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Designs for Learning: Music

SUMMER SEMESTER 1995 ?

PREREQUISITES:

Education 401/402.

Some basic knowledge, performance skill or teaching experience.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course recognizes the need to prepare teachers with skills and critical knowledge of the

limitations and possibilities of the different methodologies of music taught in the elementary and, to

some extent, in the secondary panels of the school system. In order to meet these needs, the

instructor will focus on the four most famous methodologies currently being used in North

America: the Kodaly method, the Orff Approach, Jaques Dalcroze's Eurythmics and

Comprehensive Musicianship. As well students will learn basic conducting techniques and have an

opportunity to rehearse these skills in class. A survey of some of the software available for use in

schools will be examined briefly. Students will view and listen to tapes of music in various social,

historical and world contexts.

PURPOSE:

By the end of the course, teachers should be able to structure various activities to suit various

students' levels, abilities and needs. Reading, listening and viewing activities should develop an

awareness of the aesthetic complexity of sound in world musics and help the student to plan a

curriculum.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:

Walker, Robert. Musical Beliefs: Psychoacoustic. M

y

thical. and Educational Perspectives. New

York and London: Teachers College Press, 1990.

McElheran, Brock. Conducting Technique for Beginners and Professionals. New York: Oxford

University Press, 1989.

EVALUATION:

1. Write two brief essays

3-5

pages each.

(2x15=30%).

2.

Write a major paper 8-10 pages due by the last class. Your choice will be an area of specialty

which reflects your understanding of the issues raised in class and outside readings.

(25%).

3.

Take part in discussions centered around the required readings and present a critique of one of

these readings.

(15%).

4. Final Exam. (30%).

An important presentation, a detailed outline of topics and schedule of readings will be made

available at the first class, along with a list of recommended readings.