See host contact information at the end of these notes.
Music Learning and Student Commitment
Beau and Eric discussed Beau's consideration of assigning "Mastery" by George Leonard to new students to address impatience in learning. Beau shared his process of conducting initial lessons with potential students before confirming their commitment, acting as a filtering mechanism. They briefly touched on the challenges of learning music, emphasizing that significant skill development takes time. The conversation ended with a lighthearted discussion about playing a specific piano tune and a decision to discuss piano further.
Music Learning Theory Distinctions
Beau and Eric discussed the distinction between capital MLT and lowercase mlt, with Eric explaining that capital MLT refers to traditional music learning theory taught through established methods, while lowercase mlt is broader and includes any music learning that experiments and personalizes the approach in classrooms. Eric had recently presented this concept to the New England GIML chapter and received positive feedback. The conversation ended with Beau asking about Gordon's perspective on the piano's role, though this question was not answered in the transcript.
Marilyn White-Lowe’s Piano Curriculum Impact
Beau and Eric discussed the impact of Marilyn White-Lowe’s piano curriculum, particularly how it has been more successful than other instrumental music programs in public schools. They noted that keyboard players tend to be more engaged in classes and more open to learning from each other compared to other instrumentalists. The conversation also touched on the effectiveness of visual diagrams, particularly piano diagrams, in teaching keyboard players, and how these serve a concrete purpose when teaching by rote without focusing on notation.
Musical Instrument Teaching Methods Discussion
Beau and Eric discussed teaching methods for musical instruments, particularly piano and guitar. They explored the use of visual diagrams and technology like VR headsets to aid learning, but expressed concerns about over-reliance on these tools at the expense of developing ear skills. Eric shared his experience teaching piano to young students using a more intuitive approach, focusing on rote learning and singing while playing, rather than heavy notation. Beau also mentioned his experience teaching a mix of instruments and found that teaching songs by rote worked well, especially for piano students learning classical pieces.
Piano Teaching Methods Discussion
Beau and Eric discussed the benefits of teaching piano using an ear-based approach, particularly for learning resting tones and harmony. Beau highlighted how the piano's layout makes it easier to play multiple voices simultaneously compared to other instruments like the guitar. They also discussed the unique advantages of piano for studying harmony and coordination, with Eric sharing his experience of using the instrument to teach children songs.
Piano in Musical Development Discussion
Eric and Beau discussed the role of piano in musical development and audiation. Eric shared his experience teaching young children about musical tones, while Beau described how playing piano helped him understand harmony and voice leading, particularly after a pivotal moment when he mapped out chords on a piano despite not knowing their names. Both participants reflected on formative musical experiences, with Eric recalling learning "Black Orpheus" by Doc Severinson as his first tune learned by ear.
Music Composition and Learning Discussion
Beau and Eric discussed music composition and learning, focusing on Chopin and Agustin Barrios Mangore. Beau shared his experience teaching a simplified version of Chopin's Minute Waltz to a student who lacked technical ability for the full piece. The conversation highlighted how deep musical understanding can evolve over time, with Beau noting how his current harmonic knowledge allows him to analyze Chopin's compositions differently than when he was a teenager learning the pieces.
Piano Discussion and Coding Updates
Beau and Eric discussed getting a piano guest on their show and shared their views on the importance of pianos in homes for children to explore. They also talked about Eric's coding efforts, specifically fixing sound files, and his upcoming blind date. Beau shared insights about a Chopin progression he was analyzing with a student, noting the modulation techniques used.
Hosts:
Eric Rasmussen, PhD in Music Education, Temple University. Three-year student of Dr. Edwin Gordon.
Chair, Early Childhood Music, Peabody Preparatory, Johns Hopkins University
Author of Harmonic Learning Sequence curriculum:
Dr. Eric's Book of Songs and Chants including Harmonic Learning Sequence. See Dr. Eric's course schedule and register here.
Email Dr. Eric: Teachmusictokids@gmail.com
Beau Taillefer - Guitarist (jazz and classical), music educator, intellectual
https://www.youtube.com/@beautaillefermusic
https://www.beautaillefer.ca
Email Beau: info@beautaillefer.ca
Portugal