Clinics at a Distance
Clinics at a Distance: Using videoconferencing technology in your orchestra classroom or private studio.
Presented by Charles Laux at the 2012 ASTA national conference in Atlanta, GA.
With shrinking budgets and increased costs of travel, it becomes more and more difficult to bring guests into your classroom. This session will discuss videoconferencing technology, particularly Skype software, and will show you a few of the success stories from its use in my middle school orchestra classroom.
Reasons to use videoconferencing technology in your classroom or private studio.
1. Financial. No flight, hotel, or meals to pay your clinician. This saves lots of money.
2. Time savings. No transportation issues or trips to the airport. The time the clinician spends with your group is all the time they really need to set aside.
3. Convenience. Both the clinician and the audience don't have to alter their location
4. Effectiveness. I have found that students really enjoy the sessions and are motivated to practice and explore both before and after the session takes place.
5. The "Cool Factor." The students think it's cool to Skype, and the administration loves the teacher's integration of technology.
The Hype of Skype
Skype is a an excellent and free audio/video communication application. It runs on Mac or Windows and there are also mobile apps for Android and iOS. As of September, 2011 there were 663 million registered Skype users. It is free to use Skype to make audio/video calls when you call another Skype user. You can purchase Skype credit that allows you to dial a land or cell phone line for a very affordable cost. Skype is especially popular to use for international calls.
Required Materials
- Skype account. Free to register for a Skype account at www.skype.com
- Computer. Mac/Windows, it doesn't matter which.
- Broadband Internet connection. Faster is better, but most broadband connections should be okay.
- Webcam or built-in laptop camera.
- It doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
- External powered speakers or connection to a stereo system
- Computer Projector or SmartBoard (essential when projecting to a large group)
HIGHLY recommended:
- External microphone. USB microphones work well (unidirectional). I can recommend the Samson Go Mic ($40 street price on Sweetwater, Amazon, B&H Photo/Video, or Best Buy). The Samson Go Mic has a switch that allows for cardiod (unidirectional) or omnidirectional. It also includes a -10db pad that would help keep the mic from being overloaded by extremely loud sounds.
- Any high quality cardioid mic attached to an audio interface should work well.
- Ask colleagues, set up a trial.
- Use conferences (like ASTA!) to meet new people
- Find people on social media networks
- String and Orchestra Teachers v.2 group on Facebook (thanks to Gail Barnes!)
How much will this cost?
The equipment for this project is very minimal and you may have most of what you need! Webcams can be purchased for under $20, the mic I recommended is about $40, and hopefully you have a computer. Clinician fees will vary, however. Some clinicians I have worked with did the Skype session for free, others charged a nominal fee. You might need to negotiate a price with a clinician, especially if they have never work via Skype before.
In the private studio
Some teachers use Skype to monitor a student’s progress between lessons or have found success utilizing the technology during extended vacation or travel time. Other teachers use Skype with students who live in rural areas, or are a long distance from any string teachers.
Other ideas for private teachers would include the ability to network with other teachers to discuss pedagogy or to hold masterclasses between studios.
The Orchestra Exchange
I have had excellent success hosting orchestra exchanges between two school orchestra groups. We have used Skype to share a new piece or new technique. It is helpful to allow students to play for an audience. Nothing puts students under more pressure than that of peer interaction. When I announced we would hold an orchestra exchange with another school, my students have never practiced harder!
In addition to the student benefit, holding orchestra exchanges allows for another set of ears in your classroom. I have received very valuable feedback from the teacher at the remote location.
Besides all of the learning that goes on, orchestra exchanges are lots of fun. Students have been able to share ideas, and compare geographical and cultural differences between schools. Nothing better than breaking "rehearsal rut" with a new kind of rehearsal!
Orchestra Clinics
With Skype, I have been able to bring in world-class clinicians to listen to, work with, and clinic my orchestras. Without this technology I would not have been able to provide my students with these great experiences!
Clinics can be extremely motivational and really change the level of experience students received. Students get really pumped up in preparation of the video session. Administrators love to see this type of 21st century learning in your classroom!
Guest Artists
Inviting guest artists into your classroom can help inspire students and help guide student consider career choices, explore new musical styles/genres. I have used guest artists to help teach a quick technique lesson, such as chop technique.
Technical Difficulties
- Schools sometimes block Skype connection ports. If this is the case, you should have a serious talk with your network administrators to see if the required ports for Skype can be opened.
- It can be difficult to get every student in the frame, especially with large groups. A wide-screen webcam may help, but often I find myself pivoting the camera so the online visitor(s) can see everyone.
- While I have had no major problems, you might expedience a lag or loss of video quality due to network bandwidth or traffic. If this is a major problem, you can run a speed test on your connection to see if it your problem of the person with whom you are connecting.
- Not using the right type of microphone. Be sure that your microphone doesn't filter background noise, or it may be hard to hear the full range of sound.
- Timezones. I have found a few clinicians who would love to work with me, but are on the west coast. Because my classes meet in the morning, the time difference makes it very tough to set up a session that works for the clinician.
What does the future hold?
It is my guess that our school funding problem is not over. Money for music programs will continue to become increasingly tight. This may make distance learning even more popular. I hope that Internet speed and bandwidth continues to increase with time. Larger file sizes and throughput requirements, such as the introduction of streaming HD video, is helping companies and consumers realize the need fore more bandwidth.
The video compression technology used by Skype and other technologies will continue to improve, and along with increased bandwidth, will result in a more real-life experience when chatting online, with high quality sound and video. It would be really neat to have a 3D type experience with Skype someday!
Tonal Energy Tuner
I've just discovered the most powerful and incredible tuner in the App Store - Tonal Energy Tuner. I can't wait to start using it!! I will post more once I begin using it and let you know what I find. For now, it seems like this app will be another great one to add to my toolbox.
For its first month in the App Store, Tonal Energy is only $1.99 (60% off the regular price). [App Store Link]
Here's the feature list...
- Large colorful animated tuner screen. The target tuner is on all three tuner screens.
- Bright flat/sharp indicators that assist when tones are very out of tune
- Display of Note/Octave/Hertz graphics are seen on each page of the tuner
- Instantly changes between equal, just and other custom temperaments
- Highly responsive to wind instruments, as well as acoustic and electric string instruments and tympani
- Recognizes a very large pitch range, extending to lower registers than many competing tuners
- Intermediate, advanced, and professional tuning levels
- Chromatic wheel tone generator
- Major/minor chords and polyphonic chords
- External MIDI keyboard control support
- Generates a pitch reference note using the TonalEnergy instruments or waveforms.
- Spectral Frequency/Overtone Analyzer and multi-function Waveform display with record/playback
- File saving feature to create exercises using the TonalEnergy instruments or your own
- +24 to -32db sensitivity control
- Reverb controls to enhance wind instruments tones in various environments and tuner functions
- Automatic or manual transposing options for all instruments
- Metronome with tap, subdivision and volume control is available to use on all three pages
- Support for all device orientations
- Compatible with external audio devices and microphones
- VGA/HDMI wired video mirroring from iPad2 or iPhone 4S can send TonalEnergy’s multiple pages to a projection screen for use in class rooms or rehearsal halls
- Bluetooth technology allows istrumentalists and directors to send all of TonalEnergy’s internal sounds to external speakers
- AppleTV/AirPlay enables connectivity from iPad2 or iPhone 4S to an HDMI projector or TV
- Adjustable A=440 reference tone
- External device calibration can be used to check that TonalEnergy’s tuner is accurate within 1/100 of a cent
- All iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices running iOS4 or above are supported. iPod touch 3rd generation or earlier requires attached microphone or headset for tuning features.
Essential Elements Digital
New from Hal Leonard Corporation is "Essential Elements Digital," a new accompaniment to the Essential Elements 2000 (book 1) band and orchestra series method book.
The DVD-ROM includes some tools that may come in handy. First and foremost, the disc includes a PDF of the entire teacher's manual! For me, it allows me to forget about the thick and heavy spiral bound manual by loading the PDF onto my iPad and MacBook Pro. I no longer have to lug a teachers manual home or from school to school.
The PDF looks great on screen and all images are crystal clear. I uploaded the PDF file to my Dropbox. (If you don't have Dropbox, sign up here!) From there, I launched Goodreader on my iPad and then loaded the PDF manual from my Dropbox.
I found it very simple to browse through the manual on my iPad and Mac and now I don't have to lug the huge book from school to school.
There are several other great features of the disk. All of the instrument (start-up) videos are included in Quicktime format and all play-along files are included, tagged, in MP3 format! Last there are some excellent supplemental materials including the teacher resource kits. No more photocopying those playing evaluation templates, simply print from the PDF!
EE Digital retails for $39.99, but contact your music retailer to see if they are offering some type of discount. It never hurts to ask!
Great classical music for cheap
What a great deal on classical music today from Amazon.com!
Under $4.00 for 50 selections! That's only 8 cents a track - an excellent value.
50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music performed by the London Philharmonic
The tracks do not contain complete symphonies, but rather, the most popular movements from famous works. A wide variety of music is included from Baroque all the way through 20th century.
For the new listener, or even experienced listener, this is a steal especially considering it is performed by a major symphony orchestra.
OSU 2011 Technology Session Information
Thanks for attending my sessions! It was a lot of fun and I hope you took away some things that you can use. Just remember that you probably won't do everything I demonstrated right away. It takes time and planning, but will be worth it in the end.
Please let me know if I missed anything! Thanks! ;-)
Note: I've moved the content to static web pages and have provided links to them below.
- 21st Century Learners
- Using Video Recorders
- Dropbox
- iApps in music education (for iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad)
Extras...
The following information covers topics we didn't have enough time to get to.
Create a website/blog in about a minute
Free and easy websites/blogs:
On your site you can post:
- Static information such as class policies
- Newsletters (via email too)
- Links to pertinent information
- Multimedia (yours or others)
Business Cards
Make business cards for yourself and your orchestra program.
- Shows that you are a PROFESSIONAL
- Reminders for parents & students
- Networking
- Promotion
- “Sell” your program
I highly recommend using VistaPrint.com. They print nice cards, have lots of templates, and are extremely cheap. Search the web for VistaPrint Discount codes and you can save a lot of money.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns!!
2011 OSU Midwest String Teacher Workshop Technology Sessions
Presented by Charles Laux
Monday 4:30 – 5:15 PM
Automate and motivate 21st century string players with technology
This session will demonstrate ways that you will be able to get off of the podium and into your orchestra to really see what’s really going on. At the same time you will maximize rehearsal time and motivate students to practice. Specific programs to be discussed are Garageband and SmartMusic.
Tuesday 4:30 – 5:15 PM
The Or-TECH-stra program
This session will show the many ways in which you can use technology in your orchestra program to capture student performances, provide assessment, and maintain a record of student progress throughout their middle school and high school careers.
Wednesday 12:15 – 1:00 PM
Using the web to extend learning beyond the classroom
This session will show you how you can use the web to enrich your orchestra program. Specifically, you will see how technologies such as internet videoconferencing can provide enrichment experiences for students that otherwise might be impossible.
Thursday 4:30 – 5:15 PM
Using iApps in the orchestra classroom or private studio
This session will demonstrate several free and inexpensive iPod touch/iPhone/iPad apps that can be used in the classroom to help teach and reinforce important musical concepts. Topics such as matching pitch, ear training, rhythmic will be covered. A variety of teaching strategies will be introduced that will help accommodate different types of learners (visual, kinesthetic, etc.) and show how students can work collaboratively to learn these skills. Bring your iDevice!
GENERAL SESSION – Thursday, 3:35-4:20 PM
Use web technology to assist with administrative tasks
Come learn how to use a variety of technology tools to help with administrative tasks such as data collection and management, communication, promotion, and organization.
Stay tuned for updates...
ASTA 2011 – Hop off the podium!
This year's ASTA conference was fantastic! There were so many great sessions and it was a pleasure to get to meet some new people. It was interesting to find out where you are all from and what you do.
I had an incredible time presenting my session entitled, "Hop Off The Podium! Automate and Motivate 21st Century String Players with Instructional Technology." I was amazed at how many members were in attendance. The session's presider, Nancy Nehring, counted 84 in attendance and that totally exceeded my expectations. It is exciting to see so many teachers interested in learning about instructional technology.
I will have the session materials online within a few days. I will include as much information as possible, including all of the slide handouts, links to all of the software and products mentioned, as well as MP3 files for some of my tuning sequences and scale warm-ups. Of course, if I miss something, please just let me know and I am always happy to help in any way possible.
Information from the Presentation:
Why does this matter?
- Our students are different than those from just 10 years ago. Today's students are "digital natives.” The group of students we are teaching today are known as the “Net Generation.”
- Book - “Grown Up Digital” by Don Tapscott
- Teachers need to adapt to students in order to remain effective
- So many negative views of current generation, but honestly we are teaching the smartest and most capable kids ever.
- "Don’t blame the kids" -- it's just how they are! :-)
How can I be effective with "Net Gen" students?
- Try to see things from the student’s perspective. Imagine if you grew up with a cell phone and other current technology. You would be different too!
- Bond with students -- really get to know them on a personal and social level. But know the boundaries!
- Embrace their learning style and culture. In order to be effective we must REALLY get to know our kids including what they like, how they think, and how they live.
- Combine Aural and visual stimulation. Come up with new lessons that involve innovative teaching strategies that will motivate them to participate and practice.
Classroom automation
Tuning procedures
I used Garageband to create an automated tuning sequence. Mind you, this is to be used after your students have become familiar with tuning their own instruments independently. I use this time to walk around my room, assist with tuning, and take care of other matters (administrative duties, like attendance).
I use a three step system for each string:
1. Listen - students carefully listen to the pitch without talking or movement
2. Internalize - students sing or hum the pitch to themselves
3. Tune - students quietly
Download Tuning Sequence files (mp3)
Intro | A String | D String | G String | C String | E String
Listen to an example of Tuning Sequence files (embedded Flash/podcast)
Intro:
A String:
Warm-ups (scales, exercises, echoes, etc.)
I have created audio files that help my orchestras learn and play scales. The scales are played in whole notes, with quarter note at about 70 bpm. This gives students time to adjust their pitch and helps students really lock it in. In addition, it helps students work on that ever-so-difficult concept of slow bows, improving their bowstroke and tone.
To help students learn their scales, I pass out my Scale "Cheat Sheet" (pdf). This allows my advanced students to play in upper octaves and others to play at the lower octave. In addition, it allows them to focus on the note name rather than the notation.
Download my Scales with Drone audio files
C Major | G Major | D Major | A Major | E Major
F Major | Bb Major | Eb Major | Ab Major | C Chromatic
Listen to an example of my Scale with Drone file (embedded Flash/podcast)
More enhancement strategies...
- Use a drum machine, Garageband, or other software to put a drum beat into boring exercises such as etudes, scales, thirds, echoes, etc.
- Make easy songs sound more interesting or difficult with a track.
- Check out "D String Rock," a very simple tune for beginners that sounds awesome with a track I created in Garageband
- D String Rock Sheet Music (pdf)
- D String Rock Track (mp3)
- Use SmartMusic in your lessons with a computer attached to a projector. Go through the repertoire you are working on and play next to a student who is having difficulties.
- Use Intonia to track the intonation of students and allow others to comment on notes that are flat, sharp, etc.
Notes:
- These ideas will help you increase proximity to individuals.
- You will need to adjust your technology use for your particular situation (ie. small or big classes, student/teacher’s tech knowledge)
Home Practice
Unfortunately we can't go home with our students to help them practice. Also, most of us deal with not seeing our students as frequently as we would like. One solution to this problem can be putting materials online for students to access during their time away from class. This puts your material and your program online 24/7!
Some strategies:
- On a website or blog, link to publisher's full recordings.
- Create MIDI sequences of a score or individual parts to post online for student practice.
- If you trust your students, purchase a few used/refurbished iPods for them to take home.
- Offer students extra credit for showing you that they have downloaded audio to their MP3 player/iPod for listening/practice use
- Post rehearsal recordings on a blog, then have students post a comment as a reflection piece as homework
- Post a technique video (bow hold set up, fun musical lick, etc.) to YouTube or a podcast
- Post a video that reinforces or repeats classroom instruction at home
- Start your own YouTube Channel - showcase students and your program!
Notes:
- Be sure to get parental permission anytime you post student work. This may vary from school to school. You may need to use a district form or create your own - see what your district requires.
Assessment
Technology can be a great assistant with assessment. With the right software and hardware, students can "see the music," bringing it into the 21st century.
Waveform editors
- Use Audacity, Amadeus Pro, Peak Express or another waveform editor to see changes in dynamics, etc.
Intonia
- Use Intonia to see accuracy of an individual student's intonation. It is highly recommended to use a small microphone attached to the tailpiece to capture this audio. A SmartMusic microphone works very well.
- Load a WAV file of a professional recording into Intonia to see how a professional tunes a certain passage.
Video Cameras
I use video cameras in my classroom to capture students' playing tests. I frequently use Flip Cameras and iPod Nanos (5th generation with video cameras).
During rehearsal, I can send a stand of players out to take their test in the hallway or practice room. My rehearsal continues as normal, but by the end all students have taken their tests. I can then assess the videos, rewatching as necessary. In addition, I can archive the video and keep in a folder for each student, essentially creating a unique digital portfolio of their work. After some time, I can then go back and show students their progress and improvement.
Hardware Links
- Apple iPod Nano (old version - 5G with video cam)
- Flip Cameras (many models)
- Korg NanoKey MIDI controller
- Akai LPK25 MIDI controller
- Bose SoundDock Portable speaker
- Zoom H2 digital audio recorder
- Mac OS X Server (with Podcast server) -- Installed on MacMini Server ($999)
Software Links
- Audacity (Mac/Windows) - Free audio editor/recorder
- Amadeus Pro (Mac) - Inexpensive audio recorder
- Apple Garageband (part of iLife ’11) - powerful MIDI/audio sequencer & looper
- Intonia (Mac/Windows) - Intonation trainer
- SmartMusic - provides on-screen notation and assessment on many popular string orchestra pieces
Website Links
- YouTube
- Create Your Own YouTube Channel
- Charles Laux's YouTube Channel (MrOrchestraDirector)
- Charles Laux's Orchestra Podcast
YouTube Tips:
- Disable commenting, rating, and any other features you do not want on your videos.
- Be sure to edit your video to exclude downtime, etc. This will deter people from coming back to rewatch your videos
Presentation Slides
Please comment on this blog or contact me if you have questions or comments. If I missed something, please let me know. I love helping teachers with tech!
No YouTube access at school? No problem!
Many schools have filters that block access to YouTube and other nifty video sharing sites. My school district falls into this category. There are so many wonderful educational videos on YouTube and it is a shame that the site is blocked in my district, however it is somewhate understandable. Even though YouTube is monitored for appropriate videos, many times some videos slip through the cracks and user comments are often less than appropriate for school use.
Teacghers frequently approach me and ask, "Can I save videos I find on YouTube?" The answer is "Yes you can!" Over the years there have been several software solutions that allow a user to capture and download a video from YouTube or other similar video sharing websites. The problem with these apps is that they weren't always very straightforward to use, they were unreliable, or were paid software.
Thanks to a free Firefox add-on named Download Helper, the task of downloading and converting online videos is simple!
First, you should know that this add-on does not bypass web filters or anything of the sort. The software is to be utilized by teachers while at home. You can download a video, save it to a USB drive or portable hard drive, and copy it to your school computer.
Second, because the application is made to work with Firefox, you MUST use the Firefox browser to find the videos you would like to download. This shouldn't be a deal breaker for most users - the functionality of Download Helper is slick and works!
Once you download and install the add-on and install it within Firefox, simply go to any website with a video and click the icon for a pull-down menu of the available videos. Happy downloading!
Check out the video showing how to install and use the add-on...
Slow scales build multiple skills
For many years I have been using one octave whole note scales with a tonic drone to help focus and shape intonation, bow control, tone production and scale memorization. I have found that this method of playing and learning scales has been an incredible teaching strategy, especially with middle school students.
In 2000 I created a CD of one octave scales using live players -- one person (a cellist) played a tonic drone and another played the ascending and descending scale. The audio quality was mediocre and the mix was not good, but it worked.
More recently, I took the recording quality to the 21st century and created tracks using synthesized sounds in Garageband so that I could ensure perfect intonation, an even balance, and a nice metronome click. I even used a sampled British voice for the countoff.
I start slowly, introducing familiar scales, letting the students know about the purpose of the activity. Scales at this tempo can be drudgery for students, but when they begin to realize how much it helps them, and how fast they attain better technique, it suddenly becomes tolerable.
Goals & Objectives of the Activity
1. Intonation
Students will increase their ability to adjust pitch and refine intonation. The use of the slow whole note allows students the time to accomplish this goal.
2. Ear Training
Students will develop a better sense of relative pitch. They will listen to the scale notes ascend and descend in relation to the tonic drone
3. Bow Control & Tone Production
Students will develop their ability to better control the bow and produce a strong tone. By slowing down the bow stroke, it allows students the opportunity to pay close attention to their bow usage (full bows), angle (perpendicular to their instrument), speed (use of slow bows, and right hand technique, especially finger, wrist, and elbow motion. The goal should be a full tone that is even throughout the bow stroke.
4. Memorization
Students will eventually memorize all their scales through repetition and slow, concentrated, effort. This, in turn, will help students memorize key signatures and will solidify position work
Notes:
- Students can work at their own pace, playing the scale in upper or lower octaves, using different positions, on one string, etc. These strategies differentiate the lesson to suite many levels of players.
Listen to an example audio file, using whole notes at quarter note = 68 bpm:
Videoconferencing with Composers
Recently my students had the opportunity to video conference with two major composers in the world of string education, Michael Hopkins and Bob Phillips. The composers were
professional contacts who I had met previously through various professional development opportunities, including ASTA conferences. Because my students were performing pieces by composers whom I knew personally, I thought it might be kind of neat to email them and
see if they would be willing to meet my students and listen to their piece being performed.
What a thrill it was for my students to be able to play for the actual composer! Via email I arranged a date and time to connect with Mr. Phillips and Dr. Hopkins using the popular Skype protocol. After tuning and a few warm ups, we were ready to connect. The first conference was with my cadet orchestra, the intermediate middle school ensemble consisting of mostly seventh graders. This orchestra was working on "Rockin' Up the Housetop," a rock-style holiday arrangement of "Up on the Housetop," created by Bob Phillips. Phillips is a 30+ year veteran of string teaching and had a tremendous orchestra program in Saline, Michigan. Currently he is in charge of string music for Alfred Publishing.
Phillips works wonderfully with all levels of students. He provided feedback that students could understand and comments were stated in a manner that increased the student's attention. On the very next day after the videoconference I noticed a great deal of enthusiasm and a deeper appreciation for musical elements within the piece. Throughout the videoconference we worked a great deal on musical style. Because the piece was to be played in a Rock 'N Roll style, there were some techniques unfamiliar to the students. One of these was the "Rock Spiccato," a rough spiccato bow stroke played at the frog.
The Concert Orchestra, my middle school's most advanced orchestra, had a videoconference with Michael Hopkins. Hopkins is now the assistant professor of music education at the University of Michigan. He is well-known for his string arrangements, compositions, and his incredible website, the String Pedagogy Notebook.
The piece we were working on was entitled "Aurora Borealis," a new release by Hopkins. This piece offers many opportunities for students to play musically and utilize a variety of bowing techniques. Working with Dr. Hopkins was fantastic! He provided us with some background information about the piece including his influences and inspiration. The students were fascinated to hear this information from the actual composer.
We performed the piece for Dr. Hopkins and he provided a great deal of feedback that was extremely helpful in our preparations. The first thing Dr. Hopkins noticed was that our tempo was a bit slow for his liking. When we took his advice and slightly increased our tempo, it made a tremendous impact on the overall feel of the piece and the way we interpreted the melodies and harmonies. The slight tempo increase really provided a lift!
Next, we worked on dynamics and Dr. Hopkins pointed out some areas that we could have made more contrast, etc. We finished our conference with another mini performance and the final results were quite remarkable. There was a sense of energy present that was missing earlier in the rehearsal, in addition the students payed more attention to detail.
With middle school students, their attention and focus plays a major role in the quality of a performance . Technology afforded students an opportunity that would otherwise have been impossible! Conferencing with the composer helped students really get into the music on a higher level. It is my hope that I will be able to set up similar video conferences in the future.
Video clips of our conferences will come soon.
