It’s Been Such a Long Time…

Wow. I haven’t posted anything here in a looooong time. I suppose that could mean one of two things: either I’m working too hard, or I’ve completely given up the fight. Well, I will tell you for sure that I haven’t given up. I’m still trying to implement the progressive ideas that I think music education urgently needs, and I’m still trying to make these changes in all classes…including the performance-based class that I have.

So now that you know I’m still at it, I thought it might be good to write some reflections from the first few weeks. I’ll focus on my new class, which is called music creation and production. For those who do not know, this is a class based on constructivist ideology. Students create their own music (with little guidance from me), and then we have critiques. They may ask myself or any of their peers to evaluate their work, for which I have made a form to fill out. The form is very basic – things you liked, things to improve, suggestions for future revisions. They then revise their work, and turn in a total of three projects at the end of the semester – all ‘drafts’ and evaluation forms included.

Here’s how it’s going:

- Our first challenge was space. I have eight students in the class, and while they are encouraged to work in groups, their immediate tendency is to pair up or work alone. This necessitates the need for at least 4 areas for work. We are fortunate to be able to accommodate, but obviously not everyone can record at the same time (as we only have one computer for multi-tracking, and one handheld for getting ideas down).

- Another issue is scheduling. It was great that the administration gave us 5 days out of 7 to have class (we’re on a 7-day cycle schedule), and we even have a double period on one of those days. Time is certainly not an issue in terms of quantity. I will say that I would much prefer to have another double period rather than meeting during one 45 minute class most days. It is difficult for students to come into class and just turn on the creativity switch in a span of one 45-minute period. Understandably so.

- Equipment is always a challenge. You always wish you had this and that without knowing whether or not it would actually be used. Ultimately, I think we have almost the right amount of ‘stuff’…except for a MIDI controller. I will ask for another laptop next year if the number of students warrants it.

- In the future, I will look for group improvisational activities to start the class out with. I think the students are agonizing too much in the early stages of their work. In my way of thinking, it is important to get a few good ideas down, and then expand them. Improvisation skills will benefit these ‘brainstorms’.

- I will have specific dates for turning in drafts for evaluation. Many of the students are not doing these on a regular basis. They feel as though they need a completed project before it is evaluated. There is also quite a bit of inconsistent focus. A few of the students tend to jump from project to project without really completing any of them. Having required ‘check-ins’ will help.

That’s all for now. Thanks to those who have inquired about my class, and have  expressed interest and support. It is a very new process to me, and one that I think is very relevant in modern education. I will continue to reflect on how I can best provide a forum for creative exploration in music. I hope you do the same.

PS – I went to see Wilco the other night, and have never seen a better live performance in my life. Go see them when you can. Pay whatever the asking price is for tickets. You will not be disappointed. Bravo, Wilco!