Handout

The Language of Music
The wonderful thing about music is it can cut cultural boundaries. If you moved here from China you might not be able to order lunch at the cafeteria, or find the right classroom, but you can sit down in band class, follow the conductor, and play with the group without a problem.

Music is a universal language; a half note is a half note on any continent. An A flat is an A flat, and so on and so forth. Music as an experiential way of learning

Music uses less words, more numbers, counting and gestures. A conductor will count you in, speed up the tempo, slow down the tempo, change the dynamic level, and let you know your pitch is off through body gestures alone. Music elicits emotions, unique and individual to every person playing.

Teaching Approaches
Unlike many core subjects, music is an active, outgoing, get-your-groove-on kind of subject. The teaching approaches are quite different. First, a music teacher will very rarely, be sitting at any point during the class. If they aren’t adjusting instruments or conducting the band, they are probably getting music, rearranging sections, working with individuals. It is rare to see a music teacher lecturing at a chalk board.

Multiple Intelligences
Kinaesthetic, intrapersonal, (know your own pitch), interpersonal (know the pitch of others), visual, and musical, and mathematical (reading music):

In a band class not only do you have to listen to yourself and the rest of the band and fit your sound into the whole group, but you have to simultaneously watch the conductor and adjust your instrument to make sure it is in tune. Whether it is in band or in choir, breathing and physical posture plays a very important role. Students are probably tapping their toes or swaying to the rhythm as well.