MU3607 - Instrumental Teaching Techniques

Prof. Daniel W. Eaton        
10:00 pm - 10:50 pm                                                                                

Office, CP204
Class meets in CP208, 3 credits                                                         
deaton@d.umn.edu                                                                                         
Class website: www.d.umn.edu/MU3607

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC METHODS

I.          COURSE DESCRIPTION

Advanced topics in teaching instrumental music; development of school band and orchestra; methods and materials for teaching beginning instrumental students;  recruiting and scheduling; administrative tasks, concert literature, and rehearsal techniques for beginning and secondary band and orchestra; marching band/Athletic methods.

II.        COURSE OBJECTIVES

A.  To acquaint prospective teachers with current philosophies concerning Instrumental Music Education
B.  To develop an understanding of accepted public school music curricula.
C.  To assist prospective teachers in developing personal longitudinal goals in Instrumental Music Education.
D.  To review conditions of learning and their relationships to actual music teaching/learning situations.
E.  To acquaint prospective instrumental teachers with the various methods of teaching and materials for the beginning student.
F.  To develop basic skills in the area of directing and administering a athletic band program.
G.  To develop minor repair skills and an appreciation of the role of the music industry in music education.
H.  To acquaint prospective instrumental teachers with recommended literature for the secondary concert band and orchestra.
I.  To develop critical & analytical skills in the area of literature and method selection, study and utilization.

III.       TOPICAL OUTLINE

                        Developing A Personal Philosophy of Music Education
                        The Role of the Music Educator
                        The Music Educator and Administrative Functions
                        Motivation and Discipline in Music Education
                        Getting A Job
                        Effective Music Budget Procedures
                        Housing and Equipment
                        Scheduling
                        The Music Library
                        Effective Methods of Program and Student Evaluation.
                        Contests and Festivals
                        Public Relations - Out Reach
                        Parents Organizations and Fund Raising
                        Large Group Rehearsal Organization and Techniques
                        Developing A Curriculum
                        Review of Instructional Materials for Solo Instruments and Ensembles.
                        Recommended Secondary Level Concert Band and Orchestra Literature
                        Literature Critiquing Skills
                        Marching Band Techniques/Athletic Bands
                        Basic Instrument Repair
                        Recruiting for your Program
                        Resources for the Instrumental Music Educator

IV.       TEXTS
           
Required Texts:
Cooper, Lynn G.  Teaching Band & Orchestra: methods and materials. 
(Chicago, Ill: GIA Publications, 2004)
           
Recommended Text:
Jordan, James. The Musician's Soul. (Chicago, Ill: GIA Publications)
Jordan, James. The Musician's Spirit. (Chicago, Ill: GIA Publications)
Littrell, David, ed.  Teaching Music through Performance in Orchestra.  Vol. I & II, 
(Chicago, Ill: GIA Publications)
Miles, Richard, ed.  Teaching Music through Performance in Band.  Vol. I - VI, (Chicago, Ill: GIA Publications)

Supplemental materials:

Casey, Joseph.  Teaching Techniques and Insights for Instrumental Music Educators.  (Chicago, GIA Publications, 1991)
Colwell, Richard and Thomas Goolsby.  The Teaching of Instrumental Music.  (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1992, 2nd edition)
Hoffer, Charles R.  Introduction to Music Education.  (Belmont, CA:  Wadsworth, 1993)
Peterson, Michael R. et. The New ASBDA Curriculum Guide: A Reference for School Band Directors. (Belwin-Mills Publishing Corp., 1997).
National Commission on Music Education.  Growing Up Complete:  The Imperative for Music Education.
Shellahamer, Bentley. The Marching Band Program. (C.L. Barnhouse, Oskaloosa, IA., 1986) (Reston, VA, MENC, 1991)
Walker, Darwin E.  Teaching Music:  Managing the Successful Music Program.  (New York:  Schirmer, 1998)
Wise, Phillip C.  So... You’re the New Band Director. (C. L. Barnhouse Co., 1996)

Various texts/lists concerning band and orchestra repertoire.

V.        COURSE EVALUATION

Written papers, projects, notebook, final exam, attendance and contribution to class discussions.
A.  Various Assignments:  (20% of grade)
Several short papers will be assigned upon the completion of the various segments of the course. 
B.  Class Notebooks/Boxes:  (20% of grade)
A set of notebooks/Boxes will be constructed according to instructions which will contain evidence of your investigations/readings/study pertaining to many areas of instrumental music teaching.  You will be expected to do some outside reading, pertinent to subjects being studied.  This notebook will be turned in on May 11, 2011.  
C.  Attendance:  (10% of grade) Grade will be lowered one by letter after three unexcused absences.
D.  Class participation:  (10% of grade)
All members are expected to be prepared for all lectures and to actively participate in class discussions. 
E.  Mid-term (March 12), (20%)  and Final Exams (May 13 - 4:00 pm), (20%)

VI. Students with disabilities

It is the policy and practice of the University of Minnesota Duluth to create inclusive learning environments for all students. including students with disabilities. If there are aspects of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or your ability to meet course requirements-such as time limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos- please notify the instructor as soon as possible. You are also encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Resources to discuss and arrange reasonable accommodations. Please call 218-726-6130 or visit the DR website at www.d.umn.edu/access for more information.