No replies to this topic

[RhythmBee]

Did you ever wonder what "music literacy" really means? In truth, it is from that language of ultimate presumption - "educationese." Whatever else it means, it implies that music is a printed language that can be deciphered and understood from the printed page.

Try this definition - a level of practical facility with music notation that allows a student to perform from and converse about written musical symbols.

So in the most basic terms, music litercy is reading music.

As a music administrator in a large school district, I have spent decades analyzing the lack of instructional connection between grade levels and our inability to teach students to read with fluency. I have come to the conclusion that we can do nothing to improve music literacy until we teach a high level of facility with rhythm reading. Competent rhythm performance is the basic level skill that enables the development of every other skill. Without the ability to de-code rhythm notation, printed music remains a mystery, and reading music is an impossibility. With fluency in rhythm reading, students attack every other performance demand with confidence.

After thousands of hours of curriculum design and media development, I have a complete hi-tech rhythm instruction program of which I am very proud. It is in use by some of the highest level band programs in Texas and is beginning to filter into other parts of the country as well.

I invite you to view the site and, if it is still available, claim a free subscription for your band program. Just go to RhythmBee.com. I think the site is self-explanatory. If not, please feel free to email me with any of the links on the site.

Best regards for a terrific Christmas season!!