1.7 Week 1 Summary

The course "Pedagogy for Winds and Brass" at Longy School of Music focuses on teaching musical instruments and includes various topics and activities to enhance teaching skills:

• The syllabus covers fostering student independence, feedback techniques, ear training, rhythm, and effective teaching strategies.

• Students engage in practical exercises, reading assignments, and observing private lessons.

• Emphasis is placed on active listening, instincts, analysis, imitation, and experimentation to guide students towards independence in musical learning.

• Grading is based on attendance, participation, homework, quizzes, midterm, and final assessments, with a focus on creating and maintaining a teaching toolbox.

• The course follows a flipped-classroom approach, combining online modules with in-person collaborative assignments and teaching practice.

The key aspects of the course include teaching fundamental techniques, providing feedback, selecting instructional materials, and promoting healthy playing habits.

• Students are required to create a Teaching Toolbox, integral to their final grade.

• The syllabus includes information on covered topics, assignments, expectations, and policies on attendance, diversity, and academic integrity.

Overall, the course aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach wind and brass instruments. Students are encouraged to develop independence in their teaching methods and foster a supportive learning environment for their students.

• Discussion Topics

  I bet you’ve experienced a range of teaching styles. Have you had the teacher who tells you there is only one right way: “It’s my way or the highway”? How did that make you feel? Are there times when a top-down, didactic approach is useful? What are ways we can balance the need to impart knowledge with our job of teaching students for a lifetime of practice and progress?

• In-Class Authentic Practice

  In class 2, you will work in groups to problem-solve a specific playing dilemma. Each group will be given a scenario then will design a practice plan for the student to address their playing dilemma.