Cycling Troll Music Education

I’ve now got the hang of Wiki. For me, it’s easiest to think of it as a large filing cabinet in the office that everyone has access to. Just got done setting one up for a recording project. So far, so good… TH

http://www.techlearning.com/blog/2008/03/web_20_is_the_future_of_educat_1.php

A blog entry for the future of education- TH

So I’m fully ensconced in learning various online tools.  The previous post has an embedded video that I created using jing (jingproject.com), a very slick utility that allows you to create videos using screenshots from your desktop + audio from your built in microphone.  Very cool - suffice it to say, I did not format my video size correctly, so the presentation is hanging WAY over my sidebar.  Next time I’ll be sure to format the critter with the appropriate size structures.

My reason for posting this is to remind everyone that the newest technologies require some diligence in learning.  Just as you would not expect to take two trumpet lessons and blow like Miles, don’t expect to grab a new tech and expect it to work perfectly for your application right out of the gate.  Be patient with yourself, and have fun!  TH

Hi folks - here’s a lesson plan that I used recently with my 4th graders on the history of the guitar.  I’m still getting the hang of embedding video, so I apologize for the gargantuan proportion of the video.  Also note that YOUR controls are at the very bottom of the video screen - don’t get confused by the controls I’m using as I created the presentation.

This lesson plan could easily be adapted for middle schoolers as well…  Enjoy!  TH

I’m currently researching options for seamless online songwriting collaboration.  I have a friend who will soon be moving away - and my brother who lives about two hours drive away; it will really streamline our lives if we can figure out how to easily toss tracks back and forth.  This site, kompoz.com certainly looks like a good starting point.  I’ll report here again when I’ve had achance to check it out more thouroughly.  TH

I had a great time presenting my fourth grade lesson on the history of the guitar yesterday.  I’ve presented this lesson before, but I added some content to the lesson that really kept the students engaged.  I created a slideshow presentation showing photos and facts about early string instruments (it only took about 40 minutes to create).  The slideshow sparked some fun discussion, and I think the kids will now remember what a luthier does - fun!

Need  help understanding what all the fuss is about RSS readers, wikis, blogs, and other techie internet stuff?  Check this out!  They make it easy to understand stuff that’s new!  TH

http://commoncraft.com/

GENERAL TIPS

	Play your kick drum on the beat when you practice your snare exercises.
	Count out loud as you play- it really helps!
	Always practice new material slowly.  You can always increase the tempo later, but being in control of what you are playing is the most important thing!

I want my drum students to be defined as proactive in their learning; I want them to take ownership of their learning.  That’s what this area of my blog is all about.  Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss anything!  TH

Hey folks!  I have many blogs, but this one seemed right for my education purposes.  I’m currently teaching elementary music for the General McLane School District.  My kids are busy working on our upcoming spring program.  I’ll post more here when I actually have more to share.  Feel free to subscribe!  I’ll be pontificating about the state of public ed in the U.S., music technology, strategies to make classrooms work better… etc!  TH