SmartMusic and Parents

We had a couple of concerts last night.  They went well.

We also took a couple of minutes to talk about SmartMusic and how parents can use it too.

We walked them through the login process, showed what it looks like when there is and isn't an assignment waiting, the microphone wizard and the tuner.  We also showed them the link to get to their side of the grade book page.   We also told them that we DO leave comments on the kids playing here.  We also told the kids not to send in work that really wasn't up to their standards by using the "Try Again" and "Save a Take" buttons.  

I didn't bring this up, but I would really rather a kid took the time to learn a project well, then send it in.  Even if the assignment is a little tardy.  That's a Dr. Dufour/PLC thing... it's about learning, not necessarily about turning in work.  The "Save a Take" button encourages students to get it right.

We did this with screen shots and a slide show.  I'm infamous for SmartMusic demos that don't include opening SmartMusic.  In this case, not opening SmartMusic saves you from finding an internet connection in the cafeteria.  We aren't wireless here yet.  Not opening can speed your talk as well.  If you talk somewhat slowly this is a five minute talk.  Hopefully, it gets some parents checking the work too.

SmartMusic, Impact and the PLC model

My district has gone into the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model big time.  We have even had the DuFours out for staff development.

Basically (and this is the REALLY short version) the program boils down to: 1.) What do we want the kids to know? 2.) How will we know they have it? and 3.) What are we going to do to help if they don't succeed?  4.) If you don't know what to do next, check with the other teachers on your team and figure it out.

Finally, the rest of the teaching world starts to work the way music teachers have for years.  Have you ever heard a group where someone wasn't getting it?  Not only do our students have to get it, to be really successful, they need to make it look easy.

There are some challenges to working in this environment.  I don't know about your program, but mine has looked like a good place to cut and my time to do #3 (help those that aren't getting it) has been cut by two-thirds.  Also, the common planning time (to do #4) didn't fit into the other building's schedule this year (we share teachers.) so not a lot of discussion this year.

So how has SmartMusic and Impact helped? 

Well, it sure has helped me figure out the big question-- who gets it?  No doubt with the screen shot and recording, you really know who is having trouble with the entry level rhythm and pitch items.  The recording is very helpful with the other artistic level items as well.

After an assignment, listen to your recordings (all organized in Impact) with your state's rating sheet and figure out what you really need to do next.  The results have surprised me.  Now I am in a spot to work smarter with the time I have.  

SmartMusic can also help students figure out how to help themselves for right note and rhythm issues as well as get students to practice on their spare time (it is fun to use.)  The additional practice on the days-off helps the rehearsals.

As far as figuring things out with my team of teachers, I can now do this asynchronously.  With  a quick, "Hey, listen.  What do I do to fix this?..."  Now, everyone I think knows the answer gets to listen to my problems on my iPod.  My team just got bigger as well.  If I see you at the music convention, be prepared!

No, I still don't think I have enough time to do music teaching right.  The kids deserve better and I am still pestering people until I get that for them.  I do think SmartMusic has helped me work better with the time I have.