Week 7: PLN Post 2

Create Digital Music: Free Mario Paint Composer

Click here to visit the Create Digital Music website: Free Mario Paint Composer

I came across the Mario Paint Composer when I was looking on YouTube for different versions of a song to play for my 8th grade general music class. They loved the Mario Paint version so much that I decided to look into it. The Create Digital Music website has a link to download Mario Paint Composer as well as a short article on the program. There is also a particularly amusing version of John Cage's 4'33" in which you just hear silence with Mario running across the top of the staff. :)

The program is a free download for Mac or PC, and I was able to download and install it into my computer in just a few minutes. The program has a music staff and a menu of Mario items to chose from that each make a different sound. You simply choose one and click on the staff where you want it to play. There are a multitude of examples on YouTube. Here's a fun one:



The Create Digital Music website has other good information to explore besides just Mario Paint Composer. I recommend checking it out if you haven't already!

Week 7: PLN Post 1

Metronome Online

Click here to visit Metronome Online!

I mentioned this website in a discussion board post last week and then realized I hadn't shared the site on my blog yet! I often direct students to this website as a free online metronome. I have been using it for several years now, and I find the website to work consistently without any bugs, crashing, etc. Students enjoy choosing from 3 different colors. I also really like that it plays the tuning pitch A (just an A, though, which is great for strings. Sorry band friends, no B-flat!)

In addition to asking students to visit this site at home, I sometimes go to this website from my computer at school. It's an easy way to amplify a metronome, especially if my computer speakers are already hooked up for a listening activity.

Week 6: PLN Post 2

An Article from NPR: 100 Composers Under 40

Click here to read the NPR article: 100 Composers Under 40

I found this article this morning through NPR and thought it would be a great thing to share with students. In my middle school general music classes we cover composers and music from each major historical period from the Middle Ages through the Romantic Period. If we have time, we touch on some more modern music and film music, but never anything very recent.

As a result, I often find myself wondering whether students realize that music is still being composed (beyond what most of them listen to on the radio or on their iPods). I feel like it is important for students to know that music composition is still happening today. This will hopefully give them a sense that what we're studying is still relevant, sort of like realizing that studying American history is related to the current American government.

This article from NPR presents a list of 100 composers under the age of 40. When someone visits the page, a musical selection by one of the composers is randomly chosen and played. I think seeing this list could benefit students; asking them to do some kind of research on a current composer would be even better (given time and resources).

Finally, the NPR website in general is a good one to bookmark as a source of music news and current events.

Week 6: PLN Post 1

Truly Random Number Generator

Click here to generate random numbers (a.k.a. "pull names from a hat")!

This morning in 7th grade general music I had a few extra minutes left at the end of the period. Since we're studying rhythms during this unit, I decided to play one of my favorite rhythm games as a class: Fling the Teacher from the Music Tech Teacher website which I blogged about in Week 1

I like to use my computer with a projector so we can play games like this as a class, usually when we have some unexpected extra time. Unfortunately, I sometimes have trouble keeping track of which students have answered (so that every student gets a chance to participate). I've tried going up and down rows, but even that gets confusing sometimes. This morning after class I walked over to my desk thinking, "Ok, that's it. The only way games like this really work for me is if I pull names out of a hat. I've done it before, and it's a LOT of work (even on the computer) to make and print little slips of paper. Oh, and I actually have to remember to keep them handy AND have something to pull them from. Not easy since I only ever teach in shared classrooms. Hmmm....there has to be a better way...."

That's when I decided that someone must have come up with an internet-based way to pull names from a hat. A Google search led me to several websites, but I liked the Truly Random Number Generator website the best. It would only take a moment to have the students count off so each has their own number. The website lets me ask for a mathematically randomly generated number between 0 and whatever number I want. This also solves the problem of absent students. If today I have 32 students, I'll choose 0-32. If tomorrow I only have 30 students, I'll chose 0-30.

I think it would be easy to tab between the online activity and the random number generator so students can see if their numbers are popping up to be next. I'm looking forward to using this in my classroom soon! (Also, I might use it in orchestra sectionals to see which students have to play individually for me, or to choose the order of students for playing quizzes.)

Week 5: PLN Post 2

Help Kidz Learn Website

Click here to visit the Help Kidz Learn Website

I found this website this week when someone I follow on Twitter posted a link for it. After I got over my pet peeve of using "z" instead of "s" ("Kidz" instead of "Kids") :), I found that I really like this website. From the hompage I had the option of choosing activities for the "early years," games, stories, creative activities, and more. Not all of the options are musical, but by clicking on each category I found at least some that focused on music.

One of my favorite "early years" activity is called "Peeping Musicians". When a person playing an instrument peeks out from the side of the screen, the student can click the image to hear the cartoon person play the instrument. Sure, the instrument sounds are not very authentic, but they're close enough that you can tell what the instrument is. I also like that the cartoons and music choices are pretty fun. I believe they would appeal to young students and make band and orchestra instruments look "cool," not just grown up or "stuffy."

Something I think would even help my middle school students is the "Making Music" keyboard, found under the "Creative" category. This operates like a real keyboard: when I click on a key it plays the note. The keyboard, with white keys (well, ok, they're actually rainbow colored!) and black keys, contains an octave plus a third. I really like that each key also has the name of the note inscribed on it. We do have a keyboard lab in each middle school, but sometimes my students really struggle with remembering where the notes are. Maybe using this interactive keyboard might help them with that. It might also be a good choice for teachers who want to do a keyboard unit but do not have keyboards (or at least not enough for all students to be playing at the same time).

Week 5: PLN Post 1

8notes.com website: sheet music

Click here to visit the 8notes.com website!

Follow 8notes.com on Twitter

This year my schedule has allowed me to have a string ensemble club in both middle schools during club period. Clubs usually meet once a week for about 35 minutes during the school day, and students are allowed to choose 2 clubs: one for the fall semester and one for the spring. Unlike our elementary chamber groups, which rehearse before school and are by invitation only (i.e., they are select groups), I opened string ensemble club to anyone from the orchestra who wants to join. This is partly because I want all students to have the opportunity to play in a small group regardless of ability, and partly because I wasn't sure how many students would be interested. String ensemble club is up against some other popular clubs like art club, student council, and yearbook.

Unfortunately, this spring I only found out who was in my club the day before clubs started. In one building I actually ended up with a standard quartet of 2 violins, a viola, and a cello, but in the other building I had 3 violins, 2 violas, a cello, and a bass. Either way, I didn't have time or money to go out and find level-appropriate music for these students to play.

Luckily, a quick Google search led me to 8notes.com. From the homepage I selected "String Groups" and then I could pick from a number of combinations. Some of the music is only available for purchase, but there were quite a few pieces available for free. I like that many of the pieces include all parts on each page (similar to a choral piece) so students can see what others are doing and even rehearse themselves sometimes. I also like that I can follow along with the score on my computer if I want to and easily print more copies. Many pieces also include a MIDI recording if students want to hear what the piece should sound like. One piece I chose was an arrangement of "Hornpipe" from Handel's "Water Music". Finally, I also like that students can access this music at home, choose other pieces to play, print out more parts, etc. I'm excited to see what this resource can help me find in the future.

Google Quiz

I decided to share my Google Quiz with all of you on my blog this week. My 8th graders are studying music of the middle ages right now, so this seemed like a good topic. First you'll find a link to my sample spreadsheet with fake student data for 5 students. Under that you'll find the quiz itself.

Just a few notes: on my Mac, this does not look good in Safari. Firefox looks much better! Also, I have my "sharing" settings arranged so anyone with this link can view my spreadsheet and quiz, so you should be able to access it without signing in (if you want to. :) )

Click here for my Google Quiz sample spreadsheet.

Week 4: PLN Post 2

Free Music Education Printables

Click here to download free music worksheets.

I know most of the technology that we're focusing on in this class is far more advanced than downloading free music worksheets, but I found this website last Tuesday and I immediately thought of sharing it with all of you for one of my PLN posts.

We all know that "busy work" worksheets are a far cry from deeply meaningful musical experiences; however, worksheets like the ones available on this website (e.g., word searches and crossword puzzles) have helped me in two specific circumstances.

First, what happened to me this past Tuesday is that a school-wide standardized testing schedule changed, causing me to be in two buildings at once (I'm in 5 buildings). Tuesday also happened to be the first day of the 4th marking period, meaning the 7th graders were coming to music for the very first time. They didn't have anything they could work on from a previous class period; in fact, it was their first day of music since elementary school! Unfortunately, I had to be at an elementary school teaching kindergarten and another teacher covered my class for me. I gave her all the "getting to know you" paperwork I usually use on the first day of music, but what was she supposed to do with the students if they finished early? Usually I take them over to the keyboard lab on the first day to introduce them to the instruments. I can't ask another teacher to do that for me, though, especially if I can't guarantee that the teacher covering has any musical background. I left a supply of worksheets like the ones on this website and said the students could choose some to complete.

Second, teachers in my school district are encouraged to have "anchor activities" for students who finish things early. I try to have a variety of these activities available for students of different ability levels. Many of my anchor activities involve playing the keyboards or completing reading assignments, but I've also included some of these worksheets for variety.

Week 4: PLN Post 1

EDTE.CH website: 70+ Google Forms for the Classroom

Click here for the EDTE.CH website!

I was excited this week when someone I follow on Twitter posted a link to this blog post. It seemed like really good timing since one of our class assignments this week is to work with Google Forms to create a quiz! Many of the ideas also have links to forms that are already created and are available for use. Some of them probably wouldn't apply to music (e.g., the spelling test form), but others would (e.g., "Comprehension Questions" or "Get to Know Your Class").

Clicking on the EDTE.CH blog's home page, I discovered that this is really a blog dedicated to the use of technology in the classroom and other related thoughts. I'm adding it to my Google Reader and looking forward to keeping up with posts!

Week 3: PLN Post 2

Psychology Today Blog: Your Musical Self

Click here for the Psychology Today Blog: Your Musical Self 

About the author: Kimberly Sena Moore

This is another blog I found through Twitter. It's a blog focused on music from the website for the well-known periodical Psychology Today. The particular post that caught my eye (contained in the link above) is titled "Drumming for Development: How Drumming Helps Children with Special Needs." I've mentioned before that one of my kindergarten music classes also has students with special needs, most of whom do not have verbal skills or much movement capability. I often give them some sort of shaker or drum to play along with the songs we are singing in music class because I know they are going to be able to participate by playing instruments like that. This article helped me realize how drumming can be more than just a way to participate; it can really help them with their motor skills and social needs.

We are also considering purchasing some drums to use in our middle school general music classes. It was encouraging in this article to read how drumming can psychologically benefit all students, not only those with special needs or in need of music therapy.

I have added this blog to my Google Reader. It includes posts that focus on the psychological aspects of music that I often don't stop to think about.

Week 3: PLN Post 1

Music with Miss Leslie

Click here for the Music with Miss Leslie website!

About Miss Leslie

I came across Miss Leslie's website through my Twitter feed. The post that particularly caught my eye is titled "The Singing Voice: Why Some People Never Learn to Sing." (This is the post that I've provided a link for above.) Although I consider myself primarily an orchestra teacher, I also teach a few sections of middle school and kindergarten general music. I find that a few students come to me at the beginning of the year already able to match pitch and use their singing voices. Others seem to discover their singing voices during the year. It's so exciting when a student suddenly begins singing mid-year! Still others leave kindergarten without finding their singing voice (or at least without showing me that they can do it).

I liked Miss Leslie's reminder that children should be able to hear their own voice. This is one reason I use my guitar often with kindergarten instead of always using piano or a recording that can sometimes overpower their voices. I also sometimes use singing games that require students to sing alone or in smaller groups. I know I have a lot to learn about helping young students to find their singing voices, and Miss Leslie's post was a good reminder of some things I can work on.

Miss Leslie's website is a blog that is frequently updated with useful information, especially for teaching young children. I have added it to my Google Reader so I can keep up with her thoughts and ideas.

Week 3: Noteflight Assignment

ETA: I've noticed that the embedded score looks fine and plays if you visit my blog, but at least in my Google Reader the embedded video doesn't want to load. If you are using Google Reader and would like the link instead of the embedded video, click here: Click Here for Jessica Kling's Bicycle

This was the first time I've used Noteflight, although I've had students tell me about it in the past. I wish I would have checked it out sooner! I found note entry and editing features to be more intuitive than MuseScore and other programs I've tried. I know that's often a personal preference, but it seems to me that the creators of Noteflight really took some time to make logical keyboard shortcuts.

I think this would be a great program to use with students because it doesn't even require a download of any software like MuseScore does. Although I might be able to ask my IT department to download MuseScore onto some student computers, it would be much faster and easier to just use an online program like Noteflight. I like the fact that the program uses sound samples drawn from the internet, so the files will sound the same regardless of the computer playing them back. I also like the accessibility of the files. It would be very simple for students to complete a project and share a link with me so I could view and grade their work. Even more exciting, it would be quick and easy for students to share their work with each other for peer editing activities. We could even create a collaborative piece if the "sharing" options are set to allow others to edit the score.

One drawback is that the program does not sample vocal sounds. I did a bit of research (just through Google) to see if I could figure out why "Voice" was not listed as an option when choosing an instrument for the score. As far as I can tell, other programs that have used vocal samples have run into some issues (e.g., difficulty with a female vs. male voice and where exactly on the staff that switch occurs). Also, even with a vocal sample the lyrics would not come through. We would most likely be stuck with some sort of generic "ooh" or "aah" sound. It was easy to change so the score looked correct; it just doesn't sound like a voice.

My middle school students have music for 1 marking period each year. This means I get a brand new batch of students on April 5th. I'm in the process of redesigning a group composition project, and I'm considering using Noteflight in the process. If I do so, I'll keep you all updated!

Week 2: PLN Post 2

Beatechie's (Be a techie) Blog: "No Rubrics For Me"

Click here for beatechie's post "No Rubrics For Me"

About beatechie (Carol Broos)

This is another blog that I came across through Twitter. This post caught my attention because of the emphasis I find myself placing on rubrics. No one at my school district is making me use rubrics for music class or orchestra; yet I almost always do. Do they make grading music class assignments and orchestra playing quizzes easier? Really? I don't think so. Maybe if I were grading large projects they would help. So why do I do this?

I think it's partly because I see rubrics used by so many people around me. My cooperating teachers used them when I was student teaching, and since then I've noticed my colleagues using them often. I think maybe rubrics are "safe." If a student or a parent questions a grade, I've got a black and white answer on paper for why the student received the grade. This is certainly useful sometimes, and I would never want to give up rubrics all together! I do think they have their place, and they certainly provide clear expectations for students.

As I read this blog post, however, I was drawn to the part where Mrs. Broos suggested that many students might have the potential to rise far above the minimum expectations provided in a rubric. If I always use a rubric, maybe some students will never push themselves to learn what they're capable of. Also, I started thinking about how I sometimes "hide" behind a rubric. I need to find the confidence to say, "This is the grade you are earning. I'm giving you that grade on your playing quiz because I know what you're capable of, and I know you can do better." Or even, "You truly have achieved something great today. Your A+ is not a result of numbers on a page, but because you reached a completely new level with your playing today." Sometimes (obviously) music is not black and white like a test score.

The rest of beatechie's blog has many thoughts and ideas for incorporating technology into the music education classroom. I look forward to keeping up with her updates and posts.

Week 2: PLN Post 1

Miamiflute's Blog: "I still want to be a rockstar"

Click here to view Miamiflute's post "I still want to be a rockstar"

About Miamiflute (Dr. Kerstetter)

I found this blog through Twitter when someone I follow tweeted a link to the post "I still want to be a rockstar." I'm including this post here because I believe in the importance of respecting and encouraging all students' musical preferences even if they're not our own. This post focuses on the fact that some students might be in orchestra, band, or chorus because that's all that's offered at school; however, at home they really want to learn how to play or sing the music that they love. For some, that might be the same music that we play in school. For others, it might be a book of movie themes, a pop song, or a tune from church.

In my class, I want my students to learn about music that they wouldn't otherwise hear, but I don't want to discourage them from exploring their own musical tastes. As a private violin teacher, I try to keep an open mind when a student brings me a book they found on their own or wants to learn a popular melody. (That's a great learning opportunity, actually. Sometimes they will naturally start to play by ear if it's something they really want to know.)

The rest of Dr. Kerstetter's blog contains posts addressing musical issues from performance anxiety to juggling a teaching career with family. I'm adding the blog to my Google Reader and following her on Twitter. Check our her blog!

Inspiring Video

A friend of mine from college made this video for his school's PSSA (PA state testing) assembly. We all know the issues that come along with testing, but what a great way to inspire students to do their best on something that they are required to do! Part of what students learn from us is how to face challenges and tasks that they might not particularly want to complete. If I were a student, this video would make me feel pride for my school, determination to ace the test, and confidence that doing my best actually matters to someone. It's a great reminder that the way we react to things like mandatory testing is a model for how our students will react to things that are mandated to them later in life.

Another Blog

While I was catching up on Twitter this evening I found another blog I'm adding to my Google Reader: Involve Me Music. It caught my attention because of the latest post titled "Self-Contained?" Although I'm primarily an orchestra person, I recently found myself in the position of teaching kindergarten music a few times a cycle. One kindergarten class also includes several students with special needs. Each comes with an aide; none are verbal or have much movement. It’s been a real challenge balancing the needs of all students in that class! It looks like this blog might have some information that could be helpful to me.

Week 1: PLN Post 2

Music Tech Teacher website

Click here for the Music Tech Teacher website

Last year, my middle school colleagues and I were searching for a new way to review some basic elements of music with our 7th and 8th grade general music classes. We came across a website called Music Tech Teacher. Created by an elementary music teacher from Birmingham, Alabama, this website includes valuable background and review information about things like reading notes and rhythms. There are also some great worksheets that you can download as .pdf files and print. We particularly like the section called "Quizzes, Games, Music Help".

My favorite game reviews rhythms by asking students to perform math with note values (e.g., What is one quarter note plus 2 dotted half notes minus 2 eighth notes?) If the students get 15 in a row correct, they get to "fling" a cartoon teacher. It's hard to describe in words! I recommend checking out the website for yourself. This particular game is listed under "Quizzes - Rhythms" and titled "Rhythm Quiz," but the title of the game is "Fling a Teacher". Click here to check it out!

My school is fortunate enough to have several laptop carts with headphones that I can bring into my classroom so the students can participate on their own, working at their own pace. The carts are often checked out by another teacher, though, so sometimes I project games like this onto the screen in the room. Students take turns answering questions and we play as a whole class.

p.s. This year at "back to school night" I played this game with the parents. It was a hit. :)

Week 1: PLN Post 1

ASTA (American String Teachers Association)

Click to follow on Twitter

Click to visit the ASTA website

I'm sure most (if not all) of my orchestra colleagues already know about ASTA (the American String Teachers Association). I am including Twitter and website information for ASTA in my PLN because it is a great resource not only for string specialists, but also for music teachers who might find themselves in an unexpected position of teaching strings.

Yes, there are more resources available to those who pay to be members, but some resources are available to everyone. The advocacy section is particularly extensive, and could apply to all areas of music. I know many of us are currently in a position where advocacy resources might be helpful!

Today's Life Lesson

Greetings! For my first post, I thought I would leave you with today's life lesson (learned the hard way, of course).

When dialing an "in house" extension of 1130, be particularly careful not to absent-mindedly dial 9 for an outside line first.

Oops. :)