Posted by Steve Raybould - April Mentor on April 08, 2008 at 09:55:51:
In Reply to: Beginners and rehearsing the music posted by Will on April 06, 2008 at 19:17:01:
I use a variety of methods. Despite all of the obvious reasons, I am still a strong advocate for the practice record for beginners. Mine is very thorough and requires the students to keep a journal of their practice, not just the times. Yes, I know that some students will fake them and some parents will lie for them, but that is going to happen no matter what method you use. This is an authentic assessment (administration loves seeing this buzzword, use it!) and keeps my class in their minds as much as the homework in any other class.
That brings me to number two: Performance tests.
I use these as a significant part of their grade. Students can play it for me in class (we use Friday's for this) or can submit it via SmartMusic. If they use SmartMusic, they get a bonus (because it lightens my logistical load). I let them post their progress on charts in the room. Nothing works better than a little competition.
Here is step three: Seating. I know they are beginners, but I still do sectional seating. First, it allows the student who have really worked hard the opportunity for leadership. It also is a very obvious way to point out to those students who are faking it what the consequences are. It is the rare student who ends up at the bottom of his/her section that doesn't want to "beat" the person next to them. I keep that part in check by busting anyone who complains or brags about their seat all the way to the bottom. I reset after every concert, so there is plenty of opportunity for movement.
My strongest motivator however is the music I program. I always make sure that I have something in their folder that is a reach for them. When they start to complain about being bored, I will tell them that we can't move on until we have the techniques to play this piece. Tell a bunch of beginners that they are "just too young and maybe you don't have the skills yet..." and watch them light a fire under themselves to prove they are good.
: I teach beginners and have had a hard time getting them to put the work in on their own time so we can work as a group during rehearsal. I have a bulletin board that charts the band's points for practice minutes and the goal is a party after our concert. I am working up a grading system for next year that involves practice sheets and play exams so I can accurately assess their abilities. I just feel that I am working more on individual parts that should be worked on at home and want to get into the music in rehearsals instead of playing the black spots on the page. What do you do to motivate your students to practice and what do you do during rehearsals that is different from lessons? I am a first year teacher and love what I do and would like to make this program better because there is a lot of potential.
: Thanks
: -Will-