Pitch

Pitch is perhaps the most integral component composers must consider when developing a musical composition. Pitch, in particular iconic pitch and melodic contour, deals with the collaboration of various sounds to produce a melodic sound.  For academics to successfully develop their practical and theoretical skill level  instructors must continually review pitch notation. As a result educators must create effective, thought provoking activities and strategies to enhance student skill development and knowledge. The twenty first century classroom continues to be composed of a multitude of individuals ranging with different educational needs. Contemporary academics are no longer satisfied with “traditional” methods of instruction therefore educators must continually develop effective teaching practises. The presentations enhanced the importance of including various manipulators within a lesson to increase student success. The first presentation focused on  developing student knowledge in regards to absolute pitch including various skill enhancing activities. In my opinion, the most effective activity included was the “exit card” which acted as a summative assessment piece. This activity required academics to recognize their own development of knowledge which I feel is critical to developing skill level. When educators work together with their students to deconstruct their knowledge and level of understanding they are able to provide better instruction and guidance.  Continuous diagnostic and formative assessment is fundamental to enhancing student success and skill level therefore educators must develop effective techniques to gaging student achievement. My colleague and I presented the lesson which encompassed iconic pitch, in particular moving the musical notations B A and G onto a staff so it could be read and performed on the recorder. Our lesson included  a multitude of visual and physical manipulators which aimed to build fundamental understanding. Incorporating the strings as well using our bodies to visualize the movement of notes from lower to higher sounds increased students ability to recognize the movement of sound to create different melodic sounds.

One of the largest barriers which academics and educators will encounter when teaching pitch is pitch notation. For many students reading and recognizing musical notes is something new and unfamiliar. As a result, educators must ensure to build fundamental knowledge so that skill level can increase. Educators must continually work at not only developing student knowledge but their own skill level so they can provide more effective lessons. Throughout my experience as a musical educator I recognized that a multitude of students struggle with comprehending musical notation in relation to producing different  pitch sounds.  As a result educators must continually work on skill level improvement, keeping in mind the strengths  and weaknesses of each student. When educators accommodate and modify teaching strategies and practises to satisfy the learning needs of students they are more likely to provide them with a positive music making experience.