Core+Concepts+to+Teach+This+Year


 * Fundamental and Important concepts that we teach:**

-identify and describe the characteristics of an excellent performance -Offer constructive criticism of own playing and that of others as well as articulating means and methods for improvement
 * Good analytical music listeners

- Solve musical problems in solo and ensemble playing (i.e. notation, rhythm, balance, sight reading)
 * Independent and Collaborative Music Makers

-at individual level and grade level
 * Achieve highest technical and expressive potential

We believe these to be attributes of a well-rounded, capable, growing musician.
 * Why do these concepts matter?**

We believe that while music possesses an inherent value in and of itself, independent from its effects and relations to other disciplines, that the concepts listed above are transferrable and critical in any discipline. The ability to distinguish a quality product and articulate why, the ability to be self driven and collaborative in solving problems, and the ability to reach one's highest potential in whatever they are doing are all characteristics of a well-rounded learner and member of society.
 * Outside of musical study, who cares about these concepts?**

Music lends itself well to interdisciplinary studies. Identifying excellence and articulating methods to reach that excellence are valuable skills in any discipline, be it English, Mathematics, History, etc. Being independent and collaborative workers and problem solvers are likewise valuable skills in any discipline. Subjects that easily connect with music most frequently are Mathematics and History.
 * What are the interdisciplinary connections that might be made with concepts 1 & 2?**

An inherent value change must occur for this to happen. The teacher must initiate the change from emphasis on the final product of a solo or skill to the journey and path to get there. The focus must shift from simply learning mental and physical skills, to guiding and questioning the student through how he/she best learns on their instrument, so that in the future they may be to evaluate their own practice or playing and then be able to create a good product from a good process that he/she discovered themselves.
 * How do we go beyond rote learning in instrumental study in analysis, evaluation, and creation?**

Collaboration has long been a characteristic of successful music making, from working in large ensembles under another's direction, to smaller ensembles with the need to communicate effectively and guide each other independent from an assigned leader, to working one on one with a teacher or colleague to produce a quality end product. The use of digital tools can be a dividing topic among traditional music teachers, but simple tools such as mP3 players for recording and listening, SmartMusic for better practice techniques, and iTunes and the internet for research on music styles and history are useful.
 * Authentic means by which a student might engage in music making with 21st century skills.**

Because the above topics are so broad interesting students through self-guided study through these topics is the most likely way to keep them interested and engaged in their learning. Giving students a guided choice of which piece to study engages them and motivates them to learn the skills listed above.
 * What aspects of these topics will interest students?**

The dispositions of persistence, curiosity, resourcefulness, sensitivity, and self-discipline are important in learning a musical instrument.
 * What learning dispositions will be cultivated and pointed out to students?**