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Since I began teaching I have radically redesigned my classroom layout. In my first year I setup a "traditional" classroom with desks organized by rows and columns all facing the front. This layout did not leave any space for eurythmic activities and inhibited collaboration between scholars. I then transitioned to using tables and dropped the idea of having a "front" of the classroom.
My classroom needs to function as a versatile space ready for the wide range of musical activities common in a 3rd-8th grade musical curriculum. I opted for an open floor plan which leaves plenty of space for dancing, drum circles, and games like musical chairs.
I have replaced the "front" of my classroom with a collaboration station. I use this table to conference with students, communicate feedback, and provide small group instruction.
My full group instruction which traditionally takes place at the front of the classroom can now be accessed in a video format on Google Classroom. This allows scholars to access and repeat my instruction whenever they need it. Students can easily catch up if they missed a few days of class, and English Language Learners benefit from being able to pause or rewind the instruction.
Students work collaboratively at group tables. This allows them to pool together their strengths while simultaneously refining severely lacking social and professional skills. Functional piano skills are mixed with hands on composition techniques which allows scholars to get busy making music from day one.
I utilize non-traditional music notation systems to quickly get students engaged. I learned early on that practice must come before theory and by forgoing the obtuse intricacies of standardized western music notation my students can hit the ground running.
Each group has access to one piano and one laptop. The piano keyboards can connect via a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) cord and communicate with the group's laptop. Using this interface the young musicians can easily record original musical ideas or transform their piano into any instrument imaginable.
Podolski, a Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugin, is downloaded on each laptop and allows for advanced alteration of soundwaves. With practice students can create and play an original instrument with a unique timbre.
When a composition is complete students can step up to the collaboration station to record vocals and master their final mix. Often the entire class listens in to the completed project, and many are invited to jump in on the vocal mix. Freestyle competitions are pretty common and Mr. K often gets "smoked" when he is feeling brave enough to step up to the mic.
Podolski picture: https://www.u-he.com/cms/podolski
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