Standard 3: The teacher of PK-12 music has skills in reading and writing

music.

Reading music is very important to the student and the teacher.

Reading music is essential to understanding what clues the composer
left for us to find and interpret. Writing can be just as important
because our students may have different needs than what a set piece
of music has. Reading and writing music is essential to being a literate
musician who can contribute to the field at a higher level.

During my studies at Kansas State I have been through many different

ensembles, lessons, and classes that all require me to be fluent in
musical notation and writing skills. From my very first theory class we
learned the basic intricacies of music and it only developed from there.
At the end of each class I was charged with composing and writing
down a new piece. In my world music class I was required to notate a
non-Western music piece using no other music. Being able to use
Software to notate and play back was a huge help in the project. One
particular class I took called instrumentation and arranging allowed me
to learn exactly how to write musical notation. Through this class I
learned the rules of grammar for music. As far as reading music, I am
required to read music everyday. During practice I read music. During
ensembles I read music. And during lessons I read music. All of my
teachers have had different interpretations of written music and so I
have learned many different ways to go about reading musical
notation. I have learned that history affects how we read notation as
well as what instrument the music was written for. Just as an English
teacher teaches their students that Shakespeare had a different way of
saying things so to do Bach and Beethoven have a different
interpretation and notation.

For my students, reading and writing music will be essential in the

study of music especially at a later age. Reading and writing is a
medium that is used for most ensembles and so much be treated with
respect. A student who cannot read or write in English would struggle
with learning the necessary skills in school to succeed. Reading music
will happen everyday for my students in the classroom. From reading
rhythms that I write to warm up the band, to the actual pieces we are
working on, reading is essential. My students will also use their reading
skills to begin to create their own interpretations especially when they
do small ensembles or solos. Having the knowledge of how composers
meant their words to be read is very important to reading music
individually and in groups. These areas allow my students to
expressive themselves and I am there to guide them through the
process. Writing can also be a stepping-stone to exciting things for my
students. There are many projects that can be developed utilizing the
skill of writing music. For instance, having them compose a short
melody will require them to use writing skills. Or having them notate
rhythms that they hear to develop their listening skills. Another benefit
to the students is that if need be I can rewrite a part or add a part to
another part if my student is struggling beyond their zone of proximal
development in the music classroom. The possibilities for reading and
writing are endless since they make up the foundation of literature in
the band classroom.

In conclusion, reading and writing are essential to have success in the

classroom especially as students get older and start reading more
intricate literature. Reading fluently allows us to interpret and play
more according to what the composer had in mind and writing allows
us to put thoughts and notes and rhythms on paper that can showcase
what students are learning or what they are hearing. Reading and
writing provide students the necessary skills to continue to succeed
and grow in a music classroom.