By Julie M. Sueta I. DEFINITION: Blended Learning may be defined as “an education program, formal or informal, which combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods.” Variations or synonyms include: “hybrid learning,” “technology-mediated instruction” and “web-enhanced instruction” as well as many others. These terms, many times are used interchangeably. II. BLENDED LEARNING […]
By Carolyn Sharpe Starting a recorder program in your school is a worthwhile way to strengthen your students’ musical skills and add to their love for music. It creates a motivating structure for your lessons and becomes a framework in which students and teachers can thrive! Here are five great reasons to start teaching […]
By Carolyn Sharpe Over the last few years, it has become more and more challenging for teachers to cultivate a respectful classroom environment. Veterans and new teachers alike are struggling to keep a productive, pleasant, and respectful classroom environment. As much as we wish there were, there is no magic formula that works every […]
By Rina Sklar Learning to play the recorder is an exciting time in a young student’s life, but for some, a physical limitation or learning disability might make it more of a challenge and can lead to them feeling discouraged. As music teachers, we are always looking to find the best way to help […]
By Carolyn Sharpe, Woodstock, IL One of the most stunning realizations I have ever made in my teaching career is that I have only a maximum of 36 hours a year to teach music to my students! I have always had the fairly typical situation of teaching my classes for 30 minutes twice a week. […]
by Roxana Han-Music Professional, Detroit Country Day School Have you ever wondered why elementary students in America play the recorder? For decades, recorder studies have been a part of our music education landscape with a clear place in the National Standards of Education. Many of us remember the plastic instruments with fond memories and perhaps […]
When teaching recorder, you must always find creative and motivational ways to reward your students. We are amazed at how much excitement and motivation are generated by the reward of stickers! The Be A Recorder Star and Recorder 500 Reward Programs give students a tangible reward for their progress. he reward programs are extremely convenient and […]
by Ed Sueta, Jr. “I should know this but what is the difference between Baroque and German recorder fingerings?” I have heard that question many, many times over the years at conferences, workshops and on the phone. The difference between Baroque and German fingering seems to be one of those pieces of information […]
By Dr. Ran Whitley Recorders, what’s not to love? From “Hot Cross Buns” to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” children can experience the pure delight of making melody to fun pop tunes as well as great symphonic classics. Ukuleles, what’s not to love? With only three or four chords, children can also play along harmonically with […]
The value of music programs and the important role of recorder have been highlighted by the events of this past school year. Recorder instruction was greatly missed and left a void. We have been contacted by many California music educators who have expressed their great disappointment at having to eliminate or greatly curtail their recorder […]
