Read article HERE

Today I told Year 8 that teenagers today learn ‘heaps’ from YouTube … I handed out keyboards … and pressed ‘play’ on THIS YouTube clip. All I had to do was wander around the class admiring their progress, and making a few corrections.

Katie Wardrobe has put together 15 websites to help teach “Carnival of the Animals”

http://midnightmusic.com.au/index.php/2011/06/15-fantastic-free-carnival-of-the-animals-resources/

www.midnightmusic.com.au/2013/03/free-ipad-music-apps-for-teachers-part-1/

Thanks to Katie Wardrobe, here’s is a list of 19 free iPad apps which can promoted creativity and composition.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RmWo408_CmH4iCdLifzUj9N86nyj9p45IW32oi1sTbw/edit?hl=en_US&authkey=CI7NrPQG

Here are 41 FREE ideas from Scott Watson about ways to use GarageBand software in the music classroom. (You may need to login to Google in order to view this file.)

Enjoy!

Article link HERE

THIS app ($5.50) tells an interactive, musical story of Soul Music through the eyes of a child.

Go to resource: Acid Studio 7 allows students to compose songs, record, mix and upload for distribution. Read more…

Getting started with Film scoring on your PC
Thursday 9 June

Delve into the exciting world of film scoring using Acid Xpress and explore composing, arranging, recording and editing music, whilst synching sound to visuals.  The session will start by investigating the film scoring process by examining the roles of the music team: composer, editor, orchestrator and copyist.  Using short films, we’ll create our own movie soundtracks by adding sound effects, creating mood music and character themes.  We’ll also learn about hit points/time markers, cues and cue sheets, time code, scrubbing and synching and discuss a step-by-step approach to teaching film composition with your students.  Attendees will leave with a set of resources including lesson plan ideas.
This is a hands-on “bring your own laptop” session using Acid Xpress (free download ahead of session).  Participants without laptops are also welcome to attend.  Suitable for PC users only.

COST
$130.00 (members)
$190.00 (non-members)

TIME
9.30am – 3.30pm

VENUE
Statewide Resources Centre
150 Palmerston Street, Carlton
Melway reference — Map 2B:H6

Booking essential
Lunch is provided

http://amuse.vic.edu.au/2009_PL/katie%20wardrobe.htm

http://www.theartscentregc.com.au/whats-on/whats-on-items/aco-virtual

The Gold Coast Arts Centre is launching ACOVirtual – a 3D experience of the Australian Chamber Orchestra for all ages!

Watch the “making of” ACOVirtual HERE

Go to resource: Adventures in Music with the Recorder was developed in 1997 by Ubisoft. Read more…

• Do you have problems attending professional development workshops during the day?
• Are you located outside a metropolitan area and have trouble travelling to city-based professional development days?
• Are you interested in getting your teeth stuck into a multi-week PD course that holds you accountable for your learning?

Starting 2012: Live, Online, Music Technology PD Courses

During 2012, I’ll be running a number of new online training courses, starting with a Sibelius Basics Course in late January. Each course will take place after-hours, in the evening and will be run over 3-4 consecutive weeks.

Other courses will follow the Sibelius Basics course: Sibelius Advanced, Sibelius in the Classroom (using Sibelius with students), Audacity, Acid, MuseScore, Mixcraft, GarageBand and others.

midnightmusic.com.au/index.php/online-after-hours-music-technology-courses/

Amy Burns blog – a blog of ideas and links from Amy Burns – an American Primary Music teacher

ScoreCleaner Notes ($1) = a new app allows you to hum or sing into your device, and it will write up a score … then let you share it over social media. I haven’t tried it yet, but here’s an article about it: http://www.forbes.com/sites/reuvencohen/2013/05/06/new-app-allows-anyone-to-create-musicial-scores-by-humming-or-singing-no-instruments-required/

HERE is a blog post with a list of recommended iPad apps for music teachers.

http://www.mca.org.au/research/research-reports/research-reports/16764-strategic-utilisation-of-the-national-broadband-network-to-expand-opportunities-in-music-education

Go to resource: arts action, published by the Department of Education and Training (NSW) is a CD-rom created to supplement the NSW K-6 Creative Arts Syllabus.  Read more…

The Arts Centre (Vic) Digital Learning Hub – The Arts Centre (Melbourne) Music Education programs

ArtsAlive.ca – US website with lots of free lesson plans, recordings and interactive Music websites

ArtsMmad page – after signing in (free) you will have free access to bundles of free Music posters, song sheets and MP3 recordings

Go to resource: artsmmadd.com is a site developed by Associate Professor Deirdre Russell-Bowie (UWS) and Dr Christopher Klopper (CSU). Read more…

Australian Society for Music Education (Victoria)

Professional Development Day

Saturday September 8

10:30 – 3:30pm.

Albert Park College

83 Danks Street

Albert Park

Sharing Musical Ideas and Building Networks

(ICT and the Music Classroom)

Registration: 10:15-10:30 am

10:30-11:30 am

Taking Music Education On-line.

1. In this workshop Music Director of Albert Park College and Melbourne University lecturer Andrew Swainston  (current Deputy chair of ASME Victoria) will provide a brief introduction to the ASME Music Education Web Portal. He will also lead a discussion on developing and setting up your own online curriculum materials as a teaching and learning resource, including a dedicated ‘YouTube channel’ for your classes.

2. Kyle Schutz a recent teacher graduate, music director at Thornbury High School and current Chair of ASME Victoria will outline ‘Edmodo’, an online social networking site, which provides teachers and students a secure place to connect and collaborate, share content and educational applications, and access homework, grades, class discussions and notifications.

11:45-12:45pm

iPads, iPhones and other tablets in the Music classroom

The iPad is a virtual Banjo, Guitar, Sitar and an Oud. Along with the iPhone and similar tablets it can be a multi track recorder, sound editor, DJ’s rig and sampling pad.  The iPad is a musical collaboration tool and a device to assist and inspire song writing and composition. It is a window into the concert hall. The iPad is a personal musical encyclopaedia and aural trainer and a tool to display and create musical scores, in standard and graphic notation. It can be a great tool to record student performances and create student videos. This workshop led by Andrew Swainston will discuss and outline some of the best ways we can use the iPad and iPhone in the classroom. Michael Travers a composer, teacher and curriculum innovator will also demonstrate strategies for incorporating this technology into creative classroom activities.

12:45-1:30pm Light Lunch Provided

1:30- 3:00pm

Open Forum: trials and tribulations of newly qualified music teachers.

Kyle Schutz will present a talk on the challenges facing newly qualified teachers (and many experienced ones). He will facilitate a discussion about the ways in which early career music teachers can be supported.

Cost is $20:00 which includes a light lunch, refreshments and for student teachers free annual membership subscription.

Enquires phone 0409657712 or 0421214904

RSVP by Thursday September 6 to Mark Dipnall: dipnall.mark.f@edumail.vic.gov.au

http://ia600505.us.archive.org/20/items/MusicAsIdentityLessonPlan/MusicAsIdentityOnlineLessonPlan.pdf

A free lesson plan from Nick Jaworski designed for Year 9-12 students reflecting on MUSIC & IDENTITY. It involves using Audacity (or other music editing software) to create a 3 minute audio project. This project may suit Challenge-Based-Learning principals.

Go to resource: Audacity is a free audio editor and recording software program, available for various operating systems.  Read more…

AMAZING AUDACTITY RE-SCHEDULED
NEW DATE: Friday 29 April 2011

Full schedule of all music technology workshops listed below as well as on the aMuse website.

http://amuse.vic.edu.au/2009_PL/katie%20wardrobe.htm

Audio Production and MIDI Sequencing in Logic Pro 9

COURSE CODE: MA3
DURATION: 3hrs x 6 Mondays, 6-9pm
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Footscray Nicholson Campus
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: 7, 14, 21, 28 November, 5, 12 December

This short course will be an introduction to audio recording/editing and MIDI sequencing in Apple’s industry standard Digital Audio Workstation. View the following link for more information: creativeindustries.vu.edu.au/short-courses-music-audio.html#Logic

Audio Production and Recording in Pro Tools

COURSE CODE: MA4
DURATION: 3hrs X 6 Weeks, 6-9pm
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Footscray Nicholson Campus and Kindred Studios
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: 8, 15, 22, 29 November, 6, 13 December (Tuesday evenings)

Pro Tools is one of the most commonly used audio production software solutions in the world.

This short course is ideally suited to teachers wishing to record recitals. Upon completion of this course, participants should have gained the knowledge and skills required to conduct the recording process from the early stages of plugging in microphones and instruments right through to a full mixdown ready for CD. To view more course information creativeindustries.vu.edu.au/short-courses-music-audio.html#proTools

To register or for more information about the course or the teachers contact ci_shortcourses@vu.edu.au or ring 03 99191932.

Remove vocals from a song, delete a verse, sound like Darth Vader: learn how

Audacity is a free app for PC and Mac users which allows you to do all of the above, plus more.

On Thursday 25 August 2011 I’ll be running the next Amazing Audacity workshop on behalf of the Association of Music Educators (Vic.).

The workshop is an all-day, hands-on, bring your own laptop session where you’ll learn simple audio editing tricks such as chopping out sections of a song, creating fade-ins/outs, remove vocals and create digital stories with narration and sound effects

Details:

25 August 2011, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Statewide Resources Centre, Carlton

Cost:

$130 (AMUSE members)   $190 (non-members)

More details and bookings (including a downloadable registration form).

http://e-musicmaestro.com/

This website has a free trial version (before paying a monthly access fee). It provides aural exercises to supplement instrumental lessons.

http://www.flashmusicgames.com/notepair.html

An audio version of the old-fashioned ‘memory card game’. Match the pairs of notes by using your ears …

Go to resource: Auralia is a comprehensive ear-training software package, published by Sibelius. Read more…

http://bigmusic.com.au/learn/professional-development

Big Music offers professional development in Music & Multimedia.

After watching the Mitra TED talk together (http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_build_a_school_in_the_cloud.html), and discussing the future of learning for today’s teenagers, 12-13 year olds in a Music class were asked to get into groups, devise their own “Big Question” to do with music, and come up with a researched presentation. Grouping was flexible, and open to change. Each group had to appoint a ‘granny’ for encouragement. Presentation format was up to each group.

Questions included:

“Who first invented music?”

“How do people respond to different genres of music?”

“How do disabled people experience music?”

“How has music changed over the last 100 years?”

“How is music education different across the globe?”

After half an hour, any student who was without a group (and therefore without a big question) was teacher-guided to collect photos of unusual instruments to present to the class.

Only a few students took the ‘unusual instrument’ approach. Two students found a superficial answer to their question in 5 minutes and settled on it. The rest worked collaboratively and enthusiastically – even those students who avoid practical music making, which was pleasing!

4 lessons were given for the task – 3 of which were in a computer lab. The level of working noise was greater than normal, but very productive. Most students were on task for the vast majority of the time. Excitement was evident in most students. Collaborative work was predominant, with all students voicing their opinions at various times. Weaker students often found themselves working with stronger peers. Groups changed a little throughout the 4 sessions, finding a better balance. Questions of the teacher were few and far between, having encouraged students to seek answers from their group.

Presentations were predominantly in PowerPoint, with students taking turns to read from the screen. This Project-Based Learning (PBL) or SOLE (Student-Oriented Learning Environment) task formed one of six assessment tasks for the year, under the title of “Self Nominated Project”.

The teacher found the sessions lively and entertaining, having the rare chance to sit back and observe active learning as an interested spectator. From a teaching point of view, the SOLE experiment was fun, energising, painless, and surprisingly easy – students did as much thinking as the teacher, which is my new goal for classroom teaching!

http://www.echalk.co.uk/tasters/taster1/taster.html

Blob Chorus is an example on online aural skill practice.

Mrs Brown’s Music Class – a blog for a Primary Music class, along with teacher notes of successful lessons.

find blog here: http://edgalaxy.com/art/?category=Music

read blog post here

Technology use in the classroom attracts political interest … but this article suggests that “technology in music” should be used to promote creativity. Read more …

David Ahrens blog – this US Music educator maintains a blog with Music teaching ideas and commentary, called “Sound Education”

breezinthrutheory.com

New, online music theory lessons and drills. You can currently access a free demo of some of the online drill games.

Bubble Harp draws bubbles around your fingertips, recording and replaying your movements while creating music. It’s a combination of drawing, animation, music, art, geometry and gaming.

$1.99 at iTunes store for iPad or iPhone

http://www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au/education-apps/apps/78-bubble-harp

A bit of fun – create music using an on-screen keyboard or guitar, or using the faces of a 3D cube.

www.buttonbeats.com

www.carnegiehall.org/honor/history/index.aspx

This website shows a timeline of African American music (1600-2000). Each era has a link to information, archives and sound samples (sometimes linked to Amazon.com). Spend a lesson exploring the timeline with your secondary class. Ask them to write two paragraphs summarising their discoveries.

ccsmash.youthedmusic.com.au/how-to/

This online site is provided free by the Arts Centre (Melbourne) – encouraging students to mash music and have creative fun.

www.charangamusic.com.au/site

Charanga is a digital learning community for music education – once paid up and subscribed, you have access to digital lesson materials and support.

Go to resource: ChordBook.com is an interactive virtual online guitar.

Read more…

Go to resource: Classics for Kids is a podcast station that streams classical music suitable for children.

Read more…

http://pinterest.com/katiewardrobe/clever-music-videos/

This page is full of fun music-related videos to show students. Ice-breakers, end-of-year fun, unit-starters …

celticnovelist.wordpress.com/

Read blog post at the above link about the benefits of using computers to help students compose.

Go to resource: Conference notes by Katie Wardrobe (Midnight Music) on Music, technology and education. Includes presentations on Sibelius, Groovy, Audacity, Acid and podcasting.

Here are a series of digital challenges for students - exciting
opportunities for music students across Australia.

The eTrack challenge gives students the great opportunity: To write
and record an original song that tells a story. The story may be based
on personal experience, a friend, a folklore or fairy-tale.

Winners will be awarded digital prizes from our sponsors Adobe, Wacom
and Scholastic at the exciting ceremony at the Sydney Opera House in
November.

Other opportunities include:
* eProfile challenge: To create an informative and motivating eProfile
about an inspirational person such as a singer, composer, musician,
inventor, instrument maker, producer – anyone who is related to the
music world and inspires the students.

The website is at www.wecreate.nsw.edu.au
eTrack: wecreate.nsw.edu.au/wcc_apps/eTrack/challenge.shtm
eProfile: www.cli.nsw.edu.au/lo/challenge.shtm
> For further information please email wecreate@det.nsw.edu.au

Go to resource: Curriculum Support – Creative Arts 7-12 (NSW) is a NSW Department of Education and Training site that provides further resources for the teaching of the creative arts in NSW schools. Read more…

Dismuke - a website dedicated to music of the early 20th century, including early recordings.

www.emusictheory.com/practice.html

Check out this website for free online aural music skill drills and notation practice for students.

Places are still available in the Arts Centre’s upcoming Finale 2011 notation training.

Where:                 The Arts Centre’s Digital Learning Hub

When:                  1 Apr 2011

Cost:                      $200

Presenter:          Amy Bennett

More info can be found at http://www.theartscentre.com.au/discover/education/event.aspx?id=2324

http://www.makingmusicfun.net/pdf/worksheets/composer-employment-application-worksheet.pdf

This fun, free worksheet, asks students to fill in a mock job application, requiring biographical details of a composer. The website www.makingmusicfun.net includes biographical information and other fun activities.

NSW Music teacher has created THIS free app on Pitch – thanks Greg Thwaites!

www.hooktheory.com This website has analysed the chord progression for many recent pop songs. They are colour coded to match Roman numerals to chord names, and also show how quickly each chord changes. The chords are also easily transposed (one click).

teachingmusic.posterous.com/note-names-my-program-from-the-90s-updated-an#more

This link allows you to download (free) a computer game for learning note names.

Attention Singing Teachers, Choir Conductors and all Choral Enthusiasts,

Arts Centre Melbourne invites you to experience a new way to participate in Choral Singing with our iPad Choir.

Step 1              Register Your Interest

Step 2              We deliver the music to your iPad

Step 3              Practice at home with sheet music that plays back (or don’t practice if it’ll make the event more fun!)

Step 4              Come to the one off event and sing your heart out!

We hope to have a wide cross-section of Melbourne’s Choral Community represented, and it’s a great opportunity to sing in the Riverside Mezzanine performance area of the redeveloped Hamer Hall.

Venue:              Riverside Mezzanine in Hamer Hall

Time:                12.30pm

Dates:              Thursday 14 March

Duration:           1 hour

Cost:                free – but you must register to participate

To register call 9281 8748 or email ipadchoir@artscentremelbourne.com.au

You can visit the event page here.

Please note, this event is for adults and not school children, unless they have particular skill in this area.

I look forward to hearing from you,

www.ptn.org.au/latest-news/a-free-teaching-resource

A free IWB resource for primary teachers from PTN (Primary Teacher Network)

A Secondary Music & Technology teacher is here sharing resources with the rest of us

http://musicteachntech.com/resources-and-lesson-plans/

free worksheet – Sarah Lantz has made a cute, free worksheet which uses clover leaves to help kids practise the notes in a major chord

Lesson idea – help students to fill in the clover leaves (with chord notes) then play them on keyboard, glocks, guitar …

HERE you can download Katie Wardrobe’s new e-book – it’s a book about free music resources on the internet. ENJOY!

THIS free, interactive music theory website moves from basic beginner music theory to 4 part harmony writing and cadences.

www.gmajormusictheory.org/Fundamentals/workbooks.html

jozzbeatinteractive.com/jellymusic-pilot

Jozzbeat is offering FREE access to its new online Music education software (for 5-13 year olds) from February to April 2012. Click on the above link to find out more information. The program suits classroom teachers without ANY musical background, as well as being fun for music specialists. It requires having a digital projector or interactive whiteboard in the classroom, and giving brief feedback after lessons.

www.jozzbeat.com/MCUI2011/home

This is a fun way to learn / teach the Music: Count Us In song for 2011 (We’ve Got the Music). In fact, the song will teach itself, all ready for the massed-music-making MCUI event on 1st September, 2011.

If you don’t yet have a free login, and have registered for Music: Count Us In, please send an email to mcui.admin@mca.org.au requesting a Jozzbeat login.

ENJOY!!!

http://academic.udayton.edu/tobyrush/theorypages/

THIS FREE RESOURCE is a powerpoint presentation of well over 100 slides. It comes from THIS website. THANKS!

Give students a copy of the powerpoint (perhaps edit it down a bit first). Ask them to create a timeline or their own powerpoint to show 60 years of Rock’n'Roll history.

On Thursday June 23rd Future Music will be running a FREE  PD session on the new PRO TOOLS 9.
This is an introduction to the new recording software which is now simpler to use and is much less expensive than before.

PRO TOOLS is an industry standard used in TV, movie and recording studios everywhere. The version for schools use has the same technology, but is appropriate for classroom particularly in a VCE and VET application, it can now be used directly with Sibelius.

The presenter for this PD is Peter Wardrobe from AVID, who will introduce you to the process in an easy to understand non technical form. We will record using MIDI and audio. Part of the session will take place in a professional recording  studio, where you can get up close to the real environment.

The session will finish around 6pm and we will round off with drinks and light refreshments. There is no charge for this session.

The address for this PD is:
BURWOOD MUSIC CENTRE
2a Florence St (off Huntingdale road)
Burwood.

RSVP is essential.
Please call JUDY on 9808 8988

www.soungle.com

This website offers royalty free sound effects and instrument sounds.

MIDNIGHT MUSIC LINK

Katie Wardrobe from Midnight Music has written up free tips for creating Sibelius flash cards and scores using Kodaly notation THANKS!!

FunMusicCo provides a free video on teaching intervals HERE – ideally using an IWB. A free student worksheet can also be found HERE. Thanks for sharing, FunMusicCo!

Interactive Whiteboard resource kits from FunMusicCo (suit primary classroom)

http://www.funmusicco.com/index.shtml?gclid=CM6c96fD-a8CFcNMpgod1w4hEw

I just got a fright when I tried to use the new GarageBand ‘11 – where had the loops gone? I found them again via THIS FREE TUTORIAL on YouTube.

THIS blogging music teacher provides us with a free handout – a unit outline and planner for middle school students writing film music in GarageBand. THANKS!

Great fun for Middle School aged students with glockenspiels (or keyboards) … view it here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXPrUkjENrQ (recorder)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH8Fb1kKsGM (glockenspiel)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBF-_WMY8HU (crockenspiel)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ho9yEAOrI (gameboy)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYabXLTDSxw (ocarina)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjxQARym4DQ (zither)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmG34QB07Bc (mobile phone)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpg2k2C103k (squeakaphone)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opg4VGvyi3M&feature=youtu.be

http://grooveshark.com/

A free service (blocked to many students, but usually available to teachers) whereby you can listen to and playlist thousands of songs for free, while you are online.

Download is not possible (nor would it be ethical!).

Not a complete repertoire as yet – for instance you won’t find music of the recent Royal Wedding, or anything from the “Black Arm Band”.

You WILL find many indigenous / Aboriginal artists on GrooveShark: Gurrumul Yunupingu, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, didgeridoo music, “Rough Guide to Australia Aboriginal Music”, Saltwater Band, Yothu Yindi …

THIS primary school unit on rock and guitar used the video game “Guitar Hero” to inspire a cross-curricular unit of learning. Navigate using the sub-headings at the top of page.

http://www.tom.com.au/kara-oke/oz-rock.htm

Curated and organised by dedicated experimental instrument builders Rod Cooper, John Jacobs and Ben Kolaitis, the Hmm… festival celebrates all things handmade in contemporary experimental instrument building and design.

With talks, workshops, performances, makers market and installations Hmm… will showcase unconventional and surprising sound devices from circuit bent toys, handcrafted resonators, hacked TV’s pirate transmitters and fruit controlled synthesizers!

The festival will feature installations and performances from a diverse line-up of renound local, interstate and international experimental sound artists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lExW80sXsHs This video clip of 3 a cappella singers starts with gregorian chant, the focuses on 1900 – 2010’s. Watch with your class and ask for suggestions of changes in music through time.

THIS “History or Rock” app should save me a lot of time when preparing this term’s unit on Rock Music. ($5.50) We will look at one decade each week. I will pick out a song from each decade and encourage the Musical Futures groups to learn that song each week.

www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/event.aspx?id=2695

The Arts Centre has provided a fun, interactive site to learn more about Australian Rock music and its history.

https://www.coursera.org/course/historyofrock1

http://www.themusicvoid.com/2013/04/24-ways-musicians-can-use-the-ipad/

Read the article HERE (includes lists of apps and websites).

Use SoundCloud and blogging to give students feedback on recorded performances / compositions. Read more HERE.

Go to resource: Phil Tulga presents a list of interactive activities and lesson plans which combine Music with Science, Language and Maths.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalmusic/9987427/Can-the-internet-open-up-classical-music-to-a-wider-audience.html

blog link – a frequently updated blog of ideas on how to use iPad (and other technology) in Music Education

http://valley.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/seymour_ipads_team_up_with_waterbury_symphony_orchestra/

This newspaper article talks about composing music for student iPads, to be played with a professional orchestra!

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/central/computer-key-to-schools-music-future/story-fn8ygho7-1226088042117

Moorooka State School is using technology (such as iPads & GarageBand) to inspire composition and music education.

Here are some iPad (and iPhone) apps, either free or inexpensive, which I can see being useful for secondary music teachers…

PIANO IN A FLASH APP : chord charts

FLASH MUSIC: flash cards for a few basic instruments
Year 7 intro and revision
Beginner Guitar : Marty YouTube clips and sign up for access to 900 lessons
Classical 1: famous excerpts from 100+ famous classical tunes
Year 9&10 trivia and guess
MSO learn : Take Your Seat
Year 7: highlights each section within Grainger work, play entire work first then highlight each section, take notes on preprinted book while working through each instrument
Classical Guitar: experiment with simple cord progressions with common
chords year 8&9&10
Touch music : explore the power of rhythm by changing only rhythm of famous songs
Year 7&8 guess the song with random taps
Thum Drum : mostly novelty
Teach Question and Answer with two students year 7&8
Melody Com : composes with rhythm blocks
Year 7&8&9&10 to intro composition
Music Tool : plays diff chords and shows circle of fifths
Year 9&10 aural chords
Guitar lick of the day: advanced guitarists
1 on 1
Key Wiz: find note name or keyboard note for one or both staves , requires a little setup
Year 7&8 extension individually
Flash cards: has fifty plus music definitions
Guess, write, check
Karajan Beginner: aural tests
year 9&10 chord types and intervals
WI orchestra
Year 7 compose & learn about orch timbres

Rhythm Cat

Middle School: learning to tap basic rhythms

Read the article HERE

iPads can be used for music therapy as well … here’s a list of iPad apps that might be applicable

http://edahead.com/2012/09/09/amta-national-conference-2012-resources/

Many of the iPad apps mentioned in THIS list would suit classroom Music teaching for all ages.

A few iPad apps which might contribute to an Orff type lesson (if you have a class set of iPads for Music)

http://wrightstuffmusic.com/2011/06/12/ipad-apps-for-orff-lessons/

http://ht.ly/90dQh

A new edition of Practical Technology for Music Education has been created and is in the iBookstore textbook format.  The new book contains a number of new chapters, more links, and some interactive features (mainly as an attempt to see how those features work).  The book is currently under review by Apple, and when it is released, a link to the book will be provided.  The price of the enhanced and expanded first edition will be $4.99.

Part way down the page of Mustech Wiki you’ll find a long list of resources for Interactive Whiteboards in Music education.

Jam2Jam – inexpensive software for online, collaborative composition (without the need for instrumental skills)

A Jozzbeat percussion chart has appeared using the Music: Count Us In 2012 song.

It’s an online, animated chart (JellyBeans-style) for classes to play percussion with. Great for learning rhythm reading and concepts of arrangement. ENJOY!!

How do you get FREE access? Sign in to Music: Count Us In … then email monica.mpfl@mca.org.au asking for the JellyBeans chart access. ENJOY!!!

ozteacher.com.au/html/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2294:katies-connections&catid=17:technology&Itemid=382

Katie Noonan and Musica Viva are using video-conferencing and Google + to connect music students across geographical boundaries.

Go to resource: Midnight Music and Katie Wardrobe run workshops for teachers who want to integrate computers with Music education.  She also offers workshops to students.

KET – this website provides free Music lesson plans for 5-18 year olds. NOTE: Some of the content requires additional KET resources (videos).

Isle of Tune website

Create a video-game-type composition where trees and houses = musical tones … cars = players

free lesson content (facts PLUS free assignment worksheet) on interpreting clefs and notation http://www.lessontutor.com/eesMusic1.html

wrightstuffmusic.com/in-the-classroom/making-music-fun/

Wright Stuff Music offers a list of links for fun online music activities (K-12)

Surf through the tabs of this ‘online binder’ for music teachers:

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=312932

Audio Production and MIDI Sequencing in Logic Pro 9

To register or for more information contact the Short Course Team on 03 9919 1932

COURSE CODE: MA3
DURATION: 3hrs per weeknight for 6 Weeks
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Music Department, Footscray Nicholson Campus

COURSE DATES AVAILABLE:

• 27 April, 4, 11, 18, 25 May, 1 June (2011)

Audio Production and MIDI Sequencing in Logic Pro 9
COURSE CODE: MA3
DURATION: 3hrs per weeknight for 6 Weeks
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Music Department, Footscray Nicholson Campus (Vic)
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: 20, 27 July, 3, 19, 17, 24 Aug 2011

This short course will be an introduction to audio recording/editing and MIDI sequencing in Apple’s industry standard Digital Audio Workstation.
Ideal for solo artists, music teachers and anyone interested in creating their own music on a Mac computer. Learn how to record, edit and mix your own professional composition from beginning to end. This course will be based in a computer lab.

The following topics will be covered:
*       Basic audio theory
*       Audio recording
*       Audio editing
*       MIDI sequencing
*       Software AU instruments
*       Synthesis and sampling
*       Mixing skills
The main software used will be Logic Pro 9.

The outcomes will be:
*       basic operation of audio hardware in a recording studio
*       basic knowledge of audio principles
*       basic operation of a Digital Audio Workstation

To register or for more information contact 03 9919 1932 or email ci_shortcourses@vu.edu.au

Go to resource: Make Music by TVO Kids is an online game about combining and editing musical instruments.

Read more…

Explore the music and methods of Australia’s Matthew Hindson HERE thanks to Musica Viva.

Greg Thwaites has supported the cause of Music: Count Us In by creating a free app for iPhone, iPod &iPad. By downloading this free program, students / staff / parents can learn the song from just about anywhere. Ask kids to download the app and leave them to learn the song in their own way!

LINK TO THE FREE MCUI APP

itunes.apple.com/au/app/meet-the-orchestra/id477481151?mt=8

This iPad app cost about $2, and occupied most of Year 7 music class yesterday. It works through every instrument of the orchestra (by family) with 4 different audio samples for each instrument, alongside factual info.

m.currach.net/i/mm An app for iPhone and iPod: MelodyMelody is an ear training program which uses a memory grid to match identical phrases. Good for primary school and new musicians.

http://soundhouse.org.au/packagepop/subscribe.pdf

SoundHouse is an Australian resource-writer, student workshop and Professional Development provider, specialising in multi-media.

The above link will give you more information about on-line resources to help teach classroom guitar, percussion/drum, keyboard and practical theory ($199 per year) or email    info@soundhouse.org.au

NEW Online Courses 2013 January Holiday Courses: 1. iPads in Music 7-28 January, 2013 2. Music Tech for the Terrified 8-29 January, 2013 (information coming soon) Term 1, 2013 Courses 1. Sibelius Basics 2. Interactive Whiteboards 3. Amazing Audacity 4. Sibelius Advanced How do online courses work?  Find out more

Apple computer users love GarageBand software for making music.

Non-Apple users might like “Mixcraft” for recording, editing and looping music.

www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXcWZS7E_og&feature=youtu.be

MoMu - This paper discusses an open source platform for creating Music on iPhones, as created at Stanford University.

MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LAUNCHES EDUCATIONAL iPHONE APP

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has launched a new educational iPhone App called MSO Learn, designed to teach children and adults alike about the inner workings of the MSO and its musicians.

Launched to coincide with MSO’s inaugural Education Week (14 – 18 June 2011), MSO Learn for iPhone and iPad is the first App of its kind to offer the user an advanced interactive audio-visual exploration of an orchestra, featuring the different instrumental families, individual instruments and the musicians who play them.

“The MSO is delighted to be able to offer such an interactive and engaging App to complement its comprehensive Education and Community programs,” said Bronwyn Lobb, the MSO’s Manager of Education and Community Outreach.

Great news: mtec (Music Technology in Education Conference) is on again!

Please hold the dates, April 8 – 10, 2013 and plan to join us at Yarra
Valley Grammar School, Ringwood, Melbourne.

The conference committee is working to confirm a great line up of key
presenters and we hope to have a call for presenters ready very soon so
watch your inbox.

Keep an eye on the new MTEC 2013 page of the website at
http://soundhouse.org.au/content/mtec-2013

Information on calls for papers, and early bird and Soundhouse member
registrations will be out very soon, but put your thinking caps on, find
some examples of great student work, and get ready to share your
experiences at what promises to be the biggest MTEC yet.

If you are on Facebook, you may also like to stay in touch with conference
happenings by visiting www.facebook.com/mtecaustralia (click on the Like
button near the top). 

In the meantime, please make sure 8-10 April 2013 is marked in your
diary!

If you are receiving this email then you are already on our conference
updates list, so there is no need to fill out the Expression of Interest
form on the website.

If you would like to unsubscribe from this mtec2013 enews, please reply to
this message with the word “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

Regards
Glenys Gijsbers
Soundhouse Music Alliance Administration
Stockdale ACS
300 Huntingdale Rd
Huntingdale
VIC 3166

Phn +61 3 9254 1000
Fax +61 3 8610 1936 or 9545 6708
mtecmail@gmail.com

The Music Technology in Education Conference (mtec2011) will take place on 11-13 April 2011 at MLC School in Burwood, (Sydney) NSW.

Go to the website at www.mtec2011.com for regularly updated information on sessions and presenters, travel and accommodation, times, and other details to help you plan your attendance.

Registrations for the  Music Technology in Education Conference 2013 are now open.

mtec2013 is being held at Yarra Valley Grammar School, from 8-10 April 2013.

mtec2013 is the third biennial technology conference specifically designed

for music educators.  This unique Australian conference provides an opportunity for music

educators to come together, to share ideas and learn about the latest developments in technology.

•       Renowned local and international keynote speakers

•       Practical and engaging hands-on sessions using computers and iPads

•       Ideas for curriculum integration

•       Opportunities to share ideas with other educators

•       Industry representatives showing the newest technologies

Register and pay before December 17 and receive Super Early Bird

discounts.

Head to the website for more information and online registration:

http://mtec2013.info/registration/

free online mixing game – BBC has created on online interactive mixing webpage … choose a nationality (African, Cuban, Celtic, New Orleans, Oriental, Spanish, UK) … use sliders to bring different tracks and sound effects into your mix. A perfect activity for mixed ability classes where some students have no instrumental skills.

Lesson Idea: let students discover the BBC Music Mixing webpage … then discuss the similarities and differences between the different cultures of music represented on the webpage … ask each student to create a Venn diagram which compares two of the musical cultures from the website

Music Technology Workshops 2012

Presented by Katie Wardrobe

Term THREE

Wednesday 22 August

MuseScore Basics: Free notation software

Wednesday 29 August

Sibelius Basics: Scores and worksheets

Term FOUR

Friday 19 October

Sibelius Advanced: Formatting, drum notation, playback tricks and more

Tuesday 23 October

FIlmscoring with Garageband

Wednesday 7 November

iPads 2: More creative Ideas for Classroom Music (**NEW)

Wednesday 21 November

Amazing Audacity: Recording, editing, sound stories and backing tracks

Friday 23 November

Integrating IPads into the Music Classroom: Create, play, learn (**REPEAT)

FULL SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS

Full description each workshop available from the aMuse website:

http://amuse.vic.edu.au/PL2012/katie_wardrobe2012.htm

http://www.musiccountusin.org.au/remository?func=select&id=45

The 2011 (free) Teaching Kit for “We’ve Got the Music” just went online. It features free lesson ideas and teaching resources for Primary and Middle School classes, as well as brilliant ideas for inclusion and special needs. It is designed for generalist classroom teachers and music teachers alike.

All feedback welcome. Bring on 1st September 2011!!

If you haven’t signed up, please do, then you’ll be able to view the Teaching Kit.

Go to resource: Music Games by Inclusive Technology (UK) is a free downloadable music game aimed at students aged 5 to 8 years. Read more…

www.musicproductionschools.net

This website is a great reference for students interested in the editing and engineering side of sound / music / audio. It includes study paths and average salary for different types of Music Production jobs.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS WITH KATIE WARDROBE

Katie Wardrobe will present seven new music technology workshops in 2013, as well as a few old favourites.

Katie Wardrobe is a qualified teacher (Bachelor of Music, Hons) who enjoys helping people who are short on time and dislike reading software manuals. She is a Sibelius Training Partner and has also worked for Sibelius Australia as an Education and Support Specialist, presenting workshops and demonstrations at events around Australia. She has worked as a freelance copyist, music arranger and transcriber for more than 20 years and is a member of the Music Arrangers Guild of Australia. Katie now runs her own business – Midnight Music – which specialises in music technology training for educators and students. For more information visit www.midnightmusic.com.au

• All workshops are ‘hands-on

• Participants should bring their own laptops

• Suitable for Mac and PC users

• Sessions will use a range software applications including

• Audacity, Acid, GarageBand, Sibelius and free internet resources.

• Software applications will be available to download/install prior to the workshop once your registration has been received.

• iPad workshops a speciality!

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS ARE LOCATED ON THE AMUSE WEBSITE

http://amuse.vic.edu.au/PL2013/music_tech2013.htm

COST (per workshop)

$150.00 (members)

$225.00 (non-members)

TIME

10.00am – 3.00pm

VENUE

Statewide Resources Centre

150 Palmerston Street, Carlton

Melway reference — Map 2B:H6

Google Map

Booking essential

Lunch is provided

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS

Term Two

Wednesday 1 May

Music technology for primary teachers NEW

Thursday 2 May

Creative projects for GarageBand NEW

Monday 6 May

Creative projects for Acid Music Studio NEW

Wednesday 22 May

iPads in the music classroom: Getting started

Wednesday 5 June

Creative projects for Mixcraft NEW

Thursday 6 June

iPads in the music classroom: More creative ideas

Term THREE

Wednesday 24 July

Sibelius© projects for students NEW

Thursday 8 August

Amazing Audacity

Wednesday 21 August

Sibelius© Basics

Monday 26 August

Make your own website in a day NEW

Term FOUR

Wednesday 16 October

iPads in the music classroom: Getting started

Thursday 31 October

Speedy arranging with Sibelius© NEW

Wednesday 6 November

Sibelius© Advanced

Monday11 November

iPads in the music classroom: More creative ideas

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS ARE LOCATED ON THE AMUSE WEBSITE

http://amuse.vic.edu.au/PL2013/music_tech2013.htm

ENQUIRES

Kevin Kelley

Executive Officer

Association of Music Educators

150 Palmerston Street. Carlton 3053

P 03 9349 1048

F 03 9349 1052

Kevin.kelley@amuse.vic.edu.au

Www.amuse.vic.edu.au

wiki link here

a list of social-networking sites and free interactive whiteboard (IWB) resources for music education

A quick update about some of the events coming up in Term 2 (selected events listed!):

1. Interactive Whiteboards in the Music Classroom Online Course

1, 8, 15, 22 May

Places limited

Details: http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/interactive-whiteboards-in-music-online-course/

2. MuseScore Notation: Score Creation and Collaboration for Free

Presented by COSAMP and Midnight Music

22 May, 2012

East Brighton, VIC

Details: http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/cosampmusescore

3. Goulburn Workshops

Sibelius in the Classroom – 30 May, 2012

Interactive Whiteboards in the Music Classroom – 31 May, 2012

iPads: Perform, Create, Learn – 1 June, 2012

Details: http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/goulburn

4. Sibelius Basics Online Course

5, 12, 19, 26 June, 2012

Places limited

Details: http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/sibbasicsonline

5. Making Music With Loops, Samples and Virtual Instruments

Presented by Kye Thomas (COSAMP)

East Brighton, VIC

7 June, 2012

Details: http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/cosamploops

For details if these events and more, visit http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/upcoming-events/

http://pinterest.com/katiewardrobe/free-music-technology-resources/

This website presents dozens of great websites re. music technology in education. Thanks Katie!

Music Technology Workshops 2012 Presented by Katie Wardrobe

Katie Wardrobe is a qualified teacher (Bachelor of Music, Hons) who enjoys helping people who are short on time and dislike reading software manuals. She is a Sibelius Training Partner and has also worked for Sibelius Australia as an Education and Support Specialist, presenting workshops and demonstrations at events around Australia.  She has worked as a freelance copyist, music arranger and transcriber for more than 20 years and is a member of the Music Arrangers Guild of Australia. Katie now runs her own business – Midnight Music – which specialises in music technology training for educators and students. For more information visit

• All workshops are ‘hands-on’

• Participants should bring their own laptops

• Suitable for Mac and PC users

• Sessions will use a range software applications including Audacity, Acid, GarageBand, Sibelius and free internet resources.

• Software applications will be available to download/install prior to the workshop once your registration has been received.

• No experience necessary unless stated.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

COST

$135.00 (members)

$210.00 (non-members)

TIME

9.30am – 3.30pm

VENUE

Statewide Resources Centre

150 Palmerston Street, Carlton

Melway reference — Map 2B:H6

Booking essential

Lunch is provided

(please advise of any special dietary requirements)

Enquiries Kevin Kelley 03 9349 1048 info@amuse.vic.edu.au

SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS

Full description each workshop available from the aMuse website:

http://amuse.vic.edu.au/PL2012/katie_wardrobe2012.htm

Term ONE

Wednesday 21 March

Integrating IPads into the Music Classroom: Create, play, learn

Term TWO

FRIDAY 20 April

Music Tech On A Shoestring: Creative Projects For Students Using Free Software

Wednesday 9 May

Sibelius in the Classroom: Notation Software Projects For Students

Thursday 24 May

The Remix Project

Term THREE

Friday 20 July

Integrating IPads into the Music Classroom: Create, play, learn

Wednesday 22 August

MuseScore Basics: Free notation software

Wednesday 29 August

Sibelius Basics: Scores and worksheets

Term FOUR

Friday 19 October

Sibelius Advanced: Formatting, drum notation, playback tricks and more

Friday 26 October

FIlmscoring with Garageband

Wednesday November 21

Amazing Audacity: Recording, editing, sound stories and backing tracks

The Midnight Music “BYO laptop” workshops are run by trainer Katie Wardrobe from Midnight Music.

Teachers bring their own laptop to the workshops (or borrow one!) and install free software or demo versions of paid software applications ahead of the session. Sessions include “how-to” tutorials and curriculum integration suggestions. No prior knowledge is assumed (unless specified) and the atmosphere is fun and relaxing.

How To Host A Bring Your Own Laptop Workshop

Hosting a workshop for music teachers in your area is easy. You’ll just need to provide the following:

• a classroom with tables and chairs (adult-sized!)
• access to power for workshop attendees
• wireless access to the internet is desirable
• morning and afternoon tea provisions (tea, coffee, hot water, milk, sugar, cups.  Biscuits would also be nice!)

Other details

• Workshops will run for a full day from 9.30am – 3.30pm (or 10am – 4pm)
• Teachers from other schools will bring their own lunch
• All workshop bookings and enquiries will be taken care of by Midnight Music
• The workshops will be run with a minimum number attendees (approx. 10 people – number to be determined by Midnight Music)

Rates

• Full-day workshop: $150 per person
• Host school/institution entitled to one FREE registration

Enquiries and Expressions of Interest

If you are interested in hosting a workshop for teachers in your area, please fill out this form making sure that you include a couple of possible workshop dates: http://midnightmusic.com.au/byolaptopform

If you’d like more information, please email Katie: Katie@midnightmusic.com.au or visit this page:

http://midnightmusic.com.au/byolaptop

Workshop Descriptions

Please note: other workshops available by negotiation.

Sibelius Basics: Scores and Worksheets

Interactive Whiteboards in the Music Classroom

During the session we’ll talk about effective (and fun!) ways to use your IWB for:

• Teaching music literacy skills
• Delivery of aural training exercises
• Creating a bank of learning resources that can be used many times across multiple classes
• Recording student performances
• Enhancing listening classes
• Creating soundscapes, arrangements or compositions
• Effective class ensemble performances

Amazing Audacity

Easy recording, editing, sound stories and backing tracks.

Great Ways To Use Technology in the Music Classroom

This year’s wiki site for ‘Music Count Us In’ is up and running. So far there are lyrics, scores, mp3’s, a sing-along movie and  a karaoke movie. Keep looking because more resources will be added over the next weeks. Just follow this free link:

http://musiccountusin2011.wikispaces.com

Hope you enjoy it, Sally

THIS article can also be read in the Music Forum Magazine.

Read article HERE.

www.musicatschool.co.uk is a free website of Secondary Music teaching ideas, lesson plans and worksheets from UK Music teachers.

For example, here is a worksheet for Year 7’s learning about how orchestral players are seated:

http://www.musicatschool.co.uk/year_7/Instruments_sheets/layout_worksheet.PDF

There’s a new online (free) magazine published in UK to support Music Education …

www.musiceducationuk.com/read-issue-2/

Read the article HERE

Musiclopedia – an A to Z directory of websites re. Music Genres, Recording Artists, Orchestras etc.

MusicPlay – a website presenting general knowledge of instruments of the orchestra, with online quizzes.

MusicRacer is an online game for learning how to read notes on the staff.

MusicTechTeacher – free lesson plans for Primary Instrumental Music + Technology.

Go to resource: MusTech (USA) is a music education website that specifically focuses on music technology. It was established in 2006 by Professor Joseph Pisano.

Read more…

musicschool.myresourcecloud.net

Guitar, Bass, Keyboard and Drum lessons via MyResourceCloud’s Music School website. A subscription fee applies.

$15 app for iPad – scores with flashing cursors synchronised with video footage of orchestra playing … plus interviews with instrumentalists … www.touchpress.com/orchestra/

“Interactive exploration of orchestral music and instruments.”

This app presents eight specially filmed performances, featuring extended extracts from:

Haydn Symphony No 6
Beethoven Symphony No 5
Berlioz Symphonie fantastique
Debussy Prélude à l’après midi d’un faune
Mahler Symphony No 6
Stravinsky The Firebird
Lutoslawski Concerto for Orchestra
Salonen Violin Concerto, soloist Leila Josefowicz

New Millenium Records – a rich resource for free lesson content. Most lessons are paragraphs of typed information embedded with free audio files or video clips to support the text.

Go to resource: The New York Philharmonic Orchestra Interactive Kid’s Site offers interactive online music games about orchestral instruments, composition, composers, musicians, and conductors.

Read more…

http://australianmusiceducators.ning.com/ is an Australian discussion forum for music educators.  It was set up with the intent of discussing ideas on classroom band programs, but it really is a forum for discussion on any aspect of Australian music teaching from P-12.  At present there is a small group of members, but I am hoping to build it up and draw on a wide range of professional knowledge and experience.

This group is completely FREE (in a monetary sense, not a moral or metaphysical sense).

Please come along and check it out.  The page is run as a ning, which is basically a social network with a particular focus.  It is great for online discussion, linking of video and photo and has facility for you to blog.  All you need to do is create an account.

http://mustech.net/2013/02/reflections-from-the-2013-timetmea-conference/

Music Technology conference notes

Watch a demonstration of what O-Generator offers re. teaching world music rhythms on percussion.

http://www.o-music.tv/wm_play_video.htm

Are you a Primary music teacher who has been teaching for a long time and are finding the move towards using technology in the classroom daunting? Or are you starting to use technology in your music classes but want to go further? Do you have an Interactive Whiteboard in your music classroom but are not sure how to incorporate it in your lesson? Would you just like to talk to other music colleagues about how they are using technology in their music classes? Is your school looking at replacing existing computers with iPads? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then this PD is for you.

By the end of our session, you will have lots of ideas about using the Interactive whiteboard (if you have one), great website ideas which your students will love, ways to use Garageband as a composition tool, and some other great technology tools that are available to music teachers. The PD will also feature a demonstration of “Interactive Music Room 1 & 2” (from the Bushfire Press Company). All of this in a friendly environment where you will leave feeling more confident to take the step into adding IT ideas to your lessons. Your students will be more engaged in their lessons and you will feel excited by their response. Feel more confident to enter the 2012 school year planning your curriculum to incorporate some of these ideas.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A TECH HEAD TO DO THIS!

WHEN: – Tuesday Oct 18th, 4.30pm – 6pm or Thursday Oct 27th, 4.30pm – 6pm or Friday October 28th, 9.30am – 11am. WHERE: – Well Imagine That, 142 Yarra Street, Warrandyte, Victoria 3113

For information about how to enroll for this PD, visit the website: www.wellimaginethat.com.au or email:   wellimaginethat@iprimus.com.au

In B flat – a collection of short audio/visual clips which can be played in sequence or simultaneously.

Lesson idea – explore the possibilities within this webpage THEN create your own 3-part composition in B flat.

http://cnx.org/content/col10214/latest/ “Sound Reasoning”

“Sound Reasoning” is a web-based, introductory music appreciation course. It features an explanation, followed by a relevant musical audio quote.

This e-text offers a new approach to music appreciation for adults or 17-18 year old students, focusing on style-independent concepts. While the course concentrates primarily on Western classical and modern music, the concepts that are introduced apply to music of any style or era. The goal of “Sound Reasoning” is to equip you with questions that you may ask of any piece of music, thereby creating a richer and more comprehensive understanding of music both familiar and unfamiliar.

DSO Kids has some new, online, free music games – learning about classical composers through games.

LINK HERE

Online Guitar chord fingering book

www.desktopblues.lichtlabor.ch This website lets students play along with a blues radio. They have 24 different bars / licks to experiment with (guitar and vocals) just by clicking a button. Inform the class of an easy 12 bar blues progression to try on their choice of instrument: C C C C F F C C G F C G

http://www.flashmusicgames.com/
scroll down the screen, then try recording a simple song using the on-screen keyboard

A free online metronome. Use the “on” and “off” buttons to make the clicking start and stop.

MUSIC MATTERS online session – for teachers and students

This is a quick update to let you know that there are a few places left for my next Sibelius Basics Online Course which starts on Tuesday 5 June, 2012.

The course takes place after-hours from the comfort of your home (!).  There are 4 evening sessions over four weeks and all you need is a computer and an internet connection.

Sibelius Basics Online course details: http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/sibelius-basics-online-course/

Other upcoming online courses include:

iPads in Music Education (course description coming soon)

Sibelius Advanced

Amazing Audacity

Interactive Whiteboards

Sibelius in the Classroom (using Sibelius with your students)

Information about these courses: http://www.midnightmusic.com.au/online-after-hours-music-technology-courses/

If you’ve never done an online course before, you’re not alone.   Here’s what some of the recent course participants have said:

“This was my first time doing one of these.  I was terrified that my technology wouldn’t work, but it all did and Katie, you were so clear and patient and also understanding, so that I didn’t feel stupid when I asked a question.  This is a great way to do this sort of PD.  Homework tasks were very good – it makes you revisit the content of that session even if you are not actually doing it in front of your class.” – Sabina Turner, Pymble Ladies’ College NSW (Interactive Whiteboards in the Music Classroom May 2012)

“I really enjoyed the course, great content, fabulous presenter and best of all the convenience of doing it in my own home. With so many things to fit in the day, the ability to put my son to bed, have a cup of tea and learn was wonderful. Thanks so much Katie!” – Hayley Blakiston, Woodleigh School, VIC (Interactive Whiteboards in the Music Classroom May 2012)

“I enjoyed completing this at a time time that fits in with family life. My experience with using technology is limited due to the ‘little’ time allocated to classroom music in the junior levels at school. I enjoyed learning something new and feeling as though I am not too ‘out dated’ !!! Thanks Katie” – Meg Griffiths, Patterson River SC, VIC (Amazing Audacity Course, March 2012)

If you have any questions about this course, or any other online or in-person courses, please feel free to email me.

katie@midnightmusic.com.au

All the best

Katie

#OperaPlot – 11-15 April 2011, Twitter members from around the world will be creating a new opera – one phrase at a time

This could make an interesting lesson idea – students write a sentence each … maybe even borrow the melody from another choral work …

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/musictutor/id448150755?mt=8&ls=1

Try giving groups of students ‘big questions’ or composition tasks or performance challenges (eg. Battle of the Bands) and lots of space to self-direct with access to the internet … and see what they come up with. Some ideas HERE and HERE.

Penrith Valley Learning Centre is working through issues with troubled students via music recording and video creation projects.

http://www.peterandthewolffilm.co.uk/Peter%20and%20the%20Wolf%20-%20Family%20resource%20pack%20draft%204.pdf

A free resource booklet (online) to accompany “Peter and the Wolf” – a puppet animation of the famous Prokofiev work. The original music was written over 100 years ago to inspire school students to enjoy music!

Online game – match the music themes to their animated characters.

Link to the animated movie website

ARTICLE LINK HERE

“Pinterest became popular with educators because it was a wonderful way to share ideas using links, pictures and information. Perform a search for music education on Pinterest, and you will have an endless list. However, perform a more detailed search and you will find some great resources.”

Sibelius Scanning and MIDI files
Friday 25 November

Do you have a shelf full of scores that you’d like to arrange for your students to play? With Photoscore Lite (which comes free with Sibelius), you can scan scores directly into Sibelius where you can rearrange them.  For instance, take a Bach chorale and rearrange it for brass ensemble, or transform a viola part into a 3rd violin part.  Or perhaps you have a MIDI file of a favourite song you’ve downloaded that you would like to use as a basis for band arrangement?  Sibelius allows you to open MIDI files directly and will interpret each instrumental part as a separate stave.  Scanning music or opening MIDI files are great ways to get notes into Sibelius quickly – once you know a few tricks.  This hands-on workshop will cover tips for importing the song, cleaning up the notation, changing instrumentation and transposing parts to create quick arrangements in Sibelius.

Although this session is designed for both new and experienced users, a basic knowledge of Sibelius will help you get the most out of the day.

Things you MUST bring:

• Your laptop with any version of Sibelius (or you can download the demo version here: http://www.sibelius.com/cgi-bin/download/get.pl?com=sh&prod=sibdemo
• A Full-size computer keyboard (with numerical keypad) that plugs into your laptop’s USB port.  Borrow one from your school for the day or purchase one for around $20 from places like Dick Smith, Harvey Norman or Officeworks
• A mouse

Please note that MIDI keyboards will be available to use on the day

COST (per workshop)
$130.00 (members)
$190.00 (non-members)
TIME
9.30am – 3.30pm
VENUE
Statewide Resources Centre
150 Palmerston Street, Carlton
Melway reference — Map 2B:H6

Booking essential
Lunch is provided

ENQUIRIES
Kevin Kelley
Executive Officer
Association of Music Educators (Vic) Inc
150 Palmerston Street
CARLTON Victoria 3053
AUSTRALIA

Phone +613 9349 1048
Fax + 613 9349 1052
Kevin.kelley@amuse.vic.edu.au
Www.amuse.vic.edu.au

Podcasting How-To – instructions for teachers and students on making and using podcasts in Music lessons

LINK HERE – thanks to Midnight Music!

Amy Burns is an experienced elementary music teacher at Farhills Country Day School in New Jersey and the author of Technology Integration in the Elementary Music Classroom (highly recommended).

Amy’s writes about her classroom activities and also about the professional development workshops she runs at Elementary Music/Music Technology. She also has a website where she uploads notes from her conference presentations and maintains lists of useful links for Smartboard (interactive whiteboard) resources and more.

Amy has started curating collections of links on the visual sharing site Pinterest [this is something I'm finding very useful too. In the future I'll be writing a post about Pinterest and how you can use it to keep track of resources. You can find me on Pinterest here] and has boards that feature music she has used in her 2011-2012 concerts, iPad apps she uses in her PreK-Grade 3 classes and websites she uses in class.

Allison Friedman

Allison Friedman is a general music, chorus and band teacher at South Salem Elementary School and she maintains two websites: one contains student work, links and class information and the other is a wiki set up to share her interactive whiteboard resources, links and other files with music teachers.

Units of work for her general music classes can be found on the General Music page (follow the links to each year level). She also has links to the digital media work she has done with students, including podcasts, videos and pictures.

Teacher resources include worksheets and lesson ideas and a long list of Smartboard resources

Karen Garrett

Karen Garret – from Central Park School in Birmingham Alabama – is well-known for her Music Tech Teacher website containing excellent music games and quizzes. Most of the games were tailor-made my Karen herself, but they are available to use for free from her site. Popular games include Fling The Teacher – a hangman-style quiz game in which correct answers contribute pieces to trebuchet which “flings the teacher” once completed – and Hoop Shoot – a quiz in which a correct answer allows you to try your luck shooting a basketball into a hoop.

In addition, Karen shares an extensive collection of lesson plans, complete with objectives, correlation to national standards and step-by-step instructions. The lesson plan collection can be found here.

Cherie Herring

I first came across Cherie online while I was researching ideas for using interactive whiteboards in the music classroom. Cherie has contributed a number of resources to the SMART Exchange (the Smartboard file-sharing website). Cherie has her own blog – Just A Little More: Musings about music and technology – where she publishes Smartboard Notebook lesson files (use them as inspiration if you have a different type of IWB), interactive music site links, and iPad resources.

Like Amy Burns, Cherie is using Pinterest to curate her useful links and she has 60 boards that inlaced links for music iPad apps, music education and many more!

Tanya LeJeune

Tanya is a Kodaly specialist from Colorado and blogs about her music classroom at Teaching Elementary Music: Tanya’s Blog. Tanya also has a collection of ideas for Kodaly teachers using interactive whiteboards – including videos of students in action – at her other blog: The Kodaly Aspiring Music Classroom.

Pru Borgert blog – blog of Music education ideas by an Australian Music educator

Pure Drop – high quality audio and video footage (free) from the ABC & AFC & Federal Government, complete with free lesson plans and worksheets. Topics include Indigenous Music and World Music

http://www.musiceducation.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/youtube-lesson-compilation.docx

THIS link takes you two random uses of YouTube in music-related lessons. If you have suggestions, PLEASE email them to schools.mpfl AT mca.org.au

A lesson idea for “National Sorry Day” … or any day.

Watch the Colli Crew’s song about reconciliation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsWo9CxqsN8&feature=related

In small groups, brainstorm phrases that rhyme with “reconciliation” and “it’s up to us”

Watch the Colli Crew’s 2010 ARIA Award winning song “Change the Game” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0rJajbIs-o

Create a class rap, make an audio recording, and place it on the school’s website.

Email a link (or a copy of the song) to schools.mpfl@mca.org.au

Listen to Indigenous Australian music from “Black Arm Band”, “Saltwater Band”, “Gurrumul Yunupingu” and “Archie Roach” on YouTube, iTunes, CD or GrooveShark.

Recording Studio Intensive PD For Music Teachers Only

COURSE CODE: MA1
DURATION: 1 Friday 9am to 3.30pm (1 hour for lunch)
COST: $220 inc GST
LOCATION: Kindred Studios, 212a Whitehall St Yarraville
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: June 10

Learn how to carry out a multi track recording including choosing the right microphones and setting up mixes for performers. This intensive is specifically designed to meet the needs of VET music and technical production teachers.

Live Sound Intensive PD For School Teachers only

COURSE CODE: MA2
DURATION: 1 Friday 9am to 3.30pm (1 hour for lunch)
COST: $220 inc GST
LOCATION: Kindred Studios, 212a Whitehall St Yarraville
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: June 17

Want to learn more about PA systems? Develop confidence and get tips and techniques required for that great sound. You will also gain inside knowledge of the equipment and how best to use it. This intensive is specifically designed to meet the needs of VET music and technical production teachers.

Audio Production and MIDI Sequencing in Logic Pro 9

COURSE CODE: MA3
DURATION: 3hrs per weeknight for 6 Weeks
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Footscray Nicholson Campus
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE: 27 April, 4, 11, 18, 25 May, 1 June

This short course will be an introduction to audio recording/editing and MIDI sequencing in Apple’s industry standard Digital Audio Workstation.

The outcomes will be:

• basic operation of audio hardware in a recording studio
• basic knowledge of audio principles
• basic operation of a Digital Audio Workstation

Audio Production and Recording in Pro Tools

COURSE CODE: MA4
DURATION: 3hrs per weeknight for 6 Weeks
COST: $410 inc GST
LOCATION: Footscray Nicholson Campus and Kindred Studios
COURSE DATES AVAILABLE:

• 5, 12, 19, 26 May & 2, 9 June (Thursdays)
• 7, 14, 21, 28 June, 5, 12 July (Tuesdays)

Pro Tools is one of the most commonly used audio production software solutions in the world.

This short course is ideally suited to those wishing to record music & audio, such as, aspiring musicians in bands, teachers wishing to record recitals, or people working in multi-media who wish to improve the audio quality of their productions.

In our 22 computer lab, you will have exclusive access to your own system under the expert guidance of our experienced Pro Tools user.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants should have gained the knowledge and skills required to conduct the recording process from the early stages of plugging in microphones and instruments right through to a full mixdown ready for CD.

For more course details contact Short Course Coordinator Creative Industries, Victoria University on  9919 1932 or ci_shortcourses@vu.edu.au

http://www.musiccountusin.org.au/recount-2011

PRIZE POOL … for Australian secondary school students who re-arrange the Music: Count Us In program song for 2011. Make it a two week lesson plan or holiday project!

All the MP3 ’stem files’ for each track of “We’ve Got the Music” are freely available on the Recount website or you can re-arrange and add to it by hand.

Entries are due August 1st for re-arranged tracks/songs.

Please remind your Year 9-12 students (Australia) that ReCount entries are due this week!! (August 1st, 2011)

http://www.musiccountusin.org.au/recount-2011

Re-mix, extend or re-record the song “We’ve Got the Music” during class-time for a fun lesson

ReCount invites all Year 9-12 students to re-mix, re-hash, extend, mash-up or re-record “We’ve Got the Music”. It can be done in a single lesson at school, or be set for this week’s homework

Entry is free (and submission dates have been extended to August 8, 2011). Download individual tracks from the original song (free). These MP3 tracks can then be edited and re-mixed into ANY style of music, using software such as Audacity (free), GarageBand, Reaper, Acid, Mixcraft …

Be creative and get involved – prizes include R24 and H1 Zooms (digital recording equipment)! Please email queries to schools.mpfl@mca.org.au

entries are due March 8, 2012 to remix a Beyonce pop song

endoftime.beyonceonline.com/

Sometimes Audacity (a free program) can be used to create Karaoke tracks, removing vocals from a pop song.

More information HERE. Thanks for the lead, Katie Wardrobe.

Visit the site at ripmusic.com.au and take a look around – RIP stands for Record, Inspire, Publish.

It has a wealth of royalty free and creative commons audio files completely free for download. Also polls, original music uploading, a guitar (and banjo, and mandolin, and ukulele, and bass) chord chart tool, as well as providing a dynamic online forum for registered teacher, student and professional users.

rocksmith.ubi.com/rocksmith/en-US/home/

A computer game that lets you plug in a real guitar and it will teach you the songs it thinks you should know!

‘Saxophony’ – NSW, Australia – Saturday 11 June, 2011

This year the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival is attempting to break the world record for the largest saxophone ensemble ever with 900+ saxophones! They will be playing an arrangement of ‘Waltzing Matilda – Happy Birthday’ (as it’s the Festival’s 21st Birthday). Additionally JozzBeat has built interactive teaching tools for all of the performers so that they can learn their parts and play from memory on the day. It is being delivered online!

There is more info at www.darlingharbour.com/saxophony

www.musicgames.us/

Hands-on learning about instruments of the orchestra, presented by San Francisco Symphony.

Go to resource: Sibelius is a music notation program used by professionals and students.

Read more…

Go to resource: Sing Along Midis and Lyrics is a site hosted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services (USA) and features songs from well-known children’s movies. Read more…

random chords – a cute page which randomly chooses a key and chord progression (each time you press refresh) to help song-writers get out of a rut!

Students can practise digital editing skills and explore tone colour + form through re-mixing songs. Online music software called MusicShake runs re-mix competitions. Listen to their winners HERE.

Songsmith generates musical accompaniment to match a singer’s voice. Just choose a musical style, sing into your PC’s microphone, and Songsmith will create backing music for you. Then share your songs with your friends and family, post your songs online, or create your own music videos.

http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/projects/songsmith/

THIS $2.99 app for iPhone and iPad is designed to aid sight singing skills.

Go to resource: Soundhouse provides support for contemporary music-making in schools, including the implementation of music technology. Read more…

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/soundprism/id386833491?mt=8

SoundPrism enables you to create music immediately without any previous knowledge. With its visualisation of pitches and intuitive controls – composing melodies and chord patterns become child’s play. Great for special needs students on an iPad.

Students learn to … experience the cause and effect of moving their hands across the screen.

MoPho - Since 2007, Stanford University has been exploring the possibilities of a socially connected Mobile Phone Orchestra.

Professional development for teachers

The State Library is committed to the professional development (PD) of teachers in Queensland. We support and encourage contemporary pedagogy and practice – our PD events provide practical, hands-on experiences and resources to implement immediately in your classroom.

In 2012, State Library will be offering a series of PD afternoons. Gain valuable library skills, explore our learning spaces and familiarise yourself with our collections.  Sessions run from 4pm – 5:30pm and will be repeated online via OneChannel the following week. To register your interest, email learning@slq.qld.edu.au.

Sessions include digital skills in the classroom, using iPads, writing e-books with iBook Author, etc.

There is no cost to attend either of the above presentations, but registration is essential.

TeachersNetwork.org – an excellent website (by US teachers for teachers) with free lesson plans. Most lessons require computers as a resource or tool for quality Music lessons – from Bach to Rap! Some lessons include rubrics for assessment.

http://www.intelliware.com.au/Education/Education.aspx

Practical plans and ideas for teaching music with the aid of technology – from Intelliware website.

Tech Tempo blog – a blog by a Primary Music teacher

Go to resource: TES Connect collates free teacher-created resources from UK. This link is for Secondary Music resources and links. You will need to sign up to view resources – signing up is free and simple.

article – Skype is trying out new software to let educators use free video software in the classroom

Go to resource: The Arts Centre Melbourne provides education programs specifically for school students, including performances and workshops. Read more…

Watch THIS YOUTUBE CLIP with students, and try to copy the cup-choreography. Fairvale High students have created a digital backing track to accompany the Cup Game.

Go to resource: The Le@rning Federation “manages the national resource pool and infrastructure of digital curriculum resources”.

Read more…

ThinkQuest - an interactive guide to the symphony, including information and quizzes.

Archie Roach’s song “Took the Children Away” has been adopted by Canadian indigenous people, as the lyric content (Australia’s Stolen Generation) has parallels in Canadian Indian history.

Lesson plan idea: Read and discuss Archie Roach’s lyrics … watch the YouTube clip which puts Australian historical and indigenous images to “Took the Children Away” … watch the YouTube clip which puts Canadian historical images to the same song … discuss any other countries which could borrow Roach’s song to apply to their own national history.

YouTube (Australian images & the emotional trailer from the movie “Rabbit Proof Fence”)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLXzKYP1uCw

YouTube (Canadian images)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpNSrqsU1eI

The TPN (Tech Production Network) encompasses a vast library of teaching resources for music and technical production in secondary schools and beyond. It also ties in to an Interactive Study Guide which is an online music resource with over 200,000 words of text, interactive multimedia features, video tutorials, quizzes and activities for students studying music and tech production via the TPN.

BROCHURE LINK HERE

There are a couple of pricing models (from $99 per month) based on different education sectors and dependent upon whether the school is offering VET music/tech production courses or standard school music programs. Resources are mapped to the SA, WA, NSW, NT and Tasmanian music curricula to encompass the differences between these state-based training packages.

COSAMP also provides auspice services for schools wishing to offer nationally recognised training outcomes.

Currently they are offering FREE trials of an Interactive Study Guide website to interested teachers (via our Alive Drive technology interface).

More info: College Of Sound And Music Production

766a Hawthorn Rd, East Brighton VIC 3187

(03) 9592 4801   www.cosamp.com.au

On Sunday 20 February 2011, Damon Gameau took out first prize for the 19th annual Movie Extra Tropfest in front of crowds of 150,000 nationwide. The film was titled “ANIMAL BEATBOX”. It creates a type of beat-box using only animal words – verbal percussion of sorts!

Watch the YouTube clip of Animal Beatbox (giggle and smile) then ask students to come up with a list of animals with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 syllables. Next, they can form groups to create a poem, rap, beat-box or verse. Finally, practise saying the animal beat-box creation over a djembe beat, drum-kit beat or electronic loop. ENJOY!!

Katie Wardrobe tutorial – how to make worksheets (easily) with Sibelius

Twitter – a list of recommended Music Educators to “follow” on Twitter

http://www.ujam.com/

Online song-creation … start by humming a melody into the computer … choose instruments, styles, form … publish a song

A lesson plan of its own – since the webpage guides you through each selection.

NB: You will need to create a login.

There’s a new way to let students view YouTube clips online … www.viewpure.com. The teacher copies the URL address from a YouTube clip, pastes it onto the viewpure.com website, clicks “create”, and it creates a new webpage (which students can view) with the YouTube clip on its own (without ads or comments). Copy and paste the newly create URL address and give it to your students.

Here’s an example I entered into ViewPure of ACO playing to surfing footage …

http://viewpure.com/m0NJyVCQpIs

HINT: Don’t click on the “Download” button (bottom of ViewPure screen) – it is only advertising!

read article HERE

Here is a list of recommendations on ways to use the iPad in the music classroom. It includes mentions of special ed. uses as well.

http://midnightmusic.com.au/index.php/2011/07/super-round-up-ipads-in-music-education/

Go to resource: Practical ideas for using computers in the Primary Music classroom. Resources provided by Katie Wardrobe at Midnight Music.

Music teaching at USQ is being revolutionised by the social media and a new team-teaching approach which helps students to collaborate with their colleagues and to work with professional musicians.

The new teaching technique is the brainchild of Toowoomba-born singer and music lecturer Melissa Forbes, who abandoned a legal career to do what she loves – perform and teach music.

“The new teaching approach emerged from the second year song-writing class,” she said.

“The students needed to learn how to collaborate, be more flexible, and to better communicate musical ideas.”

“Most of our music graduates become school classroom music or instrumental teachers, so as they learn in a collegiate atmosphere, they are also learning how to teach and how to encourage creative group learning,” she said.

Mrs Forbes said the course was evolving organically and has incorporated the use of social media such as YouTube where students see and hear their favourite performers.

“The students seem far more interested in acoustic covers of songs rather than the song as sung by the original artist with the million dollar music video. They want to see someone who’s like themselves, who is really good at playing the song on an instrument,” she said.

“Some of these cover artists are so successful they’re doing tours of the USA on the basis of what they’ve uploaded to YouTube.”

“Copyright is a problem for uploading existing songs to the internet but the students are learning to write their own songs, perform them and use social media to upload their work to the internet,” Mrs Forbes said.

One of Mrs Forbes’ covers of Michael Jackson’s song “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough” from her album “No more Mondays” is on YouTube.

“We also use our own in-house social media platform ePortfolio so students can share their work in a multi-media environment,” Mrs Forbes said.

School of Creative Arts music co-ordinator Dr Phillip Gearing said the results of the new teaching method in the Bachelor of Creative Arts will emerge over the next few years however he will collate preliminary results from the first semester using the new teaching techniques and present them at an international conference in Liverpool, England in July.

In the new teaching format, students gather each week for two-hour workshops which address different musical topics where, for example, the lecturers demonstrate how they work together from the moment they pick up a new score, through the process of learning a new work to putting the finishing touches to a professional arrangement and performance.

Instrumental technique is also developed through weekly instrument-specific classes.

The music practice classes are taught in a team by Mrs Forbes, Dr Gearing, clarinettist Martin Crook and pianist Alison Riethmuller who demonstrate different aspects of performance, teaching students about the musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and intonation in the context of rehearsal and performance.

The effect of the team teaching classes is to hot-house the learning experience by combining the enthusiasm and musical skills of the lecturers and inspiring the creativity of their students.

Professional musicians are also invited to classes to perform and to talk about how they work together.

The workshop-style classes have proven very popular with the students notching up almost 100 percent attendance for the 22 first year music students.

Creative Arts head of school Dr Janet McDonald said the huge increase in the number of first year music students this year from throughout the state was a positive response to the updating of the University’s popular theatre, music, visual arts and creative media degrees.

“Students can study combined degrees across the creative arts, making our graduates versatile creative artists who will be ready for workplaces that have seen rapid change in the past few years,” Dr McDonald said.

For more information contact:

Melissa Forbes 07 4611 1153

Email: Melissa.forbes@usq.edu.au

Music teaching at USQ is being revolutionised by the social media and a new team-teaching approach which helps students to collaborate with their colleagues and to work with professional musicians.

The new teaching technique is the brainchild of Toowoomba-born singer and music lecturer Melissa Forbes, who abandoned a legal career to do what she loves – perform and teach music.

After working as a lawyer for seven years with one of Brisbane’s top law firms, Mrs Forbes left to study jazz singing.

Graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium, she embarked on a singing career, recording a CD “No more Mondays” and performing around Australia and overseas.

She returned to live in Toowoomba in 2008 and started teaching song-writing and contemporary singing part-time at USQ.

“The new teaching approach emerged from the second year song-writing class,” she said.

“The students needed to learn how to collaborate, be more flexible, and to better communicate musical ideas.”

“Most of our music graduates become school classroom music or instrumental teachers, so as they learn in a collegiate atmosphere, they are also learning how to teach and how to encourage creative group learning,” she said.

Mrs Forbes said the course was evolving organically and has incorporated the use of social media such as YouTube where students see and hear their favourite performers.

“The students seem far more interested in acoustic covers of songs rather than the song as sung by the original artist with the million dollar music video. They want to see someone who’s like themselves, who is really good at playing the song on an instrument,” she said.

“Some of these cover artists are so successful they’re doing tours of the USA on the basis of what they’ve uploaded to YouTube.”

“Copyright is a problem for uploading existing songs to the internet but the students are learning to write their own songs, perform them and use social media to upload their work to the internet,” Mrs Forbes said.

One of Mrs Forbes’ covers of Michael Jackson’s song “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough” from her album “No more Mondays” is on YouTube.

“We also use our own in-house social media platform ePortfolio so students can share their work in a multi-media environment,” Mrs Forbes said.

School of Creative Arts music co-ordinator Dr Phillip Gearing said the results of the new teaching method in the Bachelor of Creative Arts will emerge over the next few years however he will collate preliminary results from the first semester using the new teaching techniques and present them at an international conference in Liverpool, England in July.

In the new teaching format, students gather each week for two-hour workshops which address different musical topics where, for example, the lecturers demonstrate how they work together from the moment they pick up a new score, through the process of learning a new work to putting the finishing touches to a professional arrangement and performance.

Instrumental technique is also developed through weekly instrument-specific classes.

The music practice classes are taught in a team by Mrs Forbes, Dr Gearing, clarinettist Martin Crook and pianist Alison Riethmuller who demonstrate different aspects of performance, teaching students about the musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and intonation in the context of rehearsal and performance.

The effect of the team teaching classes is to hot-house the learning experience by combining the enthusiasm and musical skills of the lecturers and inspiring the creativity of their students.

Professional musicians are also invited to classes to perform and to talk about how they work together.

The workshop-style classes have proven very popular with the students notching up almost 100 percent attendance for the 22 first year music students.

Creative Arts head of school Dr Janet McDonald said the huge increase in the number of first year music students this year from throughout the state was a positive response to the updating of the University’s popular theatre, music, visual arts and creative media degrees.

“Students can study combined degrees across the creative arts, making our graduates versatile creative artists who will be ready for workplaces that have seen rapid change in the past few years,” Dr McDonald said.

For more information contact:

Melissa Forbes 07 4611 1153

Email: Melissa.forbes@usq.edu.au

This conference for upper secondary students takes place on 24 January 2012 in Kew, Vic.

Virtual Museum – a factual and informative website (with pictures) about common & obscure musical instruments from around the world

THIS website takes you to free downloads of film clip (MP4), script, storyboard and teaching ideas (PDF). Australian students cannot enter the competition, but can certainly enjoy the process. Suits Middle School.

Waltzing Matilda free historical resources – LESSON IDEA: explore the content on the Music Australia webpage (old sheet music and old jazz recordings of “Waltzing Matilda”) … listen to and discuss the differences between the old recordings (found at the bottom of the webpage) and the way “Waltzing Matilda” is performed/sung today

We’ve got the Music & Music: Count Us In online resources are up and going, Jozzbeat-style. They are accessed via this page:

www.jozzbeat.com/MCUI2011/home

Jozzbeat will give each school a free log-in (after the school has registered for Music: Count Us In at www.musiccountusin.org.au)

OR

Existing customers of Jozzbeat that come through as MCUI registrees can just use their existing JozzBeat website password/username to access the resources.

Grab a group of kids, log on, learn the song, add some percussion, and have a fun lesson

aMuse (VIC) is offering a series of Professional Development sessions on Music Technology and Education, including:

Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and social media (March 11, 2011).

Workshop is presented by Katie Wardrobe (Midnight Music)

aMuse website

Lots to see re. Music Technology in the Middle School – from online games to theory websites to free midi sites … and much more

CLICK HERE TO VISIT LINK

wrightstuffmusic.com/2009/06/19/exam-time-in-garageband/

Use GarageBand or other music software to create fun music exams for secondary students. This site provides a free example of a Year 10 Music exam.

www.musicgames.us/

Online music games. Play air guitar, drum beats and be a DJ.

Lesson idea: Let students loose on this website, and ask them to screen-shot their creations or take notes on what they learn.

Here are some amusing (string) clips to share with students of all ages:

(1) I Will Survive (2) Pachelbel’s Canon (3) Titanic by MozART Group & while you’re having fun … (4) Hedwig’s Theme on Wine glasses

http://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/Article/254537,classical-music-a-history-according-to-youtube.aspx

The history of music from Medieval to post WW II. Presented as text and related YouTube video/audio clips. A series of lessons, in effect!