Instrument Lessons

Each class member will be assigned to begin a colleague on an instrument. You are expected to meet with your partner at least 5 times throughout the term to guide him or her in the development of playing skills. Beginning with production of a first characteristic sound, lead your student through increasingly complex challenges. Each lesson should be a minimum of 15 minutes in length.


To assist in your preparation, you should use any available resources to help you. In particular, consult the relevant chapters in the texts First Lessons on Each Instrument (on reserve) and The Teaching of Instrumental Music (on reserve) as well as the introductory section of the appropriate volume of any method book. For an excellent video primer on beginning flute, clarinet and trumpet playing, visit Live Illustrations by Professionals created by the University of Texas at Austin. String teaching videos are available on the DVD that accompanies the book Strategies for Teaching Strings (on reserve).

To measure your success as an instructor, your student will demonstrate his or her skills during a performance jury.

Instrument Demonstrations

Each class member will be responsible for leading a 20 minute clinic on teaching beginning players. Students will present on the instrument they are currently teaching. You may use your student(s) for demonstration. To provide a lasting reference for your colleagues, turn in a 1-2 page handout that outlines and illustrates the information presented in the demonstration.


Teaching Practica / Self-evaluations

Throughout this quarter you will have the opportunity to practice your instrumental teaching skills. In partnership with the Seattle Public School Elementary Instrumental Music Program, each of you will be attached to a 1st- or 2nd-year band or orchestra class. Classes meet on a weekly basis. Following a brief period of observation you will have the chance to actively take part in the teaching of young instrumentalists.
Evaluation will consist of one on-site visit by one of the course instructors AND one on-campus meeting to review a video of a selected teaching session. You should provide lesson plans in advance of your teaching. You will be asked to evaluate three of your lessons to reflect on how well you implemented your pedagogical goals and how well your students achieved the musical objectives. Use the link below to access the online self-evaluation form.


Method Review

Review at least three beginning instrumental method books. One will be assigned to you; you may choose at least two additional books from the method book list. Examine the characteristics of the book and evaluate them using the method review survey. Also comment on positive and negative features (or, at least, features you perceive to be positive or negative—your opinion is important!). Your evaluation and comments will be compiled and shared with the class; be sure all your evaluations are completed by 11:30am on February 24. NO REVIEWS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS TIME.

• Click here to link to the list of band and string method books you may review.
• Click here to enter the method review survey. (UW Net ID required)

Observations

• Band festival observation outline   Word version

NOTE: The professionals who host you are doing so out of their naturally magnanimous spirit and their sincere desire to support the development of superior music teachers. Your interactions with all teachers, students, chaperones and administrators should keep to the highest standards of professionalism and the greatest consideration for the multiple demands on their attention. Professional attire is expected.

 Final Exam: Teaching and Performance Juries

The term will conclude with two juries in which students will directly and indirectly demonstrate teaching skills. First will be a teaching jury . . . details TBA. Second will be a performance jury in which the fruits of your individual lessons will be in evidence. Each student will perform a solo piece selected from one of the method books reviewed in this course.

• Performance jury pieces . . . select one from among the choices included in your instrument packet:
• Flute; Clarinet; Trumpet; Trombone; Violin; Viola; Cello 
  

Evaluation

Method Review	(3 points each) 9 points
Instrument Demonstration         Presentation         Handout	10 points 5 points       5 points
Teaching Practica (on-site / video)         Evaluation 1           Lesson plan         Evaluation 2           Lesson plan	30 points 10 points        5 points      10 points      5 points
Teaching Practica Self-Evaluations	(5 points each) 15 points
Observation Report (Complete, thorough, thoughtful, well-written)	6 points
Final Exam: Jury              Teaching              Your performance              Your student's performance	20 points
Participation and preparation	10 points
TOTAL	100 points