GACE Music Professional Knowledge & Synthesis

Discuss the role of music education in the growing trend of cultural diversity

Music education in the U.S has been focused on Western music. 

Educators and Band Directors should incorporate music world music within its curriculum. 

Latin, South African, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese music are some examples. 

Describe the philosophy behind non-formal teaching and informal learning in fostering musical self-expression

Formal Teaching is where a music educator introduces content to a student.

Informal training refers to a student’s self-led exploration of musical learning with or without a mentor. 

Non-formal teaching and informal learning can be a valuable part of a student’s growth. This gives students more autonomy in their education. 

Many famous musicians were self taught.

Certain pitfalls can happen like, only learning strengths and there is a lot of variability in their education.

Describe the use of adaptive technology for helping students with disabilities in music education

Adaptive technology allows students with disabilities to participate. Many Ipad applications act as a synthesizer to create music. 

Certain tools can help students play instruments like joysticks, and clamps.

Or enlarging sheet music, or using braille. 

Describe the utilitarian approach to the philosophy of music education

The utilitarian philosophy comes from Plato and Aristotle. 

Music is a tool to develop character for social entertainment. 

Persistence, control, and aural awareness are key components.

Develop fine motor skills, deep breathing, and a strong diaphragm. 

Describe the aesthetic approach to the philosophy of music education

Scholars like Reimer, Mark, and Eisner said that only through music can students develop sensitivity, feeling, and symbolic communication. Extra benefits include pure enjoyment for playing music. 

Describe the Dalcroze method and its impact on modern music education

Developed music education through movement. Students use a kinesthetic approach to experience musical concepts. 

The body is seen as the instrument.

Describe the Kodaly method and its impact on modern music education

He believed that music is an innate part of every human’s experience. 

His main goal was singing. The voice is the most accessible instrument. 

5 Step Sequence: Preparation, Make Conscious, Reinforcement, Practice, and Create.

Describe the Orff-Schulwerk method and its impact on modern music education

They believed that music should be experienced and is best learned through children’s natural tendency to play. 

Orff’s approach is that students experience music through drama, speech, and movement.

Schulwerk’s approach is rhythm development through chanting and bodily rhythm. 

The pentatonic scale is the most common scale used for this method. 

Describe the Suzuki method and its impact on modern music education

He believed that music development is best learned through a mother tongue, where children hear and learn to play from an early age. 

He advocates for parent involvement since children learn to speak before they can read. 

Describe the 3 domains of learning according to Bloom’s taxonomy of learning as related to music education

There are 3 levels of thinking: Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor.

Cognitive: Knowledge

Affective: Values

Psychomotor: Motor skills

Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation.

Summarize the music philosophy of Bennett Reimer

He promoted an aesthetic model of music education. Music exists as an expressive form, and cannot be limited to intellectual pursuits. 

Music can kindle mental feelings.

Music education integration can better society’s compassion and empathy. 

Describe Laban’s theory of movement education

4 Elements of movement: 

Flow, Free and tense movements 

Weight, heavy and light movements

Time, quick and slow movements

Space, Direct and indirect movements

Describe the music philosophy of David Elliot

Elliot endorses a practical approach to music education. Its more about the activity rather than the feeling. It's more about making music than just knowing and appreciating it. Musicianship encompasses music making and Student Apprenticeship models it well.

Describe the risk of long exposure over time to high dB listening experiences

When the inner ear is exposed to high Db the nerve fibers can be damaged. It's a gradual process and can cause trouble hearing muffled sounds. 

Describe measures musicians can take to protect their hearing

Musicians should limit practice sessions to 2 hours, since the average band practice is 90 dbs. Hearing protection should be used. 

Describe issues in vocal health and preventative measures one can take to minimize risk

Proper hydration should be maintained. Getting proper rest for the voice, and avoiding smoking.

Describe the exemptions provided for educators under the “Fair Use” provision as defined in the 1976 Copyright Act

Educators are exempt from certain copyright laws. Teachers are allowed to make copies of up to 10% of the entire work for each student. 

Educators can make One recording and cannot make copies. 

If they want to make copies that must contact the publisher, if they want to make more than 500 copies, they must contact the Harry Fox Agency.

The educator is allowed to perform a copyrighted song for demonstration in the classroom. 

Describe the following licensing resources and their role for music educators: NMPA, MPA, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, HFA, US Copyright

NMPA is the National Music Publishers Association which is the major publisher. 

Music Publishers Association

ASCAP; BMI; SESAC are performance licensing publishers.

Harry Fox Agency and the US Copyright Office.

Discuss the role of music educator in maintaining student confidentiality and appropriate professional conduct through communication, transport, and contact with students

Music educators should act as role models to developing students. Boundaries between student and teacher should ensure a safe and healthy environment. 

Teachers should treat students with respect and vice versa. 

Discuss the role of the music educator in exercising appropriate professional conduct in situations involving the community and family

Educators should follow all laws, and never put students in harm's way. Educators should act in a professional manner. The teacher should never disclose a student’s personal information and always communicate appropriately to families. 

List 4 to 5 professional organizations for music educators and describe the focus of each

Association of Teaching Artists, Jazz Education Network, Music Teachers National Association, National Association for Music Education. 

Describe the benefit of attending clinics and conventions as resources in music education

Conventions offer ample opportunities to network and exchange ideas, and programs with other educators. 

Clinics offer many benefits. Ensembles get unbiased criticism.

List and describe 4 to 6 music education journals

Conventions offer ample opportunities to network and exchange ideas, and programs with other educators. 

Clinics offer many benefits. Ensembles get unbiased criticism.

Describe the basic administrative duties involved in running a music program

Include logistical aspects of running a music program. Balancing budget, logging inventory, and scheduling. 

Describe cost-effective strategies to minimize the financial cost of a music program

Loaning music can reduce spending. Regular Maintenance care prevents damages to instruments.

Describe factors that affect student participation in a school music program and strategies to counter negative influences

School health programs have proved to reduce health-risk behaviors. Supportive teacher-student relationships have positive benefits. 

Discuss the practical advantages of collaborating with colleagues in terms of implementing a music curriculum

Collaborating can provide valuable educational strategies. When education is reinforced, students learn better. 

Collaborating with the librarian can provide more sheet music for the students. 

Describe the benefit of getting involved in IEPs for students with special needs

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: schools must provide students with the same opportunities. 

The Individualized Education Program outlines educational goals for the students to strive for.

Discuss techniques for meaningful parent-teacher conferences emphasizing two-way communication

One way a teacher can influence parental support is through parent-teacher conferences. 

Teachers must help parents be aware of dates and goals. 

Teachers can also coordinate with the PTA and communicate opportunities for dialogue. 

Discuss the recent trend of student-led parent-teacher conferences

In recent years, students have gained accountability for their education. Teachers act as facilitators. Students are responsible for answering questions. Some teachers have students fill-out self-assessment surveys before a conference. 

Discuss military performance opportunities for musicians

The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard all have full-time music ensembles. 

Premier bands are based in D.C and are attached to the academy of the branch.

Regional bands are housed on bases without transfer. 

Military music careers are the most secure jobs in music and provide many opportunities.

Compare and contrast career opportunities for musicians in classical performance and popular music performance

Many classical instrumentalists can find jobs with regional symphonies. Classical vocalists can find jobs with choruses, operas, and vocal ensembles. Popular vocalists can find jobs with studios, bands, and jazz groups. 

More demand for popular music performances rather than classical performances. 

List performance opportunities available for aspiring student musicians

Summer music programs are great to deepen any student's aspirations. Music festivals and competitions are very beneficial as well. They immerse themselves in a community of other musicians and get publicity. 

Discuss music scholarships for junior and senior high school music students

“The President’s Own” offers a concerto competition for high school students. 

The Williams Chorale Bacardi Fallon Scholarship Competition.

Davidson Fellowship.

Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Scholarship. 

Describe the preparatory education and training necessary for a career in music business, and list example job titles

The music business covers the legal, financial, ethical, and artistic aspects. 

Many have a degree in music business and achieve a MBA in music business. 

It's important to get hands-on training through an internship

Describe the preparatory education and training necessary for a career in music education

Educators should hold a bachelor's degree in music education and the appropriate certifications. 

Describe the various job opportunities within music technology and the knowledge and skills needed

Audio Equipment technicians, Sound engineers, Recording engineers

Describe the knowledge and skills needed to become a music therapist

Students learn to assess client needs and develop treatment plans. Gain experience playing for people in nursing homes, camps, and other settings where people need music.

Describe the career opportunities in performing arts medicine

Performing arts medical professionals are there to prevent re-injury and also do treatment for musicians.