Student Learning
By the end of the year, I would like students to have a portfolio of their work throughout the year. Whereas students usually have only one chance to take a playing test in class to submit for a grade, Smartmusic gives students the ability to practice slower, hear themselves, and submit only their best work. I believe that the most important part of playing an instrument is getting a good sound. By hearing themselves, listening to masters, and learning in class, students should know how to make a good sound (the details) and be able to demonstrate it. Even if you play every note correctly, if you don’t play it with a good sound, it sounds wrong. While Smartmusic only allows students to hear themselves play, students should be able to assess that their sound is directly affected by their posture, their air, and even their hand placement. If they hear a bad tone in their recording, students should be able to pinpoint ways to improve. My hope is that this form of practice will become fun for students and, while improving tone, will also lead to good habits of reading music and knowing note names and fingerings on the instrument. Unlike other classes, a student’s ability and aptitude in band effects everyone else in the group. The more advanced that each individual becomes, the more advanced the entire group will be. The band class can play more challenging music, spend less time working on individual parts and spend more time on crafting music.
By utilizing Smartmusic, my assessments can focus on specific music we play in class. Instead of having vague ideas of what and how to practice, students can practice with the program and hear and see what needs to be fixed. I can keep track of the practice time and trials of each student. By having subscriptions for the school, I can set aside time for each student to work individually with the program after teaching everyone how to use it. If students would like more time, they can buy a subscription for their household computer or sign up to use it after school. I like to describe the program as “rock band for real band” and I can see students’ enthusiasm increasing because of this exciting tool. Each member of the group will become a more autonomous learner which will lead to more advanced teaching in the classroom.
By utilizing Smartmusic, my assessments can focus on specific music we play in class. Instead of having vague ideas of what and how to practice, students can practice with the program and hear and see what needs to be fixed. I can keep track of the practice time and trials of each student. By having subscriptions for the school, I can set aside time for each student to work individually with the program after teaching everyone how to use it. If students would like more time, they can buy a subscription for their household computer or sign up to use it after school. I like to describe the program as “rock band for real band” and I can see students’ enthusiasm increasing because of this exciting tool. Each member of the group will become a more autonomous learner which will lead to more advanced teaching in the classroom.