Approaching Beginning Band Students as Musicians
Robert Glynn
Presented at the 2015 MMEA (Massachusetts Music Educators Association) All State Conference
Reading music notation means nothing without a substantial background in listening, hearing, singing, and playing. The focus of beginning band instruction should be on music-making, not on decoding music notation. By giving students ownership over their music-making and their instruments we are granting them a better chance for success. Through video demonstrations and discussion this session presents practical ideas and resources for starting students as musical thinkers before music readers while still balancing the fun and fundamentals.