From East Lansing to Detroit

       My goal for this project is to produce better musicians by developing better notation readers.  My students are very capable musicians.  Once my students learn the notes and develop the embouchure it is a treat to hear them play.  The problem is as soon as I hand them a new piece of music or turn the page in the method book all that we have gained in learning to read seems to be forgotten.  While they can build on their ability to make music I struggle to help my students build on their ability to read music.

      So where do I go from here?  I student taught at a school where the teacher had her students complete music theory books with 100% accuracy until they could start to play an instrument.  It was a very traditional approach and developed an excellent foundation for learning to read music.  It took a great deal of time for the students to make the connection to playing and reading.  My solution is to teach reading and playing at the same time.

        This requires my tech quest project to be programmed well with clear instructions.  The students have to use the program on their own.  I have the luxury of four computers on my classroom so that I can monitor the students and rehearse other members.  The students would rotate between computting and instrument playing depending on progress of one or another.