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Syllabus

Teacher Education
07S:150  String Methods and Materials
Fall, 2009
Instructors: Dr. Don Coffman
Emails: don-coffman@uiowa.edu
Course Web Site: www.uiowa.edu/~c07s140
Course Description

Purpose

This course is designed to prepare the student to start beginning instrumentalists and effectively manage an elementary/middle/high school band program. It is intended for those planning careers as school teachers. The comprehensive nature of the course content surveys the techniques and materials needed for teaching.

Objectives

Planning

1.    Describe the 9 National Standards in music, and devise effective teaching plans that utilize them.

2.    Design curricula for elementary, middle school and high school instrumental groups based on appropriate performance literature.

3.    Describe age-appropriate music literature and method books.

4.    Plan a concert of appropriate length and content.  Identify "trouble spots" in the scores that would need attention during rehearsals and suggest remedies.

Presenting

5.    Describe/demonstrate how to teach a beginner through modeling, imitation and playing by ear. Identify and correct embouchure/posture/hand position problems.

6.    Suggest appropriate responses to motivation & discipline concerns.

Evaluating

7.    Demonstrate various assessment procedures for cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains.  Defend grading philosophy.

Administrating

8.    Describe successful methods of recruitment/retention.

9.    Describe important issues involving administration of band inventory, fundraising, trips, etc.

10. Describe strategies for public relations.

11. Discuss broader educational issues that impact music education.

Required Readings
  • Cooper (2004). Teaching Band & Orchestra: Methods & Materials, GIA Music.
  • Miles & Dvorak, (2008). Teaching Music through Performance in Beginning Band, Vol. 2, GIA Music.

  • Focus Standards and Student Assignments

    StandardsStudent Assignments
    C: Planning Instruction Theme Concert plan
    D: Instructional Strategies Orchestra rehearsal plan with Rehearsal Notes
    E: Learning Environment Classroom Management assignment
    G: Assessment Three assessment tools