Post 2/4(late)

As I am beginning to think about method books for the review we will perform in this class, I can't help but think about another method book that I have been exposed to but which was not on the list of choices for review: Froseth's "The Individualized Instructor."

While the selling point of the books seem to be billed as the "individualized" exercises in which students can choose to play simplified accompaniments for songs that are too difficult, I was impressed by the presentation of information. Unlike many other method books, songs are immediately presented to students as they know them. This means that "Hot Cross Buns" uses quarters and eighths rather than whole and half notes. This is both more interesting and attainable for the students. Students can use their prior knowledge to learn the music theory rather than be restrained by it while playing "March of the Whole Notes" on two notes.

Additionally, lots of information is presented, but in a concise manner and in relation to the songs. Songs include graphic and standard descriptions of key, tonality, and meter, making it easy for the instructor to work these in to songs the students are playing rather than "Accent on Theory" or special sections in other books. The books also include rounds, instructions to learn a song one knows by ear, and duets very quickly in order to facilitate playing without music and ensemble skills.

Thinking back on my own experience as a beginning student, I wanted to get the instrument in my hand and play songs. I was willing to practice extra and do things like figure out the endings to incomplete songs in the books on my own so I could have that experience. While obviously learning to count whole notes and rests is important, it wasn't what I was excited about. The "Individualized Instructor" books tap into this and use students' interest in playing songs to structure the information they need to learn as beginning instrumentalists.