Emphasis in Strings and Orchestra

Catalog description

Development of teaching techniques for instructing elementary and secondary string/orchestra student musicians for music education majors. MUSIC 446W Capstone Experiences in Strings and Orchestra (3) This course is intended to prepare pre-service teachers to teach elementary and secondary string instrumental (orchestra) music. Preparation will include observation of current public school teachers and teaching techniques and methods, preparation and implementation of appropriate lessons including assessments, in-depth analysis (case study) of a student currently in the public schools, development of a written philosophy of music education and string/orchestra instruction, and consideration of practical matters associated with teaching in the public schools such as scheduling, recruitment and parent interaction.The course serves as a capstone to the prior courses in the music education curriculum. Previous courses in instructional planning, instructional materials, instrument techniques, conducting, piano and voice use will have developed necessary prior skills. Skills and concepts from these classes will be applied in this authentic context in the collegiate and public school classrooms.The students will be assessed according to their effectiveness in observation, teaching preparation, teaching, and research. Evaluation will be in the form of written and verbal feedback, and completion of rubrics by the instructor and the students themselves (self- and peer-evaluation). Enrollment will likely be approximately 5 students each fall semester. Students will spend considerable class time in local public schools for fieldwork.