Week 3 Journal

This week in class we learned about melodies, which are a combination of loud, soft and constant sounds. We also learned about scales, specifically C Major, and about Treble Clef, also known as G clef. Additionally, we learned about notes. For skills we practiced playing the recorder.

To learn about scales we were shown the notes on a staff. Treble clef was taught to us by showing how to draw the symbol and by having it placed on the staff. The size of notes were taught by showing how the notes are split into smaller and smaller parts. The notes names were shown by where they should be placed on the staff. The notes we practiced on the recorder were G, A, and B. To help our skill in playing these notes we put them to a song that we played for the class.

The concepts are important to learn because the scales, Treble Clef, and notes all help you to read music. If one can read music then it will be easier for them to learn to play songs. The concept of melodies was important to learn because they are a part of every song. If you understand melodies then you can better understand the song you are listening to or playing. It is also important to be able to play the notes. If you can not successfully play the notes than you will be unable to make music.

Learning notes on a recorder is important for children because it is an easy instrument and this will help them if they try to play more advanced instruments in the future. It is good for children to learn how to read music because some children learn better through seeing, so this method could help many children learn about music in a way other than listening. Melodies are important for children to understand because they need to know the basics of music to learn about the more complicated concepts.

Week 2 Journal

This week I learned how to play Hot Cross Buns on the recorder. I also learned about steady beat and rhythm.

We learned what steady beat and rhythm were by discussing them in class and being given a definition of what they mean. An example of them was also given that we then imitated. We learned Hot Cross Buns by being taught the fingering on the recorder and the notes. We also learned the rhythm to it. These teachings were enforced by playing the song multiple times.

It is important to learn what steady beat and rhythm are because they are present in all music. Knowing these concepts help us to understand music and music composition. Learning the song on the recorder helps to ingrain the concepts learned.

If children learn this at an early age it will be more natural for them than if they learned it at a later age. Ten children's songs I am familiar with are: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Old McDonald, Row Row Row Your Boat, Mary had a Little Lamb, Rock-a-bye Baby, Little Bunny Fufu, I'm a little Teapot, The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Bingo.

Name Rhyme

Caitlin is my name
Teaching is my aim
So to NIU I came
Sorry this rhyme is lame

Music History

I was in choir in fifth and sixth grade. I learned to play the recorder in fourth grade, but I don't remember how. I took a couple of mandatory music classes in middle school. I prefer rock or alternative music. I listen to music a lot, especially when I do homework. My iPod has about 500 or 600 songs on it. This includes rock, alternative, punk, bubblegum music, and a few other genres. I mostly listen to my iPod when I am walking to class, but I also listen to it when my roommate is sleeping and when I'm at work.

I think the activities so far have helped loosen people up a little. It makes you realize that not everyone there is going to be a fantastic singer and so you don't have to worry about the fact that you're not good. They've also been very creative. This was taught through our singing and moving around. This is good for children because the music helps them learn easier, such as the song that helped learn names. The song is something that is more fun for them and so they are more willing to pay attention, as opposed to simply stating everyone's name.