Murray State University Course Syllabus
Course Number: MUS 303 Credit Hours: 02
Title: Instrumental Methods: Elementary and Middle School
Catalog Description: Methods, materials, and pedagogy related to the teaching of instrumental music in the elementary and middle schools will be studied.
Course Objectives:
1. To stimulate thinking concerning the role of music and music instruction in the lives of elementary and middle school students, and the responsibilities of the music teacher in the development of goals and objectives for music education in the schools. (1,4,5,6,7,8,12,14,15,16)
2. To develop skills in structuring of successful learning experiences through effective delivery of succinct instruction, the elicitation of correct student responses, and the communication of appropriate feedback.(2,10,11,13,14)
3. To develop the skills of systemic observation and analysis as means of helping the music teacher gain independence in the structuring of successful learning experiences in music.(1,3,5,14,17,18)
4. To organize and synthesize knowledge of ensemble organization and performance in relation to instrumental musical pedagogy.(5,9,12,13)
Content Outline: The course will be divided in three segments: beginning band instrument pedagogy, beginning band instructional materials, and beginning band administration. Several teaching opportunities will be provided for each student.
Instructional Activities:
Class time will consist of lectures,discussions, observations reports,and individual projects incorporated with peer teaching.
Field Experience: Field experience will include observation and teaching of middle or high school band brass sectional rehearsal.(or a private lesson) This experience is to be arranged by the student.
Resources: Guest lectures, supplemental materials provided by instructor, and handouts. Instruments provided by MSU and Music Zone. Students are responsible for care of instruments issued to them for use in this class. If instruments are lost, students are financially responsible for replacement.
Prerequisite:
Junior standing, and completion of instrumental technique courses are recommended.
Text:
Fingering charts for instrumentalists--Clarence V. Hendrickson
The Teaching of instrumental Music-- Richard Colwell, 2nd ed. 1991
Attendance Policy:
Students will be allowed 1 unexcused absence. Any absence beyond this will lower the grade by one letter Grade.(maximum letter Grade B) Students should call when they are ill prior to class(this can be considered an excused absence).
Quiz and assignments cannot be made up with out prior arrangement. Make- up work is at the discretion of the instructor. Late assignments will have reduced grades(one free late assignment-save it).
Grading Procedures:
1. Quiz Grades Averaged
2. Woodwind-Brass-Percussion-Strings Tests Averaged
3. Notebooks Averaged
4. Marching Observation/Field Experience Averaged
5. Class Presentations Averaged
6. Final Exam
ALL 6 equally averaged
A= 90-100
B= 80-89
C= 79-70
D= 69-60
E= LESS THAN 60 POINTS
Academic Honesty Policy: Students who cheat on exams and assignments will handled at the discretion of the instructor.
Assignments:
Reading
To be read prior to class
Daily quizzes will be given on assigned reading
Fingering quizzes
Bb and D major scale for each instrument
Marching Band Observation
Watch one High School Marching Band(1 or 2 pages)
Write a critique of overall wind sound of any Marching Band Show
Prescribe solutions to problems
Field Experience(4 times)
Teach/observe mid-school rehearsals/lessons
Write two paragraphs describing your observations
Class Presentations
Instrument lectures
You teach other students basics of your instrument
Band Lessons
You teach our class band short lessons
Notebooks
Computer typed saved on disk
Your future teaching reference guide
Include all materials covered in class
“A” notebooks will go beyond class and text notes
They should include atleast:
Embouchure
How to teach in Complex and SIMPLE Terms
Tone quality
Use of Vibrato
Articulation
Tongue method
Syllable
Range
Year by year
Hand position
Common Problems
Intonation
Pitch Tendencies
Tuning Tricks
Technique
How to build great skill
Horns
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Mouthpieces
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Reeds
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Sticks
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Accessories
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Beginning strategy
Who should play?
Physical Requirements
1st note to teach
Early frustrations
Class Presentations Should Cover:
(1 class period---if your major instrument)
(30 minutes if not)
Embouchure
How to teach in Complex and SIMPLE Terms
Tone quality
Use of Vibrato
Articulation
Tongue method
Syllable
Range
Year by year
Hand position
Common Problems
Intonation
Pitch Tendencies
Tuning Tricks
Technique
How to build great skill
Horns
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Mouthpieces
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Reeds
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Sticks
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Accessories
Costs
Brands
Model numbers
Beginning strategy
Who should play?
Physical Requirements
1st note to teach
Early frustrations
Leave time to answer questions
Handouts for class?(limit to 3 pages)(I need 3 hours to copy them)
Class Presentation Order:
Flute
Clarinets
Saxes
Oboe
Bassoon
Trumpet
Fr Hn
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion
Strings
Extra Resource Materials:
Jurrens, James. (1991) Tuning the Band,
San Antonio, TX: RBC Publications
Westphal, Frederick. (1991). Guide to Teaching Woodwinds (5th ed.). Dubuque, IA:
Wm. C. Brown.
University Interscholastic League. (1996) Prescribed Music List . Austin, TX : University Interscholastic League, University of Texas
Norman Hunt and Dan Bachelder. (1994). Guide to Teaching Brass (5th ed.). Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown.
Whitener, Scott, (1990) A Complete Guide to Brass Instruments and Pedagogy ,
New York, NY: Schirmer Books
Farkas, Philip. The Art of Brass Playing,
Rochester, NY: Wind Music.
Hendrickson, Clarence. Fingering Charts for Instrumentalists,
New York, NY: Carl Fischer.