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Use Reality Shows To Make Classroom Teaching More Fun Through Arts & Entertainment

Education is not restricted to bookish lessons alone. You can learn a lot by participating in arts and entertainment activities. We all love to follow reality shows on direct.tv. Well, why don’t you opt for a reality show in class?

Encouraging the students to focus on a particular skill and to present the same in front of the class will be a great achievement. Not all students will be good at special skills. In such a scenario, you should make use of the competition to encourage students to explore. Some students may be good at oratory while others may be good at singing. Some students may wish to present a few paintings of their choice.

It is one thing to inculcate the spirit of competition but it is another thing to encourage participation. Make sure that students compete in a friendly manner and that emphasis is on exploring their quality and abilities. You can also have fellow batch mates dropping in to appreciate the performance.

Check out education related movies to understand how arts and entertainment makes a huge impact on the lives of students. You can teach certain values and morals much better if you couch them in hidden lesson. Rather than sticking to traditional methods, you can rely on the current emphasis on reality entertainment to make classes more fun.

Once you help students get started, you realize that discovery of new skills improves their performance in class. As the children discover themselves, they become more confident and take steps to push their limits. That is the kind of result that teachers should look out for.

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Music Should Be a Part of Education

One of the first programs to get cut in schools when there is a funding issue is the music program. This is because not everyone recognizes music as something that children must learn. It is considered an elective. There are many people, however, that would argue that music should be a core part of educational curriculum because of the benefits that are seen in other parts of learning from the students who participate.

Violin scroll in strong perspective, bright ba...

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Music is a great way to teach children dedication and responsibility. This is because they have to practice hard in order to get good. If children really put forth the effort, they will have a sense of accomplishment as they see improvement. It also challenges the mind and teaches children to apply all of these skills to other parts of education. Math is one area where many students show improvement after participating in a music program.

If your school district does not provide a music program, you should consider getting your children involved in music in other ways because of the benefits you will see in their education. Plus, your children will have a skill that they can show off which will be useful later in life. It shows kids that it is possible to become good at something.

Encourage your school district not to cut funding on music programs. It is an important part of education and the children will be missing out if music programs are removed. But above all else, make sure your own children have the opportunity to learn an instrument or participate in music, even if it is outside of school.

 

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How to Put On a Musical

So you think you can put on a musical? Well, good luck! It’s a big undertaking, but one that is well worth it. There are a million things that will need to be done but hopefully this list will make sure you at least get all your big ducks in a row before opening night.
The first one is obviously picking your musical. It could be something big that requires a large chorus or something a little smaller and intimate. Getting together the right team will help you make the right decision as to exactly which musical you want to produce. Find a musical director, a production manager and a stage manager that you know and trust; you will all be a tight group and you need to be able to work as a team. Only you and your team know your own strengths and weaknesses, so keep them in mind when picking a show.
Next, you need to get a cast and crew. Hold auditions and decide together who is best for which part. Place ads to get a great crew who can bring your vision to life. Find a space to put on your show and work with your funders to get all the money you need. While all of these things are coming together, make sure your cast and talent directors are rehearsing like crazy. Each day only brings you a little closer to opening night, so make good use of your time while you have it.
Once the rehearsal time is nearing an end, it is time to start advertising. Make eye-catching flyers and paper the town with them. They are the only way most people are going to learn about your show and want to buy tickets. Run dress rehearsals the week before and get everything coordinated. Make sure everyone’s vision is being realized. If it is, then you will likely have a success!

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Top Music Schools in the U.S.

Over the years you’ve watched your child’s musical talents grow and develop from learning how to read music to performing in master classes and winning competitions. And now  they’re ready to take the next step in their musical career: college. With such a wide array of options, it’s difficult to pick the right choice. Some schools have a celebrity faculty while others can promise better facilities and a more personalized experience. The following schools are part of a four-year university education and consistently rank among the country’s – if not the world’s – top music programs.

Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), Rochester, NY.

Eastman is relatively new to the top music school lists, but has made quite a name for itself and is ranked number one in instrumental performance by US News & World Report. The opera singer Renee Flemming and trumpeter Allen Vizzutti are just a couple of their wildly successful graduates.

Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University), Bloomington, IN.

While the school’s other musical courses of study are excellent, the Jacob’s School’s program for voice and opera theatre is widely lauded as the best in the United States. Soprano Angela Brown and mezzo soprano Vivicia Genaux are among their more well-known alumni. It’s

The Juilliard School, New York, NY.

Nothing looks better on a musical resume than Juilliard. It’s perhaps the most famous and prestigious music conservatory in the world, and has long upheld its reputation of excellence, a stellar faculty, famous alumni, and ruthless competition. Juilliard isn’t attached to a liberal arts college; courses of study include dance, drama, and music.

Oberlin College Conservatory, Oberlin, OH.

Oberlin is the oldest conservatory in the U.S and has only an undergraduate program. The school believes it’s lack of a graduate program fosters an art-focused atmosphere rather than a career-building one.

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What is a Master Class?

An essential part of any serious musician’s training is the Master Class. In a Master Class, a student who has achieved a certain level of technique and skill works one-on-one with a “master” for a one-time class. A Master Class gives serious students the opportunity to learn from another professional besides their regular instructor.

Who is the Master?

Typically the “master” is a professional who has made a name for him or herself, has a strong performance history, and a teaching background. Students audition by tape and the master selects how many and with whom he/she is willing to work. Often, but certainly not always, the Master Class is held in front of an audience, and so the student should keep in mind that it is just as much a performance as it is a lesson.

How to Choose a Master Class

Check with your music colleges in your area. Master Classes are typically hosted by conservatories or music guilds. If you have someone in mind already, you can check his/her website to see if any Master Classes are scheduled. Keep in mind that the qualifications and availability of the expert giving the Master Class will determine how competitive the auditions are. A Master Class with someone who has performed in prestigious venues and has recorded for major labels will surely attract a lot of applicants.

Auditioning for the Master Class

The students is asked to prepare a piece of music for the class. Each Master Class will have its own requirements for the audition, but usually a tape recording of the piece to be performed/studied is submitted. This piece of music should be in top-shape, and not something that student has just begun working on or on which the student does not have a solid grasp. The idea of a master class is to get the student beyond the level that he/she is accustomed to working.

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Juilliard: Acing the Audition

It’s one of the most notoriously competitive schools in the world. And understandably so. A degree from Juilliard is guaranteed success in the arts granting performance time at venerated venues, gigs with world-famous music companies, and record and film deals. Jazz great Miles Davis, pianist Van Cliburn, composer Philip Glass, and cellist Yo Yo Ma are just a smattering of its successful alumni. So what does it take to get into this elite arts academy? More than just hours upon hours of daily practice. With an acceptance rate of only 8%, Juilliard is one of the most selective schools in the world. And you can bet that the competition within the institution is just as fierce as the competition to get in.

Along with the usual  application materials, prospective students must audition live in New York. Some courses within the music department are even more selective and only a handful of applicants are invited to audition. Audition requirements vary for each instrument, but all require hopeful applicants to perform works from memory and demonstrate a well-rounded repertoire. This isn’t a one-song try-out, this is a rigorous, hours-long intense audition. Juillard requires several works to be performed. For example, for piano, each applicant must perform: a full sonata by Beethoven, Mozart or Hayden, a substantial work by one of the major Romantic Era composers (Mendelssohn, Brahms, Liszt, Chopin, Schumann), two etudes, a prelude and fugue from Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier, and a substantial work of the applicant’s choosing.

Several years of solid study, a commitment to a career in music, and a good night’s sleep are all essential to getting through your audition. But in order to win over the judges, you must show that you have flawless technique, unquestionable and rare talent, and exude confidence.

Filed Under: Art, Music

Music Methodologies

Music is an important component in any child’s upbringing. Music is unique and challenging in that it combines several different learning abilities – language acquisition (reading music), math (music theory), artistic expression, and history (music appreciation) ­– into one discipline. When your child reaches a certain age, you can move from more general music education that is taught in schools to a specialized instrument with private lessons. Choosing the instrument should largely be left up to the child’s natural inclination. However, when choosing an instructor, give consideration to the methodology he/she will use as it will have a lasting effect on the child’s musical growth and advancement.

There are four major methodologies of music education. These methods of instruction all were developed during the twentieth century.

Dalcroze Method

Students are taught to sight-sing, improvise, and practice eurhythmics. The Dalcroze Method helps students to “feel” the music, rather than process it mentally. Eurhythmics are typically taught when children are very young and can provide them with a deeper understanding of space and rhythm. The Dalcroze Method is helpful in training for any musical instrument, but particularly beneficial for percussion instruments and dance.

Kodaly Method

Named after Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly, this method introduces musical concepts to children through singing and listening games. After a concept is registered, the child is taught how to translate the concept into written music. The Kodaly Method is best known for its hand signs that depict the different notes.

Orff Schulwerk

This method was created by German composer Carl Orff and favors improvisation over memorization and drills. Orff created instruments specially to reinforce his method of learn-by-doing including the glockenspiel and xylophone.

Suzuki Method

This is one of the most popular and arguably most effective methods for learning music. Students are taught to learn music as they are taught to learn their native language.

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The Suzuki Method

Shinichi Suzuki

Developed by Japanese violinist and music pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki Method is founded on the core belief that any child has the ability to become a musical virtuoso. The method is taught for violin, viola, cello, piano, bass, flute, recorder, guitar, harp, voice, organ, and mandolin.

Suzuki believed that children could learn music in the effortless way they learned their native language and that with the right atmosphere and techniques, a fluency in music performance and theory could be achieved as naturally as a fluency in language. At the time he developed his method, many instructors believed that musical talent was something you were born with, and Suzuki thought this elitism robbed many children of their natural right to play and appreciate music. Music instruction not only taught a child how to play an instrument, but also how to value beauty and self-expression.

The method’s main tenets are that a child begin learning from a very young age so that music becomes ingrained early on. Children as young as three are taught in the Suzuki method. Surrounding the child with music is another key component in creating an environment conducive to learning music. From the beginning of their studies children are taken to concerts and recitals so that music becomes an unquestionable part of their daily lives, as essential and ever-present as breathing. Music is first taught by ear. Students learn to mimic a piece by hearing it. Once their ability to play by ear is developed, they are taught to read music. The child is expected to give regular recitals and play with other students to make them feel comfortable playing in front of and with others. Parents are instructed to strictly monitor their child’s practice sessions and progress to make sure they’re getting the most out of their education.

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Digital Music: The Next Generation

Digital Sheet Music
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Just about every kid these days has some understanding of and experience with computers. With kids so technology savvy, it is easy to understand why they find art an easy subject. With the amazing artistic capabilities of modern computers, kids can take their intimate knowledge of computer use and turn it into their own unique works of art.

The major musical artists of today also use computer technology to create their artistic visions. The use of Auto Tune has become an industry standard as artists seek out a way of creating a modern sound, and keeping up with artists like T-Pain. With the song Apple Bottom, the artist created a computer-altered sound that artists have been influenced by since it was introduced. The song about club girls created a stir within the music industry as well as with listeners. It changed the sound that listeners expect. No longer is it just the sound of a voice that listeners want. Music fans also want computer-enhanced vocals to listen to.

With a computer, kids can recreate the sound that Auto Tune makes possible. Digital media is no longer a resource only for professional musicians. Computers and various software programs enable kids to create wondrous sounds that are all their own. They can create their own versions of Apple Bottom or write and sing their own creations. Some of these kids are undoubtedly the future artists that will change tomorrow’s musical sound.

The ease of musical computer programs makes it simple for kids to experiment with their own sounds, including those that use Auto Tune. As music becomes more and more influenced by computers and kids get more and more knowledgeable about computers, the future of music is becoming increasingly entangled with the future of computers. The sounds of the future will undoubtedly change as technology advances.

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Musical Nursery Rhymes Improve Learning

William Wallace Denslow's illustrations for Li...
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Everyone remembers Little Bo Peep, who lost her sheep and did not know where to find them. Children and adults alike rarely forget the nursery rhymes they grew up with. This is how we know that cognitive memory is easily increased with music and rhyming songs, like nursery rhymes. Other parts of learning are also affected when learning through music.
Nursery rhymes are old poems that have been turned into songs to educate children in many different ways. When a child listens to the music and rhythm of a nursery rhyme, their vocabulary and learning skills become extremely expanded. The added music along with the poem allows a child’s mind to discover the meaning of the different songs. Many of the nursery rhymes are used to increase knowledge of animals, foods, numbers, and other major areas of a child’s life. Songs such as Bingo can be used to develop alphabet skills. The nursery rhymes This Old Man and Three Blind Mice are not only amplifying children’s vocabulary, but they are also increasing math and counting skills.
Nursery rhymes as well as other types of music can help children develop listening and memory abilities in order to perform a great deal better in grade school and in higher education than children who have not had music in the early years of their life. Some children go on to use rhyming as a way of remembering science, history, as well as other academic subjects.
From 1861 to 1865,
The Civil War was very much alive.
Lincoln becomes the 16th president,
Fort Sumter’s captured, how will it all end?

This small rhyme is an example of the kind of helpful tool that can aid a student of American History to retain the abundant information involved in such a large subject matter. Students who carry rhyme from childhood into adulthood continue to increase memory and expand their vocabulary.

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