The latest episode of Theory Rocks is now available. This episode, is about Intervals and how to measure them. To complete the quiz, view the video on YouTube and look out for the link in the description. Make sure you subscribe too, to get notified of when the latest episodes are up.
education
Time Signatures and Bar Lines – Music Theory Lesson
Education, Music, Videos/FilmHere is episode 6 of Theory Rocks, this lesson is about Time Signatures and Bar Lines. Click through to the YouTube page to find the quiz link in the description.
Some Amazing Music Teaching Resources
EducationSince starting the term school term I’ve slowly been getting my mindset back into teaching and creating lessons once again. Here are some awesome things I’ve discovered recently:
The English Pocket Opera Company
http://www.epoc.co
Head over to their ‘Song Room’ tab to find a load of fantastic resources for singing. Loads of free PDF downloads ranging from warm-ups to getting students to sing in harmony. I’ve used some of these already and they’re great.
Teaching Music: Practice Strategies for KS3
http://www.rhinegoldeducation.co.uk
It costs a whopping £49.95, but this eBook for computer and tablet is fast becoming my holy grail. A lot of the book is about improving practice, but there are TONS of ideas for lessons and projects.
New Music Curriculum Guidance
https://sites.google.com/site/newmusiccurriculumguidance/home
Not entirely sure who built this website, but it provides a useful breakdown of the new music curriculum in the UK. Loads of helpful links to YouTube videos and other resources.
Teach Through Music
http://www.sound-connections.org.uk/teach-through-music
Teachers who work in London can apply for free music CPD. There’s too much to write about it here, so click the link and have a look to see what it’s about.
Liszt Sonata iPad App Review
Apps, Blog, TechnologyThe Liszt Sonata App is the third music app released by Touch Press, who have by now become known for their incredible apps for classical music. What’s interesting about this one is that it’s the first that doesn’t feature an orchestra, instead, just solo piano.
Best iPad Apps for Music Teachers
Blog, Education, Reviews, TechnologyLate last year I got myself an iPad 2. Since then it has hardly ever left my side. In the classroom I use it to film music performances, keep track of student progress, make resources, plan lessons, play music to students and more.
The great thing about the iPad is that it’s multiple devices rolled into one. Whilst still quite an expensive luxury item, it’s changed a lot about the way I teach in the classroom. I’ve decided to review and list some of the best iOS apps I used in the classroom and write a bit about them. Some are paid, some are free, but it’s worth clicking the links and checking them out.
Episode 02
PodcastsDOWNLOAD THIS PODCAST FROM ITUNES
(AAC, 15.4MB, 15:26)
The second episode of the Matt Keil Podcast. In this episode:
– Reaction to last episode’s Sony Music story
– Apple iBooks Textbooks and iBooks Author from a Teacher’s perspective
– Review of HardWire HT-6 App for iPad
Musical Futures Promotional Video
Blog, Education, Musical FuturesEarlier this year, my music lesson at Morpeth School was filmed as part of a Musical Futures promotional video. Just noticed that it’s now online! Check it out. My Head of Department says I deserve an Oscar… what do you reckon?
Linkin Park Ideal for Rockin’ Musical Futures Lessons
Blog, Education, Musical FuturesI’ve recently been working on ‘In at the Deep’ end projects with Year 8 students at school. Usually with this type of lesson the kids pick some very awkward choices of songs that are hard for them to learn over several lessons. This is especially so when you have them picking ‘Grime’ tracks that they’re supposed to be able to play on a couple of guitars and a drum kit.
Christian Scott Visits Morpeth School
Blog, EducationOn Tuesday, Jazz trumpeter Christian Scott and his band visited Morpeth School to perform and lead a workshop with the members of the school band ‘Urban Playground’. After performing a couple of tracks he started a question and answer session so the students had the chance to find out all they wanted to know about him and his music. He had some fascinating stories to tell and provided great insight into the influences behind one or two of his pieces.
Sir, Can I Ask You A Question?
Blog, Education, RandomI’ve just started work at a new school and in order for the pupils get to know me, I let them ask five questions about me at the beginning of their first lesson. I recommend doing this when you start work at a new school providing you have a good sense of humour and don’t mind potential personal questions being asked. Thought I’d quickly post some of the questions they asked me just for a bit of fun…
Matt Keil 