MUSC 353: Classroom Instruments
Two hours laboratory (1).
Prerequisites: MUSC 115, MUSC 162, MUSC 368
Study of instruments commonly used in general music classes in schools, including pitched and unpitched percussion, recorder, guitar, baritone ukelele and autoharp. The course includes playing techniques for classroom ensembles, including western and non-western instruments, improvisation in general music, instrument construction, repertoire and basic arranging for classroom instruments. Information on using the voice effectively in the classroom is also included. Students will address state and national standards through classroom instrument instruction.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
I. Playing techniques
A. Percussion
1. Unpitched
a. Skins
b. Woods
c. Metals
d. Shakers
2. Pitched
a. Skins
b. Woods
c. Metals
B. Winds: recorder
C. Strings
1. Guitar
2. Autoharp
3. Baritone uke
D. Using the voice in the classroom
II. Ensembles and repertoire
A. Recorder ensembles
B. Orff ensembles
C. Ethnic ensembles, multicultural music
III. Improvisation for classroom instruments
IV. Instrument construction
V. Basic arranging for classroom ensembles
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course provides performance experiences on classroom instruments, especially guitar, recorder, and tonebar instruments. It also includes demonstration and practice of techniques for using the voice in the classroom. Performance of repertoire for classroom ensembles is included and basic techniques of arranging for classroom ensembles are practiced. Students engage in critical thinking about the music teaching profession and examine themselves as potential music teachers.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the conclusion of the course, the student will
1. demonstrate skills in playing classroom instruments, especially guitar, recorder, tonebar instruments.
2. demonstrate skills in ensemble playing.
3. know repertoire for teaching and playing classroom instruments.
4. know how to use the voice effectively in the classroom.
5. demonstrate skill in improvising on classroom instruments.
6. have written arrangements for classroom ensembles.
7. have knowledge and experience with music from a variety of cultures
8. students will write a personal philosophy that applies philosophical foundations for the teaching of classroom instruments in public schools: musical reasons, nonmusical reasons.
Assessment Measures
1. Class attendance and participation.
2. Skills tests on voice, guitar, recorder, tonebar instruments.
3. Bibliography of repertoire for teaching and playing classroom instruments.
4. Arrangements for classroom instruments.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
December 1, 2017
Revised April, 2009