1. Importance of Feedback in the Music Classroom
Giving effective feedback in an ensemble performance environment

2. Writing Across the Curriculum
Developing and implementing writing strategies in the music classroom is a challenge, unless I begin to think of music literacy and note writing as opportunities for writing instruction.
The students’ note writing improved with every returned paper that included specific and directed feedback.
This led me to explore the importance of feedback in the music classroom.

3. Types of Feedback Written Feedback Oral Feedback
Useful for assessing music literacy
Adjudication sheets for individual performers
Oral Feedback
Most commonly used in the ensemble setting
Can be quickly given while watching a video of a rehearsal or performance

4. Preparing Students to Hear Feedback
When using digital technology, students have to get over the “wow” factor before they can make improvements to performance aspects.
8 year olds process feedback differently than 12 year olds.
“Needing practice” can be misinterpreted as “not talented enough,” a parallel found in writing.

5. Getting Used to Ourselves on Camera
See Video 119 attached.

6. Note Writing, Third Grade

7. Digital Recording, Second Grade Before
See Video 175 attached

8. Digital Recording, Second Grade After working on Facial Expression
See Video 176 attached.

9. Using Pop Culture to Assist in Feedback for Older Students
The Sing Off is a fantastic tool. However, not all popular TV shows can be used this way. Glee sets up unrealistic expectations, even if it inspires students.
YouTube is a great resource for modeling, inspiration and interpretation.
Whitacre’s Virtual Choir 2.0 journaling project

10. Student Artifacts, Middle School
Video of Lizabeth singing with children “Hey Soul Sister” separate attachment.

11. The Mystery of Talent
"That problem is the mystery and esoteric reputation surrounding music notation and indeed music itself. The overwhelming consensus among non-musicians out there is that you must have "talent" or a secret key or something in order to take part in music.“
Kit Eakle, International Kodaly Society

12. Challenges Specific to the Music Classroom
Most music teachers see between students per week.
At Slavens, I see kindergarten and first grade once a week for 35 minutes, second grade twice a week for 70 minutes, third-fifth grade 2.5 times a week for 87.5 minutes, and middle school 2.5 times a week for 100 minutes.
Average class size is around 25 students
25 students x 6 classes per day x 5 days = 450 students per week in most elementary settings.

13. MME 2010 Conference Survey Dr. Carla Maltas, Steve Williams

14. Future Plans
Clearly, the number of students the average music teacher sees feels like an impediment both to assessment and integrating another curriculum.
The way I will feel most effective as a music teacher and a Slavens team member is by prepping our students to hear feedback easily in any subject.