Missouri State Teachers Association

Learn History Through Rock-and-Roll

     "Rock-and-roll is a uniquely American art form.  We receive emotional information as well as intellectual information from it."

     So says Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.  In fact, he is working with the National Association of Music Education to develop curriculum that ties the music genre to our nation's history.  He implies traditional music programs (choir, band, and orchestra) aren't all that's needed to demonstrate the importance music has played upon American culture.

     Would students take this curriculum seriously, though?

Electronic Music Classrooms?

     I spotted this gadget and thought it would be worth sharing.  A lot has been discussed regarding e-books replacing traditional textbooks in schools.  Now it seems there is a way to transfer this concept to vocal and instrumental music classes.  Check out this electronic music stand.  Downloads and scans will work equally well - and all with the push of a pedal!  (Of course, a school would have to make a pretty substantial monetary investment to equip one classroom.  Each stand costs $1400.)

"Wunnerful, Wunnerful!"

     Students in a small, North Dakota town are picking up a not-so-new musical instrument:  the accordion.  The thought of it reminds me of the days of black and white television, three network stations, one UHF channel, and PBS (where we'd find "The Lawrence Welk Show").

     See this article from CNN.com.  I imagine learning to play the accordion develops fine motor skills and reaps the musician other cognitive benefits of mastering an instrument.  Good deal!