Dr. Houlahan Responds to a New York Times Guest Article Amplifying Musicality: The Power of Singing and Playing by Ear in Instrumental Instruction In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the importance of playing an instrument by ear, as captured in Sammy Miller’s thought-provoking article ” We’re Teaching Music to Kids All […]
Author: Sound Thinking LLP
The Sound Thinking Method
My name is Cassidy Elliott, and I have been a music educator in Texas for five years. I grew up playing piano and percussion and graduated with a degree in Music Education from Texas Lutheran University. When I first began teaching, I planned each lesson as part of an “experience, label, and practice” unit. However, […]
Why Takadimi is best for competency
Dr. Philip Tacka Rhythm syllables have an important role to play in the development of rhythmic concepts and elements at all levels of music education. We believe that to understand the aural relationships in a rhythm pattern, students should be able to identify a sound with a specific rhythm syllable before they are introduced to […]
How to Assess an Interactive Music Curriculum.
DR. MÍCHEÁL B. HOULAHAN When it comes to music education, a well-crafted and dynamic curriculum can revolutionize the learning experience. In this blog, we delve into how to assess the effectiveness of a music education interactive curriculum in promoting critical thinking, engagement, and overall musical development. We’ll explore probing questions that consider both the benefits […]
Empowering Young Musicians
The Intersection of Performance, Musicianship, and Music Literacy in the Music Classroom Dr. MICHEÁL HOULAHAN Introduction In the music classroom, young minds embark on a transformative journey into the enchanting world of music. This magical realm nurtures their creative spirits and lays the foundation for essential life skills. The harmonious intersection of performance, musicianship, and […]
Advocacy Amplified
Musicianship Through Music Literacy Skills Dr. MICHEÁL HOULAHAN As music teachers, we continually seek effective strategies to advocate for music education in our schools. While musical activities are valuable, there is a more impactful approach: nurturing musicianship through teaching music literacy skills. This blog post will explore why teaching music literacy as a core subject […]