The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

The Many Faces of Schulwerk

One of the unique aspects of elemental music study is that it provides students with numerous ways to find their place in the exploration of music and movement. This two part workshop will focus on the many types of experiences that can capture the imagination of music students and lead them to music study. In the first part of the workshop titled Games, Songs and Dances, process oriented materials will be drawn from folk and traditional sources as well as from the Music for Children volumes of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. The second part of the workshop will relate extended music activities to mathematical and geometric concepts through process teaching techniques. Please bring a soprano recorder to both sessions.

Providing Meaningful Encounters with Unfamiliar Cultures and their Music

This workshop will focus on the whys and ways of teaching music from unfamiliar cultures meaningfully. In presenting songs, games and dances from diverse cultures, I will employ a variety of methods that bring the music and culture to life. The music can be used with students of all ages, elementary through secondary or beyond. Developed in teaching the International Vocal Ensemble at Indiana University, the aural approach, called “re-creation,” attempts to honor the people from whom the music comes and to build bridges of understanding between diverse populations within and beyond local communities. Re-creating songs learned aurally requires being open to diverse approaches to singing, so during one session I will focus on vocal skills that are not addressed in singing western art music. Together we will explore using prepared materials as well as ways to create our own resources by making digital movies, sound files and interactive PowerPoint presentations, and using e-mail, SKYPE or ICHAT to connect students with cultural informants.