I would probably say that I was not the only one, who got bored looking at musical notes during a Music class years ago. Perhaps, it is because children just do not get fascinated with pages of lines and notes, colored black and white. Now, that I am no more a kid, I admit that it’s still dull to look at those stuffs and I still feel the same way.
I have nothing against reading musical notes but I would just rather sing than struggle dealing with such complicated matters. Music teaching tips might help me learn music easier, but I would also need of a very patient teacher to assist me so.
When I was in grade school, I used to be a member of a drum and lyre band. I experienced playing both the lyre and the drums and found the latter easier. However, I ended up playing the lyre. It was fun especially when we won awards in exhibition competitions. We also did caroling during Christmas holidays and played in different events and occasions.
I enjoyed playing those instruments although there were times I got embarrassed when I made mistakes. There came some instances when I escaped attending band practices because I knew I would be called by our bandmaster. I did not like the feeling of receiving special attention. Worst, I got such because I messed up.
We had our band practices a group at a time. Usually, the lyrists practiced first then the drummers, or otherwise. Then, we played in a classroom as a whole – all together. Our bandmaster used different music teaching tips and strategies to help us learn music pieces easily. What was remarkable to me was that of Psychology’s Operant Conditioning.
Does it ring a bell? Or does it sound unique? I somehow have a clue how Music is related to Psychology but the other way around, I am not really sure. But I can say it was effective in my case.
Our bandmaster gave us two options: (1) we had to perform in our exhibition drills as if we were in the actual competition-meaning having minimal mistakes as possible- so we could get home early. We used to have practices a couple of whole consecutive days and those were really exhausting; or (2) he would pull our sideburns for every mistake we would commit. The former condition is a ‘reward’ while the ‘latter’ is a punishment. Of course, we would go for the reward. After all, who would want to be punished?
There are lots of accessible music teaching tips and strategies anywhere. You can look for books at the nearest bookshop from your home or visit a fellow music enthusiast and ask for useful tips. Also, you can surf the Internet for easier access of general or specific information.
(This article was written by a friend named Morgan Hall)
Know more applicable music teaching tips, log on to Music Teachers website.
Posts Tagged ‘Drums’
Music Teaching Tips Based on My Experience
September 17th, 2009 
admin 
Posted in Music 
Tags: Bandmaster, Christmas Holidays, Competitions, Drums, Instances, Teaching Tips 
No Comments »What In The World Is Junkanoo And What Does It Have To Do With Music
August 28th, 2008 admin
Junkanoo is a famous event and celebration that has made Bahamas music popular. This celebration takes place on December 26th and January 1st. The event begins in the morning with a parade. The parade has people wearing colorful costumes, and dancing to Bahamas music. This music is also gaining popularity in the United States and Japan due to groups such as the Baha Men, Ronnie Butler, and Kirdland Bodie.
The Junkanoo celebration has influence and promoted Bahamas music. Although this music is very popular for the celebration, it is loosing its recognition due to American influence. The Bahamas are so close to Florida that they can pick up American radio and television stations. This and the introduction of music such as reggae, soca, and calypso are to blame for the decreasing interest in Bahama music.
This decrease in interest does not discourage the Bahamas music bands. They used to use goatskin drums and saws to make their music. The goatskin was used to make a rolling sound. Today the rake and scrape bands use other instruments such as saxophones, and electric guitars. Although the type of instruments has changed, the idea is still the same. It doesn’t matter what instruments you use to make the music, as long as you are still making the music. The music may not sound exactly the same as it used to, but you will still enjoy the sounds. Even when they made their own drums not all the drums were made out of the same thing. Instruments were home made and did not always sound the same. A violin was made out of a washtub and a string with a stick as a bow. You might have seen people using metal files to scrape across a saw as well. You see, even then there were different variations of instruments used to make this music.
The Bahamas music decrease in popularity has also not affected the Junkanoo celebration. If you go to a Junkanoo celebration you will still be able to enjoy the Bahamas music. The music is played loud and proud for all who are there to enjoy. You will hear the great Bahamas music, and see the beautiful costumes and dancers. The people who are involved in the celebration really enjoy what they do and love sharing it with tourists. They might even get you involved. They do a little dance step that is two steps forward, and one step back. It is a lot of fun to get involved in all the festivities they have to offer. You are sure to enjoy yourself from the start of the celebration in the morning until it ends at dusk.
Posted in Technology Tags: Baha Men, Colorful Costumes, December 26th, Drums, Electric Guitars, Junkanoo No Comments »
