Alicia DeSoto & Chris Meredith are currently band directors at Lewisville High School in Lewisville ISD, TX.
Literacy: the ability to read and write
Music Literacy: the ability to read, write, and play music
What can we do as music educators to develop music literacy in our classrooms, with the same level of detail and care that elementary school teachers pour into their young readers and writers?
It is a musician’s job to synthesize rhythms, note names, pitches, articulations, expressions, sound, and more…all at once. Dr. Anita Collins, who is an educator, researcher, and writer in the field of brain development and music learning, says that “playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full body workout.” Applying all of those skills when you are learning a new piece of music can feel particularly daunting.
Musicians are multitaskers. Our brains, fingers, and bodies do so many things all at once to perform with our instruments.
As we begin another school year and welcome our students back, we all know that many of them will not have practiced as consistently as they did during the school year.
Musicians are multitaskers. Our brains, fingers, and bodies do so many things all at once to perform our instruments. When approaching practice, I encourage students to break things down into small OMGs–Obtainable Musical Goals–rather than attacking everything at once.
My favorite thing in the world to teach is fundamentals. The development and continued refinement of fundamental skills are key to the overall success of our students and ensembles.
Musicians are multitaskers. Our brains, fingers, and bodies do so many things all at once to perform with our instruments.
The sound of any ensemble is its first impression on the listener; therefore, this should be the priority. There are 3 elements of the band sound: Breathing, Tone, and Intonation.
Many stereotypes are floating about that characterize young musicians as being unable to play with good tone and with developed intonation.
At the beginning of the year, the band hall is ripe with potential! Beginners walk through our doors with wonder and excitement, maybe some nerves—only natural in the newness.