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nafmeadmin.
nafmeadminHi Everyone!
I may have to teach general music with 6th/7th/8th grades in one section. If you have had to do this before, please share ideas/tips on making it work. I love teaching general music but I’ve never had this many levels (skill & developmental) in one class. I’m not quite sure how to teach the skill-based standards to 3 different levels in one class so that they progress. These students most likely will be in general music (in my section) for all 3 years of middle school.
Help & Thanks!
nafmeadminOne word: GROUPS!! Have them sit according to grade level (assigned seats from Day 1).
Differentiate each assignment for each grade level.
Example: Composition assignment. 8th grade: compose 12 measures of rhythm and melody which must include (man I wish I could draw!) at least two each- quarter, eighth, half and whole notes and rests. 7th grade: compose 8 measures of rhythm and melody which must include one each of [same note /rest values as 8th grade]. 6th grade: 6 measures of melody and rhythm which must include one each [same note values] – no rests.
Teach topics as a whole group (orchestra / band instruments, composers) Break them into grade-specific groups and have them do projects / research and present to the entire class. Ensure that everyone understands how to be a respectful and supportive audience — not normal for this age group.
Middle Schoolers are always reluctant to sing, but don’t shy away from this. Have them sing in at least two parts. You easily have three parts – grade levels! Have them sing in unison and listen for the lowest / highest voices. separate them. 6th grade boys voices are not usually low enough for tenor, but 7th or 8th should be. Give them simple vocal ostinati at first, combined with two higher vocal parts made up of the rest of the group.
*** Never have middle school kids sing solo unless they tell you that they want to / are comfortable with it!!! Most are extremely sensitive and insecure at this age. Gotta treat them like babies while pretending to treat them like adults.
Good luck!!
Christopher M. Johnson, Professor of Music Education and Music Therapy, is currently the Chair of the Music Education and Music Therapy Department and Director of the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Johnson earned his Ph.D. from the Florida State University.
Since his arrival at The University of Kansas, Johnson has taught courses in Instrumental Conducting, Teaching Instrumental Music, Managing Behaviors in the Music Environment, Psychology and Acoustics of Music, and Research Methods in Music Education and Music Therapy. Johnson served two terms as the editor of the International Journal of Music Education: Research, the research publication of the International Society for Music Education. He is currently serving his second term on the National Association for Music Educations Executive Committee of the Society for Research in Music Education. He also served on the editorial board of the Journal of Research in Music Education, and one earlier term as the Chair for the MENC Executive Committee of the Society for Research in Music Education. Johnson also served as the Chair for the Research Commission of the International Society for Music Education.
Johnson’s research interests include applied research in music education, and basic research in all aspects of the psychology of music. He has published articles in many journals including the Journal of Research in Music Education, the International Journal of Music Education, the Journal of Music Therapy, Journal of Band Research, Contributions to Music Education, and the Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, among others. Johnson has also been an active member and contributor to the Research Seminar of the International Society for Music Education and World Alliance for Arts Education.
Johnson received a university teaching award – the Ned N. Fleming Award for Excellence in Teaching and received the recognition for Graduate Teaching Achievement from the Center for Teaching Excellence. Johnson was also awarded a lecturing & research award as a J. William Fulbright Scholar and recently received the Ella Scoble Opperman Citation for Distinguished Achievement from the Florida State University College of Music.
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