Teaching Music Through Performance in BandThis book series is a valuable tool for band directors. It details many articles about teaching band as well as describes many details of grade 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 band literature and things to be aware of while choosing certain pieces for band. There are companion CD's which have recordings by the North Texas Wind Ensemble. This series also has books for choir, orchestra, and jazz.
www.giamusic.com/music_education/teaching_music.cfm |
Tonal EnergyThis application is one of the best tuning apps on the market. It is user friendly and has many different uses. It has a waveform setting so students can not only hear their sound but see it as well. It is a crucial part of my warm-up and teaching. It is now made for Mac and Android devices.
tonalenergy.com |
SmartMusicThis program is essential for allowing students to hear their part and how it fits into the whole band, as well as offer assessment on their part. It is made by the same company as Finale, so anything written in Finale transfers to this program. The program has hundreds of band arrangements, jazz charts, choral works, orchestra pieces, solos, method books and lessons which can be utilized by teacher and student depending on your subscription package.
www.smartmusic.com |
Roland R-05 Wave/MP3 RecorderThere are many digital recorders on the market but this is my favorite because it is so easy to use. This version replaces the Edirol R-09. There is a more expensive version which also adds video. This device allows directors to record their ensemble and play back immediately for critique from the students, as well as giving the director something to study to fix problems for later lessons. It can record in .WAV or .MP3 to play on computers or has an output which can plug into a PA system.
www.rolandus.com/products/r-05/ |
RhythmBeeThis is a subscription program that focuses on counting rhythms. It uses visual stimulation of a tapping foot and note heads that keeps students' attention and makes them participate in class. It has different difficulty settings from beginner to advanced.
www.rhythmbee.com |
Yamaha Harmony DirectorThe Harmony Director lets you demonstrate to your students how their individual notes fit into complete chords. It allows you to teach them through examples rather than words alone, the kind of harmonic understanding that takes many years of experience to develop. The Harmony Director can help your ensemble move from good to outstanding.
usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/winds/harmony_director/harmony_director/ |