the invisible.  Music and math.  Always together.

There is some work to do ahead of time.  Teach subdivision first.  Whatever counting system you use, make sure they have a good handle on the eighth notes and tying them together.

For your visual learners, the cursor in SmartMusic shows the beat and the note change to the eighth note.  Not only can you follow the cursor for the notes, you get the beats as well.  I pointed this out on the big monitor to the kids and I got a few more kids saying, "oh, I get it!"

Worth a look,  Hope this helps you.

The MusicEd Blog Carnival

I am kind of new to the blog carnival idea, but I like the results.  There is one going on here!

New project. Need ideas!

Well, I think I may be in trouble.

This fall there will be a new class on my schedule. 7th grade general music. This is in addition to 5th grade band, 6th grade band, 7th grade band, 5th grade general music, 6th grade general music.

I believe there will be two sections of 20 or so students. These are students who are actively avoiding the performance-based classes of band and choir.

I think the intent is that I will give them experience working with music technology in this class. This age group of student benefits from hands-on learning. It should be interesting with 5 or so computers.

I am collecting ideas at a wiki page http://electronicmusicedideas.wikispaces.com/ Feel free to stop by and put your two cents worth in! In the mean time, I will be trolling the net looking for ideas and resources to borrow. Wish me luck.