This week, I am taking a break from talking about the band instruments, and presenting a short video Blog (Vlog) on a music education conference I recently attended in Chicago.
I wish I was able to shoot more videos, but there were many workshops I wanted to attend and I was only there for a few days.
GIML (Gordon Institute for Music Learning) is an organization of passionate teachers using concepts from Music Learning Theory, developed by Edwin Gordon. Gordon did extensive research on how children learn music, and has developed concepts and theories as a result. He is a wonderful man who was also a bassist with Gene Krupa before he turned his focus to education.
There are many similarities between how a jazz musician learns and the concepts of Music Learning Theory. The most important being, “Sound before Sight.” A great analogy would be the following: would you put a novel in front of a 2 year old and ask her to read it? Of course not, but many music programs impose similar scenarios for beginning musicians, who are tasked with reading music (something totally new for most) and performing on an instrument (which requires tremendous focus and concentration to coordinate many fine muscles).
If you're interested in learning more about Edwin Gordon, Music Learning Theory, or GIML, you can go to http://www.giml.org/
Here's my Vlog….
Action Points:
1. Think about how you were taught to play a musical instrument. Was it difficult to read and play at the same time? Tell me your experience below?
Have a great week!
