#musedchat Archive

Each Monday evening at 8PM EST, music teachers get together and share ideas about important topics within music education. It’s a great chance to interact directly with educators from all over the world and to get new tips and tricks to help you succeed in the classroom. The entire #musedchat discussion is organized and moderated by Joe Guarr.

Monday April 3, 2017
8:00 PM EDT

  • participatechat Apr 3 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Participate in the upcoming #musedchat by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/x9OSK7xqnl
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hello, I'm John from MI! Currently a student teacher. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Welcome to the chat John, how are you tonight? #musedchat
    In reply to @jhallma_mused
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hi all! Sam Fritz 6-8 band in Greenwood IN - just back from Spring Break #musedchat
  • phyllissings Apr 3 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hey all! Phyllis, Louisiana, 5th & 6th grade choir & music #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    I'm doing great! How are you? #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Not bad. Pretty good first day back from break. #musedchat
    In reply to @jhallma_mused
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Hope you enjoyed your break! #musedchat
    In reply to @SamuelFritz
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Good to see you Phyllis, how are you tonight? #musedchat
    In reply to @phyllissings
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    I did and loved our first recording exchange #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • nathancort Apr 3 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Nathan Cort, 6-8 Choir, Grand Blanc, MI #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    The exchange was a blast! #musedchat
    In reply to @SamuelFritz
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Heya! Becky from IN, junior high band and choir. Spring breaking it up this week! #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    How are you tonight, Nathan? #musedchat
    In reply to @nathancort
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    I hope it's a relaxing and refreshing week for you, welcome! #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Hi All! Amy from MI. Middle school band. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Hi Amy! Thanks again for moderating last week. #musedchat
    In reply to @AmyLynnRever
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Hi everyone. Justin Dickson here, MS band director in NC. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Good evening Justin, how are you tonight? #musedchat
    In reply to @BandmateTuner
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    No worries. Glad I could help! Feeling better? #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Q1: How has the concept of trial and error helped shape your teaching? #musedchat
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Hi Joe, thanks for hosting. I am making a background track for practicing solos for "These Foolish Things" for 8th gr jazz band #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Still coughing, but I can breathe and taste stuff again. #musedchat
    In reply to @AmyLynnRever
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Looking for a cool way to have your students give/receive feedback? Join our Recording Exchange! #musedchat https://t.co/dAcAYuqkcZ
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Reahna from jacksonville 16 sophomore future chorus teacher #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    How are you tonight, Reahna? #musedchat
    In reply to @ImTheRealReRe
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1: Honestly, trial and error was my first 7 yrs. Taught general music w/ no real training. Made me more flexible/adaptable. #musedchat
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1: diagnosing and fixing fundamental problems with how kids are playing their instrument, is 100% trial and error #musedchat
  • nathancort Apr 3 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1: Trial & Error helps build the “toolbox” of my teaching. Different tools will reach different students on different days. #musedchat
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Looking for a cool way to have your students give/receive feedback? Join our Recording Exchange! #musedchat https://t.co/RI3T0Ji0vh
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A1: Seeing and discussing my mistakes with my cooperating teacher and then moving forward with ideas that work best for Ss #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A1: I feel like trial and error is how I get to know my groups at the beginning of each year. #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A1: I use this along with other Edison Quotes to show my students we grow toward excellence one glorious mistake at a time #musedchat
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A1: ... I created a page of daily "Fundamentals" exercises to help with this trial and error process. https://t.co/0mJveaVcDJ #musedchat
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A1: As a musician, I learn and grow from trial and error. It makes me better. #musedchat
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A1: It is absolutely essential that kids not be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn. Must create that culture #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Definitely plays a huge role w/ individual diagnosis. No kid struggles exactly like we did, no 2 kids struggle alike either #musedchat
    In reply to @BandmateTuner
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A1.1: Trial & error has been a part of repertoire selection too. The hope is that the error is realized w/ enough time to change. #musedchat
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A1: So important! The cycle of reflection & action is how we grow at anything. #musedchat
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    That's why it's so important that we allow ourselves to make mistakes too. Ss need that model of trying again. #musedchat
    In reply to @BandmateTuner
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A1.1: but also fostering an environment where Ss feel comfortable and perhaps a little excited to make mistakes #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    Especially when the lit grading system is so subjective. 2.5/3 doesn't mean the same thing to each publisher. #musedchat
    In reply to @AmyLynnRever
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A1 I think we teachers need to maintain a sense of humor about our own mistakes too. "I don't make mistakes" = bad leadership. #musedchat
  • kellyapetro Apr 3 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    #musedchat Kelly from Rochester NY. Jr /Sr High vocal general in & out as I am putting my babies to bed
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Good to see you Kelly, hope you've been well #musedchat
    In reply to @kellyapetro
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    A1b: I've noticed that it's important for people to recognize their own mistakes and problem solve. You can't always trust others #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Plan, self-monitor, reflect and strategize @noakageyama works in practicing and teaching #musedchat
    In reply to @noakageyama
    • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:18 PM EDT
      A1: So important! The cycle of reflection & action is how we grow at anything. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    Q2: What's your process for adapting/adjusting when something you've tried in class hasn't worked smoothly? #musedchat
  • stephensonmused Apr 3 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Hi! David, choral music educator from SC here. Sorry I'm a little late. #musedchat
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    A2. Tell the truth. "Ok maybe that wasn't a good idea, let's try something else." #musedchat
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    A2: Sometime an adjustment can be made on the fly. Other times discretion is the better part of valor & a fresh start is needed. #musedchat
  • stephensonmused Apr 3 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Totally agree here, but it took me about 10 years to really get it "down." #musedchat
    In reply to @AmyLynnRever
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    A1.2: I think it would be boring if no one made mistakes. There would be no reason for practice and learn. #musedchat
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    A2b: I tell the kids straight, part of my job is saying the same thing 7 different ways, to find the way that works #musedchat
  • stephensonmused Apr 3 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A2: Keeping the pace quick, & "Do this for me..." (something different you've dug out of your teaching bag of tricks). #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A2: 1st don't blame the kids, 2nd tell them your thinking and plan for next time #musedchat
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A1.3: it's important for people to recognize their own mistakes and problem solve. You can't always trust others. #musedchat
  • traviszinnel Apr 3 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    Travis from Iowa. #musedchat in and out today!
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A2: Often ask co-teachers for their perspective. (A privilege, I know.) #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    Hiya Travis, good to see you! #musedchat
    In reply to @traviszinnel
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A2: Keeping an open dialogue between Ss, mentors, and colleagues is so important for me in finding out what works best. #musedchat
  • travisjweller Apr 3 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Q2: Research, talk with colleagues, self-reflection. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Kids want / expect to get things on the first try or "I'm not good at this". False. I think that's a huge part of this. #musedchat
  • traviszinnel Apr 3 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A2: ask Ss about what they need. Gives them some autonomy. May require teaching those discourses. #musedchat
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Brainstorming w/ colleagues whether F2F or online has been a big help. #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A2: Sometimes it's fun to bring students in on the mistake. "What wasn't working?" can lead to some good discussion #musedchat
  • nathancort Apr 3 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    1) identify why it hasn’t worked. 2) Think of ways to adjust. 3) Explore different ideas. 4) Repeat 1-3. #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    True! And perhaps more importantly is keeping a dialogue open with Ss to find what works best for them #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • traviszinnel Apr 3 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    And owning those mistakes is crucial to excellence. Focus on consistently improving #musedchat #growthmindset
    In reply to @AmyLynnRever, @BandmateTuner
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    To discourage that, I put a giant "YET" sign up above my podium. Anybody says "I can't" or "I'm not good enough", point at it #musedchat
    In reply to @BandmateTuner
  • travisjweller Apr 3 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    By your students you are taught! #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • traviszinnel Apr 3 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    @ScottiHagensick #growthmindset #musedchat this is powerful to enhance Ss learning.
    In reply to @ScottiHagensick
    • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:14 PM EDT
      A1: I use this along with other Edison Quotes to show my students we grow toward excellence one glorious mistake at a time #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Q2b: Anybody willing to share a specific example from their own teaching? #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Making one tomorrow!! #musedchat
    • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:31 PM EDT
      To discourage that, I put a giant "YET" sign up above my podium. Anybody says "I can't" or "I'm not good enough", point at it #musedchat
      In reply to @BandmateTuner
  • traviszinnel Apr 3 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A2b: today. I had to readjust the way I was teaching a four part piece. Ask Ss what I could do to help. Brainstorming ideas! #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A2.2 passed piece out for festival. Worked a few days and it wasn't working. Stopped reh told Ss my thinking, they agreed = new #musedchat
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A2: i'm working on not being so hard on myself when I make mistakes. I know it's an important skill to have when teaching. #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A2b: New piece was way better for us and Ss really bought in as they helped own the decision to make a change #musedchat
    • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:37 PM EDT
      A2.2 passed piece out for festival. Worked a few days and it wasn't working. Stopped reh told Ss my thinking, they agreed = new #musedchat
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    It's a good skill to have, but it's a constant work in progress. Some mistakes are easier to recover from. #musedchat
    In reply to @ImTheRealReRe
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A2b: This happens w/ lit at least 1x per year. Will pass out something that isn't an appropriate match. #musedchat
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A2b: Gave a piece to my 7th grade that was quite difficult for them. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A2b: Class might well have the skill/ability to play a piece, but for whatever reason mentally it just won't click #musedchat
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Knew it would be more of a challenge for me to teach it than for them to play it. #musedchat
  • nathancort Apr 3 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Having students think about their learning and music making. Metacognition FTW. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    Tried to run headfirst into what I thought I needed to do, but ended up needing to backtrack, reteach, reinforce. #musedchat
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Took way more time, work, frustration than I expected, but I learned a lot. #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    I feel like I am the king of over-programming because "I" really want to play a piece - can't forget I'm not playing it #musedchat
  • mrallentweets Apr 3 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    #musedchat A1: it shapes everything. Every time I fail I get better. Relationships, programming, curriculum. Everything
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    I think we're all guilty of that. We get excited and try to make our square pegs fit the round hole. :) #musedchat
    In reply to @SamuelFritz
  • mrallentweets Apr 3 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    #musedchat A2: My classroom entry procedures for band. Structured now with QOD, and structured social time. Give kids the time they crave.
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    Q3: Turning mistakes into success is often a lengthy process. How do you keep yourself/students from getting discouraged by it? #musedchat
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A3. Easy, I just remember how long it took me to be halfway decent at the trumpet. They are struggling just like I struggled. #musedchat
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A3: Work to find the positives in whatever the experience was. Use those to build on for new things. #musedchat
  • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A3: "Hey that was way less horrible" can actually be a compliment. We expect/demand effort and growth above all #musedchat
  • bksnider Apr 3 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A3: Try to remind us all to think about how far we've come. Both the kids and myself. #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    A3: Take nothing to heart when mistakes are made, but also asking yourself "What would I think if I was sitting where they are?" #musedchat
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    A1: I will keep trying until I get it right. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    A3: Daily growth can be difficult to see. Recording at bigger intervals can help show the improvement. #musedchat
  • travisjweller Apr 3 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    Maintain being process oriented. Focus fundamentals. Set small goals that are clear and tangible. Be patient. Encourage. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    I couldn't agree more; all to often we don't take enough time for self-reflection #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • BandmateTuner Apr 3 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A3 I'm not discouraged by the trial and error process. That's my job. I get discouraged by disrespect or not paying attention. #musedchat
  • AmyLynnRever Apr 3 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Ha! So very true! #musedchat
    • SamuelFritz Apr 3 @ 8:49 PM EDT
      A3: "Hey that was way less horrible" can actually be a compliment. We expect/demand effort and growth above all #musedchat
  • mrallentweets Apr 3 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    #musedchat A3 In my class I have worked hard to show them that I will make mistakes, they will make mistakes, and we will all be just fine.
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Agreed; knowledge generates knowledge! #musedchat
    In reply to @AmyLynnRever
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A3: I try to encourage myself by remembering the emotions I feel while on stage. The audience and the music is so worth it. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    The daily grind seems to wear on the students much more than it does me. #musedchat
    In reply to @BandmateTuner
  • jhallma_mused Apr 3 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    That is so important in both performance and teaching; keeping your eyes on the goal, remembering what it feels like to do well #musedchat
    In reply to @ImTheRealReRe
  • nathancort Apr 3 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Ss, MS especially, forget how much time they’ve put into their other classes. I often relate music learning to learning language #musedchat
  • ImTheRealReRe Apr 3 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    It was a great chat tonight. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Apr 3 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Thanks for chatting tonight everybody! I hope those of you on break have a fantastic and relaxing week off #musedchat