Metronome

            This past generation, they have been inventing an original music devices into a computer programs, software that can be used on android phones and other technical devices. This is one of the devices that were changed during time. Metronome is a device that produces beats and it is used for musician to keep a steady tempo as they play. In 1815, Johann Maelzel invented the Metronome whom is a greatly respected musician respected him and improver for musicians.

            The history of Metronome started from a pendulum. Pendulum is a weight that delays the central point to swing freely. Due to gravity, it will go back and forth slowly, when there is no pressure. When Etienne Loulie first made it in 1696, it was adjusted from Pendulum, but it wasn’t complete because the mechanic metronome couldn’t produce sounds. After couple of tries, it was finally made and unable to manufacture the material for musician and composers to access them through their music.

            There are another types of metronomes, which are electronic metronomes. The difference between electronic and mechanic is that electronic uses quartz crystal to maintain the accuracy. It is easier to use due to the simple dial or button to control whatever the tempo people desire to practice in. On an electronic metronome also provides tuning notes that are ranged to A440 hertz. The tone quality is more updated. It contains the difference of pitch, volume and timbre that blends to the downbeats from other beats, that tells us whether it is simple or compound time signatures.

            Finally, the last type of metronome is software. In our modern generation, musician and composers do not use the mechanical metronomes, because the weight of the device is quite heavy. Since the technology has been updated, people use computer software or phone applications for metronome. Even I use them on my phone due to the convenience. Phone applications are easier to use, because people have their phone all the time and also the easy accessibility.

Remix "Storytelling through Photography”

My classmate’s original canvas was “Storytelling through Photography”, but after the remix, I changed it into storytelling in music. I applied three Toy Story songs that use expression and phrasing within the song to show that they understand how it can relate to storytelling. Also I added another picture that contains expression marks that show what each symbols represents, because other pictures are the Toy Story music scores that provide with expression marks. I think having this will help the students understand the use of dynamic phrases. In music, there are varieties of ways that can tell a story; which are used expression marks in the music scores that show the character’s emotions and use phrasing to complete the sentence. I have added two different videos using the same songs, the difference is to allow the students to compare and contrast on how the music is phrasing when there is a live performance.

Score readings

There are ways to read score readings for musicians. Originally, musicians read music from papers that are copied. But these days, they use technological devices such as Ipads, laptops, etc., to read online. I guess one reason for that is to save paper; save the environment; but other than that, technology is useful even in reading scores. From experience, carrying an Ipad is a lot more convenient and easier than carrying a bunch of pages of scores.

Despite the advantages, there are disadvantages of using technology when reading scores. One thing that is good about reading scores online is that you can enlarge the score to your choosing. One thing for sure is that score papers are fixable where technological devices can and cannot edit the score, depending on the program. I’ve met someone who used his Ipad or tablet that had all his piano scores and surprisingly, he didn’t even need a page-turner because it was automatic and he would do it by himself. However, sometimes he had trouble turning the pages, because it would turn two pages instead of a single page in which he would then turn back one to play that page first before the next. This demonstrated that either tablet or Ipad are extremely sensitive that can cause inconvenience. Therefore, exemplifying that technology is not always the best option.

Overall, score reading online gives public an access for everyone to see. The most popular website is called imslp.org which is no cost and free. This website includes a whole score, and even different parts and different version of the pieces. Furthermore, few of the collection comes with a recording of how the music sounds, in which you do not have to search on the website “YouTube” because it is already provided.

Score reading on paper and on technological devices are different and they have advantages and disadvantages.  Overall, through experience, I would prefer performing with paper scores, but for reading scores I would use technological devices that way I don’t kill any more trees.

Instrument Families Canvas

My unit plan is about students being able to identify the instrument families and their sounds. First they will go over the composer, Sergei Prokofiev, who wrote “Peter and the Wolf,” children’s music. As they learn and listen to the song, they will be able to hear the different sounds that each instrument makes, that imitate the animal characters in the story. Finally, as they learn all the sounds of each instrument, they will learn rhythms on the given instrument so they can make their own sounds on the instrument. After the students find the sounds that each instrument makes, they will learn rhythms. They will learn how to improvise on the given instrument so that they can perform. This way, students can experience and learn more about the instruments and the sounds and improvisation. In my canvas, I have short clips on YouTube for them to see “Peter and the Wolf” and few pictures of different instruments. And there are also additional sources containing some of the background readings for the children to read about the composer and about the music.

My Canvas website:

http://www.play.annenberginnovationlab.org/play2.0/challenge.php?idChallenge=2193&mode=view#network6