GACE Teaching Competencies for Music Educators

Compare the style of Impression in the visual arts with Impressionism in the musical arts

Impressionism was a movement that moved away from traditional paintings. To create works that evoke light, color, and atmosphere.

Debussy formed these elements in his works by his non-climatic melodies, and complex textures.

Describe the literacy and musical background of the ballade genre

The Ballade refers to a form where words are set to 3 stanzas with 7 or 8 lines each.

A Ballade could be comic, romantic, tragic or historical. 

Ballade composers: Schubert, Schumann, Liszt and Strauss.

Chopin, Brahms, and Liszt wrote strictly instrumental ballades.

Discuss how music instruction can be integrated with common core subjects

Educators can relate questions and answers in English. Individual phrases can reinforce the work as a whole. 

Teachers can also use certain sections to reinforce history. 

Basic musical elements require basic math understanding. 

Concepts in science relate to woodwind care and sound wave production.

Discuss a comprehensive outline of a regular full ensemble rehearsal

The conductor should prepare a comprehensive plan. They should prioritize the musical goals for the session. 

The beginning should be spent doing warmups for the body & the instrument. 

During the rehearsal, the ensemble should play through various works, refine challenging sections and develop their musicality and sight-reading.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sectional rehearsals and full ensemble rehearsals

Sectional rehearsals allow players to fine-tune their parts together and fix any problems. 

The Conductor may not realize there are hidden problems in sections. 

Sectionals should either be before or after regular rehearsal.

Students should also know what they need to work on ahead of time.

Describe the role of the section leader in the rehearsal procedures

The section leader should be thoroughly prepared with their own part, because that will be the framework for the rest of the section. 

They should be ready to give advice in musical details.

They should be proficient in intonation.

Also responsible for interpreting any directives the conductor gives. 

Discuss the benefits of individual student lessons

It is beneficial to learn the basics from a private teacher. In an ensemble, there is only so much attention the conductor can give to a student. 

As the student advances, having a private teacher will better assist in challenging parts, which will help them grow faster as they play.

Describe various aspects to consider when selecting music for an ensemble

The conductor must select the appropriate music. 

The music must be the correct level & must cater to the ensembles strengths & weaknesses. 

Conductors must consider the logistics of the ensemble making sure there are enough instruments to cover the parts.

Discuss instructional strategies for teaching rhythm to a full elementary class

Kinesthetic movement: clapping; swaying, dancing.

Clapping patterns and dancing patterns.

Keeping a beat, like a heartbeat. 

Visual & Verbal labels are used to help identify certain rhythms.

Discuss certain strategies to prevent student behavior issues in a group setting

While teaching a group of 15 or more students:
Instructions should be clear and concise

Reinforcement by modeling the activity & asking the students to repeat the instructions are key to focus. 

Always establish rules, awards, and consequences. 

Discuss the appropriate steps to take when a student exhibits behavior problems

The teacher should start by adjusting the teaching style or lesson sequencing. 

Also the teacher should address the misbehavior, give verbal or non-verbal cues, and talk to the student after class.

Discuss the instructional strategies to keep students focused and on task

If students are distracted, wait until they are paying attention. Silence will draw attention to the misbehaving students. 

Teachers can use the “If you can hear my voice, clap once” 

Teachers can reward good behaving students through positive reinforcement. 

Giving a misbehaving student a special task can distract them.

Discuss appropriate classroom objectives for grades 5-8 as set by the National Achievement Standards

Students should be able to sing with expressions from a variety of styles. 

Play at least one instrument with good technique. 

Play simple tunes by ear & Improvise. 

Know basic music theory.

Describe a sample 6-week curriculum and objectives for grades 1-2 in general music education

In these grades, they learn more by doing. Experiential learning like playing, singing, and moving to music. 

1st week might include games & songs

2nd week topic is a steady beat

3rd week steady beats should be reinforced

4th week quarter notes & half notes

5th & 6th weeks reinforcement learning

Discuss methods for establishing classroom rules and ways to manage negative responses to rules

Expectations should be clearly explained. 

Consequences should also be explained. 

Positive & Negative reinforcement will be used.

If a student does not comply with the rules, they will be taken aside and reexplained.

Describe the Every Pupil Responds instructional technique

This technique allows students to respond simultaneously to a teacher’s question.

It can be adapted to fit the “yes or no” method. Or Outloud

Explain the importance of procedures and routines and discuss examples of classroom routines

Important for structure and organization. Daily routine and procedures can prevent many of the misbehaviors that result. 

Clear procedures and routines can help model the entire classroom experience

Examples: Roll Call, announcements, Tardies, absences, assignments, independent & group work.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of intrinsic motivation in the classroom

Intrinsic motivation is defined in behavioral psychology as motivation that exists for an individual in the activity itself.

There will be satisfaction in the activity at hand. 

This only works for students who have that natural tendency towards the task.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of extrinsic motivation in the classroom

Extrinsic motivation is defined as motivation for an activity that exists apart from the activity such as an outside pressure or a reward. 

Satisfaction lies in an external reward. Like Grades, and peer esteem. 

The teacher should focus on the student’s importance towards a future goal.

Discuss the strategies for motivating students in the music classroom

Motivated students result in higher engagement and better learning. 

Become a role model.

Involve yourself in education.

Positive reinforcement & Constructive criticism

Realistic performance goals

Describe the use of the National Core Arts Standards and list their major categories

Milestones to attain a grade by grade level on forms of music. 

3 Categories: 

Creating - 

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

Refine and complete artistic work

Performing, Presenting, Producing - 

Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work

Responding -

Perceive and analyze artistic work.

Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.

Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.

Connecting - 

Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

Describe how the changes of physical, cognitive, and social development during puberty affects music learning

Students going through puberty experience lots of changes. 

Voice development will happen - larynx enlarges and the vocal cords lengthen and thicken.

Boys voices “crack”

During puberty, students need more self-expression and acceptance.

Describe principles of sequencing a music curriculum

Can be based on 3 different techniques: Content sequencing, Task Sequencing, Sequencing of Elaboration. 

Content Sequencing: Instructor should present the main idea first then continue with more details. 

Task Sequencing: Instructor should order the learning from simple to more complex skills

Elaboration Sequencing: Instructor gives students an overall view then presents basic content and progresses to more detailed content. 

Describe the use of the Socratic methods in guided listening to teach students self-assessment and to develop one’s own musical expression

Socratic Method refers to the Greek philosopher Socrates, who advocates for questions in developing student’s critical thinking. 

Guided listening exercises that enable self-assessment.

Asking open-ended questions will develop their thinking skills. 

Discuss various techniques in teaching musical aesthetics and expression

Instructors should use the technique of modeling to demonstrate physical and aural attributes of an expression. 

Guided listening to teach musical aesthetics to students. 

The educator can also analyze, reflect, and evaluate.

Discuss methods of incorporating music theory instruction during a full rehearsal

Important to incorporate music theory and to make sure students experience a comprehensive education. This will allow the student to get a deeper understanding of music using new theoretical concepts.

Describe practical teaching techniques to accommodate aural learners

Aural learners learn best by hearing content. They also learn better through talking and discussion. 

They learn better by asking questions. 

Spoken quizzes and tests. 

Listening to one’s own performance.

Describe practical teaching techniques to accommodate visual learners

Visual learners learn best by seeing content. 

Projector, handouts, or by demonstrating it visually. 

Visual learners should make flashcards, pictures, diagrams, and content maps. 

Describe practical techniques to accommodate kinesthetic learners

Kinesthetic Learners learn best by doing.

Teachers should encourage movement while learning, especially during rhythm and meter lessons.

Discuss various strategies to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the music classroom

Inclusion promotes social awareness and acceptance. 

The classroom should be ADA-accessible. Also teachers can use adaptive instruments that allow students to develop motor and aural skills.

Discuss various strategies to accommodate students with visual impairments in the music classroom

Students with visual impairment should allow the student to explore the instrument. 

Making the student feel the instrument and also guide them to what keys to press down. 

Also the instructor should be the Braille Music Code for lessons on staff notation. 

Discuss various strategies to help students with dyslexia understand written musical notation

Musical notation should be enlarged and color-coded.
The instructor should also use Dalcroze and Kodaly techniques to demonstrate rhythm, notation, and patterns.

Discuss a sample semester assessment plan including both individual and group development

A comprehensive rubric provides accountability for each student’s musical growth. 

A sample semester assessment plan should include grades, performance and technical skills, pitch matching, rhythm matching. 

Group grading criteria can include attending performances.

Classroom criteria can include rehearsal preparation: 30% individual, 30% ensemble, 30% classroom, 10% other.

Discuss the role of teacher feedback in music rehearsals as formative assessment of student evaluation

Informal assessments can be pop quizzes, and informal questioning and discussion. These help gauge how their daily progress is coming along. 

Discuss the various music performance outcomes according to the National Standards that help to dictate components

The National Association for Music Education has Performance Standards.

They provide a guideline for the educator for assessment criteria. 

Students should be able to sing alone & with a group, have good technique & ability in a range of styles. 

Students should be able to improvise simple melodies, and accompaniments.

Be able to read and notate music at their appropriate level. 

Be able to listen to music and analyze it. 

Discuss Phyllis Weikart’s contributions to modern music education

He wrote numerous books on pedagogical applications of music and movement. 

Founder of the program Education through movement: Building the Foundation

Kinesthetic experiences are broken down into units.

Movements are modeled, then developed into simple actions.

Weikart methods are based on Dalcroze & Schulwerk.

Describe the Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance initiative and its elements in a modern music program

It's a model that prioritizes an inclusive deeper understanding of music. 

Rehearsal becomes a learning laboratory with the teacher acting as a facilitator. 

The chosen musical selection becomes a musical discovery. 

Main elements of the CMP: Music selection, Objectives, Analysis, Strategies, and Assessment.

Analysis involves a deeper understanding of the music. The educator decides on what learning objectives to focus on through the musical selection. Strategies for musical discovery are implemented and the educator assesses the student’s needs.

Describe the types of audiation according to Gordon’s Music Learning Theory

Edwin Gordon developed the Music Learning Theory in the 50s. The theory centers around the concept of Audiation which is a term used to describe the internalization of music. 

It's different from Aural perception, which is an involuntary response. Audiation requires cognitive processing in the brain. 

Type 1: listening to familiar music & unfamiliar music

Type 2: reading familiar music & unfamiliar music

Type 3: writing familiar & unfamiliar music

Type 4: recalling and performing familiar music from memory

Type 5: recalling & writing familiar music from memory

Type 6: creating & improvising unfamiliar music

Type 7: involves creating & improvising unfamiliar music while reading

Type 8: creating & improvising unfamiliar music while writing

Describe the activity components of an Orff-Schulwerk lesson plan

Their lesson plan emphasizes children’s natural tendency to play as a key component. Students are given the opportunity to explore. 

Musical development begins with a child’s natural speech.

Singing, and games help develop children’s singing abilities.

Explain the philosophy behind a Dalcroze eurythmics approach

It makes use of physical movement as a tool for musical development. Music should be taught with kinesthetic movement so that sound can be integrated with nerves and muscles. Music learning should start with movement. 

Provide sample activities for a Pre-K eurhythmics class

Students dance freely to teacher improvisation

Pass a beach ball around in a circle to a rhythm

Students stomp their feet in rhythm 

Students clap their hands to the tempo of the teachers improv 

Discuss instructional activities to improve rhythmic accuracy in beginner students

Results from a basic reinforcement of the concept of the steady beat. This can be fixed by clapping, tapping, or counting out loud. 

Peer learning also helps because students will want to match the level of others

The heartbeat is a steady beat and a good example to teach.

Discuss instructional activities to improve pitch reading in beginner students

It's important to have a reference when pitch reading like Middle C. Students should understand spatial relationships. 

Practice reinforcement for pitch reading will integrate their learning better.

Compare and contrast Rote learning vs. Intervallic note reading

Reading notes from memory like mnemonic devices (every good boy does fine) (FACE) (Good Boys Do Fine Always) (All Cows Eat Grass)

Students can identify notes quickly, but they struggled with sight reading due to more mental processing

Intervallic note reading is reading notes by spatial relationships (third up, second down)

Students are able to identify intervals during sight reading, but struggle to name notes. 

Describe the pyramid model of balance and blend for a large ensemble and how to apply it

Higher pitched singers should play softer than the lowest-pitch singers, so that there is an ideal balance between the treble and bass.

The higher pitched section will be able to hear the bass. 

The Pyramid model, the bass voices are the bottom rung of the pyramid. The overall width determines the overall volume of the ensemble. 

Discuss how to extract a Bright tone vs. Dark tone from a chorus

These are descriptions of tonal quality. Tone Quality is independent from pitch, as demonstrated by a violin or a cello, for example. If both played the same note, the tonal quality would still differ. The violin produces a brighter tone. 

The Bright Tone emphasizes the partials in the upper range.

A bright tone resonates farther forward in the face. 

A Dark Tone will emphasize the lower range. 

A dark tone will  resonate further back.

Discuss techniques to improve a chorus’ intonation and vocal technique

A good chorus must have accurate intonation. 

Changing the seating arrangement can help.

All vocal parts should be able to hear each other. 

Problem spot singing must happen. 

Directors can warm up with dominant chords and tonic pedals with references notes.

Discuss techniques to correct intonation on brass instruments

Good posture, and breath support help. 

Playing in front of a mirror can help. 

Mentally thinking of the tone you want to play can help. 

Long tones help intonation as well. 

Discuss techniques to correct intonation on woodwind instruments

Good posture, breath support and proper embouchure. 

Playing in front of a mirror.

Tuning to the ensemble can help also.

Discuss ensemble rehearsal strategies for practicing technically challenging passages

The director should determine if the challenging part is due to a lack of individual practice. The director should show how to practice it at home. 

A challenging passage should be played slowly and rhythmically. 

Isolating a passage can help fix it. 

Discuss instructional activities music educators could use to foster a relaxed instrumental playing approach

Playing requires a relaxed body. There should be no physical tension. 

Classes that start with stretching can help playing.

Consistent Warmups help release any tension.

Discuss the role of the tongue in forming clear diction and vowel formation

It plays a key role in vowel formation and clear diction. 

Clarity in singing requires clear vowel formation. The tongue should rest forward in the mouth. 

Describe the educational value of programming widely diverse repertoire for an ensemble

Good programming will reflect diversity that the audience can experience. There should be a mix of contemporary works and old classical works. Students get a broader musical perspective.

Describe the differences in concert length and pacing for a beginning middle school band and an advanced high school concert band

A concert planned for a middle school is way different than a concert for a high school.

Endurance is an issue for a beginning band meaning the length will be shorter. 

The advanced band can play for longer and with less breaks

Compare and contrast the Fixed-Do system and the Movable-Do system

In a Fixed-DO refers to a specific pitch like Middle C.
Movable-DO refers to any pitch in the diatonic scale.

Describe how to incorporate solfege into regular rehearsals to develop sight-reading skills

It is important to teach solfege to refer to any pitch in the diatonic scale. Using the moveable-DO helps them learn relative pitch. 

Students should be able to call back certain pitches and hand signals.

Discuss kinesthetic theories of rhythm reading that aid musical development

Rhythm cannot be experienced without moving. This will help them audiate the rhythm mentally. Weikart advocated for movement-based learning. 

Discuss instructional activities that aid intervallic reading and understanding

Intervallic reading is when students can recognize the relative relationships between pitches faster and with less mental processing. 

This simplifies the reading process.

Discuss the neural bases for mental practice efficacy

When practicing with an instrument “practice makes permanent” is the correct way  to do it. Repetition reinforces learning. Mental practicing mirrors physically practicing and can improve cognitive and motor functions.  

Discuss the characteristics of the reed that influence intonation

A reed must maintain a high quality. The reeds resistance refers to the amount of embouchure tension required to keep it sounding good. 

A low resistance reed might cause the player to overblow.

A high resistance reed can cause fatigue. 

Its tone quality is the resonance and timbre of it.

Its stability is the ability for it to hold pitch at any dynamic. 

Discuss proper woodwind embouchure for good tone quality and accurate intonation

Flute embouchures require the player to blow air across the body. The flute should be placed against the chin.

Woodwind embouchures require the player to enclose the mouthpiece so that airflow can vibrate the reed. The bottom lip should be slightly over the bottom teeth. 

Discuss the slight differences in bow position and bow handling of the different string instruments

The bow position should have a rounded thumb, and pinky on top. Fingers should be arched. It should be held lightly. 

On Cello & Bass, the bow should be in a similar manner, but the pinky does not rest on the bow. 

Describe the various mutes for trumpet and trombone and resulting sounds

Straight mutes: metallic sound

Cup mutes: muffled dark tone

Bucket mute: softer tone

Wah-Wah mute: buzzed tone

Plunger & Hat: one hand while manipulating the mute over the bell 

Discuss the hand-horn technique for French Horn

The technique was used when the Horn did not have any valves. Notes between open partials in the harmonic series were played by opening and closing the throat of the bell. 

Horn players still use their right hand because it produces a darker tone, and can more easily control pitch. 

The American method is the hand is held flat. 

The French method has the hand held flat with the thumb at a 90 degree angle with the hand.

Discuss the 3 main multiple mallet techniques used by marimba players

A two-mallet grip has a flexible grip. The four-mallet grip comes later. 

Traditional crossed, Burton, Musser/Stevens grip.

Traditionally places the 2nd mallet between the index and middle fingers.

Burton grip placed the 2nd mallet between the index and middle and the end of the mallet underneath all four fingers.

Musser/Stevens grip places the 1st mallet between the thumb and index fingers and the 2nd mallet between the middle and ring fingers. 

Describe the body, arm, and finger position on the drumstick for proper snare drum technique

Relaxed body and comfortable. 

Feet flat on floor. 

Arms relaxed.

Grip  the drumsticks firmly and relax.

Discuss fingering techniques for keyboard instruments and approaches for injury prevention

Relaxed wrists, arms, elbows, and shoulders. 

Wrist should be in line with the hand.

Elbows should hang comfortably.

Shoulders relaxed.

Fingering the keyboard should use the thumb-tuck technique. 

Discuss the kinesthetics of octave playing on keyboard instruments and the different schools of thought on physical approach

The hand must stretch to the length of eight keys. Each octave should be played and released quickly. You must release the tension quickly. You can also use the wrist snapping technique. Or Using the elbow to play each octave. 

Describe the importance of the diaphragm in breathing for vocal music

The Diaphragm plays a key role in the respiratory system. It is the sheet of muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest cavity. As the muscle contracts, air enters the lungs through inhalation. As the muscle relaxes, air exists through exhalation. 

Describe the symptoms of adolescent vocal change and technique to refine vocal development for students

Growth spurts cause adolescents to go through voice changes. 

The vocal tract increases in length and circumference. 

Symptoms include cracking and register breaks. 

There is importance for the voice to rest. 

Define tessitura and describe the considerations involved in assigning a voice part to a vocal part

Tessitura refers to the range in a singer’s voice that resonates the most in a pleasing manner. It is the most comfortable vocal timbre for singers. 

Explain how to care for and maintain woodwind instruments

Wiped clean, apply key oil, use cork grease, clean mouthpieces weekly, discard old reeds.

Describe how to care for and maintain stringed instruments

Wiped clean, apply key oil, use cork grease, clean mouthpieces weekly, discard old reeds.

Describe how to care for and maintain brass instruments

Brass instruments should be used as a swab to get rid of moisture. Also using valve oil is helpful.

Describe how to care for and maintain percussion instruments

Timpanis should be inspected, and use lubricant. Metal mallet instruments should be wiped with a glass cleaner. A wooden bar instrument should be wiped with a cloth. Drums should be maintained through cleaning and lubricating. 

Discuss how to involve students in caring for and maintaining Orff instruments

Orff instruments should be cleaned regularly. Using oil soap and oil polish.

Discuss appropriate Jazz standards for a beginning middle school jazz band

For a beginning jazz band, there should be a swing feeling, sectional solos, and other harmonic and structural features. Charts should provide students for solos, rhythm sections, and experimenting to improv. 

Hal Leonard, Alfred, and Kendor provide sample solos for students to play. 

Some Directors may use a 12 bar blues Jazz Standard. 

Discuss how to identify tunes suitable for the beginning jazz improviser

The songs should follow the head/solos/head structure. Also, the beginner improviser should allow a student to focus on their limited number of variables. 

A common hurdle for a beginner is choosing what notes to play. 

There should be an emphasis on helping the student focus by playing with confidence. 

Describe appropriate performance competencies for students in Pre-K as outlined in The School Music Program: A New Vision

The songs should follow the head/solos/head structure. Also, the beginner improviser should allow a student to focus on their limited number of variables. 

A common hurdle for a beginner is choosing what notes to play. 

There should be an emphasis on helping the student focus by playing with confidence. 

Discuss the physiology of vocal range development

The larynx is very high when you are an infant. It drops slightly when you get older. The vocal folds of a child are much shorter than an adult. The vocal range of a child is more limited than an adult. 

Describe the transposition and instrumental ranges of 5 to 7 woodwind instruments

The Piccolo range is D4-C7

The Flute is Bb3 - D7

The Oboe is Bb3 - A6

The Clarinet is E3 - C7

The bassoon is Bb1 - Eb5 

Describe the transposition and instrumental ranges of 5 to 7 brass instruments

French horn range is F#2 - D6

Trumpet is F#3 - D6

Tenor Trombone is E2 - F5

Tuba is G0 - C5

Euphonium is Bb1 - F5

Describe the transposition and instrumental ranges of 5 to 7 string instruments

Violin range is G3-A7

Violia is C3-E6

Cello is C2-C6

Double bass is C2-C5

Banjo is C3-A4

Guitar is E3-E6

Harp is Cb1 - G#7

Describe the transposition and instrumental ranges of 4 to 6 pitched percussion instruments

Timpani range is D2-A2

Xylophone is G4-C7

Marimba is C2 to C7

Glockenspiel is G3-C6

Vibraphone is F3-F6

Chimes is C4-G5

Describe the transposition and instrumental ranges of 3 to 5 keyboard instruments

The modern piano range is A0-C8

The harpsichord is F1-F6.

Harmonium is F1-F6.

Organ is C2-C7

Discuss how to select appropriate leveled culturally diverse music selections for an advanced high school ensemble

Music directors should select a variety of music that is at appropriate levels. The director should consult the state contest repertoire. 

Discuss considerations when devising a core repertoire list for an ensemble

A core repertoire list should provide a strong framework. It should include a variety of rhythm that has technical abilities. 

Describe repertoire sources for an intermediate middle school chorus

The American Choral Directors Association has great sources for music. They should also use state clinics and contest repertoire.

Discuss the use of colleagues, mentors, conferences, and publishers as repertoire resources for a music program

Directors should use a variety of sources, because some may overlook certain features. Publishers are useful to look at because repertoire should be able to provide students with a wide range of attributes.