MUSC 221
CLASSROOM INSTRUMENTS

  1. Catalog Entry

MUSC 221. Classroom Instruments
Two hours laboratory (1).

Prerequisites: Completion of MUSC 120 with a grade of “C” or better.

Study of instruments commonly used in general music classes in schools, including pitched and unpitched percussion, recorder, guitar, baritone ukelele and autoharp. The course includes playing techniques for classroom ensembles, including western and non-western instruments, improvisation in general music, instrument construction, repertoire and basic arranging for classroom instruments. Information on using the voice effectively in the classroom is also included.

  1. Detailed Description of Content of Course

I. Playing techniques

A. Percussion

1. Unpitched

a. Skins
b. Woods
c. Metals
d. Shakers

2. Pitched

a. Skins
b. Woods
c. Metals

B. Winds: recorder
C. Strings

1. Guitar
2. Autoharp
3. Baritone uke

D. Using the voice in the classroom

II. Ensembles and repertoire

A. Recorder ensembles
B. Orff ensembles
C. Ethnic ensembles, multicultural music

III. Improvisation for classroom instruments
IV. Instrument construction
V. Basic arranging for classroom ensembles

  1. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course provides performance experiences on classroom instruments, especially guitar, recorder, and tonebar instruments. It also includes demonstration and practice of techniques for using the voice in the classroom. Performance of repertoire for classroom ensembles is included and basic techniques of arranging for classroom ensembles are practiced .

  1. Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, the student will

1. demonstrate skills in playing classroom instruments, especially guitar, recorder, tonebar instruments.
2. demonstrate skills in ensemble playing.
3. know repertoire for teaching and playing classroom instruments.
4. know how to use the voice effectively in the classroom.
5. demonstrate skill in improvising on classroom instruments.
6. have written arrangements for classroom ensembles.
7. have knowledge and experience with music from a variety of cultures

  1. Assessment Measures

1. Class attendance and participation.
2. Skills tests on voice, guitar, recorder, tonebar instruments.
3. Bibliography of repertoire for teaching and playing classroom instruments.
4. Arrangements for classroom instruments.

  1. Other Course Information
  2. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
February 2006 Reviewed E. Fellin, Chairman