Responding to Music

This week's activities were all about responding to music. Through the various assignments, I've found a number of ways I already use technology to aid in students' response to music, and found new ways for engagement.
            First, I use Youtube.com quite frequently to have students hear performances and respond to music. Just this week, I had my 5th grade orchestra students watch a Youtube.com performance and respond with a district wide performance rubric.

I also use a Zoom Q3 recorder to capture rehearsals and performances for student evaluation. Student response is certainly better when they can separate themselves from the performance via a recording. Video recordings may also provide students with an exemplary model for performance on their instrument that may not be available locally. I've found that students really struggle with developing characteristic tone on their instrument unless they are given a model for achievement striving.

        Second, I have found a number of useful technologies that can help my teaching into the future. Zaption is a video uploading service that includes the ability to edit by adding pictures and questions for student learning. For my teaching situation, it would be beneficial to stop video recordings so students can thoughtfully respond to musical performances or biographical videos. With Zaption, I was able to create a video that can help my students consider the important aspects of their arrangement of Hoe Down for the upcoming concert.

    I was also able to review yousician; an interesting resource for individualized learning on guitar. Though the price may be prohibitive, the student specific curriculum that has been developed might provide intrinsic motivation for lifelong learning. I don't feel it is useful as a full group app. However, Yousician can provide opportunities for skill building on guitar that may be difficult or impossible otherwise. There are elements of Yousician that lend themselves to teacher assessment and record keeping. Overall, I would consider using the basic levels of Yousician, but leave the paid version up to parents and students after the beginner course is completed.