Week Four Reflection

This week, we learned about several resources to help aid in student feedback, composition, and continued to learn about different ways to incorporate composition in the classroom. This week featured several tools that I already use in my classroom. First, I integrate Smart Music for sight-reading practice nearly every day. I really love this resource because it gives students immediate feedback. Another resource within Smartmusic that I really enjoy is the built in metronome, as well as the clicker that follows the music. I find this clicker especially helpful with my lower grade level students. Many times, my students are reading at a much lower grade level than they are in and are unable to read the words fast enough to follow along with the song when teaching music using the music. The clicker follows a long with the notes so that students always know exactly where I am. I also integrate Smart Music for individual practice, and accompaniment tracks. Another valuable resource I find is the ability to write my own exercises with Finale and sync them with my Smart Music. This allows me to focus on specific spots my students are having trouble with. I also found it interesting, that metronomes, auto tuners, and recording devices were considered technology integration. These are also things I use on a daily basis, however, I do not consider them to be great technological advances in music education, but they are classics that help with practice and perfecting performance. One thing I will try and integrate more, is the use of an audio recorder to record my rehearsals and let my students listen and give feedback. Audacity is something that I have used sporadically, mainly for recording rehearsal cds. Through these assignments, I learned about more of the features that were available and the effects. One other thing that I learned about Audacity at a workshop, was that you can take the voices out of certain file types. As a choral director with a little budget, this will be especially helpful as we begin rehearsals for our pop show. This week, helped me learn about new features in several programs that I already use. As I continue to grow as a music educator, I will continue to explore these programs and integrate them into my curriculum. Although most of my focus is on choral music making, it is important to me to nuture the whole musician and these programs will help me do so.