A
Teaching
Observation
from
Ellen
Abrahams
Westminster
Choir
College
Music
Education
Department
Name
of
Teacher
Hannah Larson
Name
of
School
Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
Grade
14 October 3, 2012 Date
1:39 pm Music Theory Time
Lesson/Rehearsal
Plan:
Conforms
to
the
required
forms.
Comments:
Great. It was very easy to follow.
Lesson/Rehearsal
Execution:
Includes
appropriate
strategies
to
meet
the
objectives
and
answer
the
focusing/essential
question.
Comments:
1. The focusing questions were clearly addressed.
2. Discussion was your frontline strategy.. Monitoring all members of the class in a discussion is tricky.
Providing a discussion guide for the students will keep everybody working and enables closure. often say that music brings people other
3. WeDISCUSSION about music does thetogether,Hmm. cultures, etc. Now, saying that, is it reasonable to think that a same?
4. In my experience I have noticed that the same critics of "pop" music will thoroughly enjoy jamming on the
"pop". And why is that?
General
:
Includes
classroom
management,
assessment
and
standards.
The
strongest
areas
of
this
lesson/rehearsal
were:
1. THE Discussion was engaging and excellent. I noticed that the students were SILENT when listening to the
music. They like MUSIC. You had super samples. I thought it was brilliant to lead them in to the Webern via the
Banshee.
2. Last observation I suggested that you always include music/listening in your lesson. BRAVO. And what if they walked in to class with music already playing?
Suggestions
for
the
next
observation:
BE BOLD. The theory class may not require that of you, but when in front of big choirs you will have to get your "I
am in the driver seat people" stance going.
Comments: 1. Develop a standing definition for music that the class can adapt for future listening. Otherwise you will play
referee.
And I would stay clear of opinion-adjectives like pleasing and displeasing.
2. Regarding the focusing questions: I suggest that you put these questions to the students. What question is
the biggest. What listening skill do we want to develop for future. IS exposure to/ IS listening to tons of musics
part of the strategy?
3. When assigning homework, be very specific with criteria and requirements/due dates, etc. This should be in
some form of writing. 14 Todays
Grade
(15
points
maximum)
_________________
4. Model your projects. Ex. Model the composition assignment. Not like a Westminster composer, but like one of them. Model each component. 5. It is not easy, but try to make sure the students have the skills to do your assignments. i mention this because
