Keyboards in the Music Classroom
Using Keyboards in the General Elementary Music Classroom
Breeana Talley
Kent State University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to research the use of keyboards in the general music classroom. Studies show that the use of instruments at an early age will enhance students’ musical intelligence as well as spatial-temporal abilities (Rauscher & Zupan, 2000). Introducing keyboards to preschool and kindergarteners will improve fine motor skills, listening skills, problem solving skills, and self-esteem (Clark, 2010). This study also suggests ways for a music educator to discover opportunities to purchase a keyboard lab. Grants are a perfect solution in the ever-declining economy. Introducing the keyboard in general music classroom is definitely going to enhance students’ development by building on these skills; therefore it is important for administrators to find adequate musical instruction time in the public schools. Keywords: keyboards, general classroom, schools, grants
It is very important for every child to have positive hands on experiences in the general music classroom. Research shows that learning an instrument at a young age is the perfect time to build all concepts of music such as melody, harmony, tempo, pitch, steady beat, and rhythm. By using instruments in the classroom, every student will have the opportunity to build confidence and self esteem as they learn simple musical concepts. Although there are many methods and theories for successful hands on experiences for young students, the keyboard lab is one that will bring joy and excitement into the general music classroom. Gardner (1983) proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. He revealed that music is the first intelligence to develop, mostly through playing instruments. This is extraordinary because the coordination skills needed to play an instrument are not developed until middle childhood. It is very important for the music educator to understand how to
Breeana Talley
Kent State University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to research the use of keyboards in the general music classroom. Studies show that the use of instruments at an early age will enhance students’ musical intelligence as well as spatial-temporal abilities (Rauscher & Zupan, 2000). Introducing keyboards to preschool and kindergarteners will improve fine motor skills, listening skills, problem solving skills, and self-esteem (Clark, 2010). This study also suggests ways for a music educator to discover opportunities to purchase a keyboard lab. Grants are a perfect solution in the ever-declining economy. Introducing the keyboard in general music classroom is definitely going to enhance students’ development by building on these skills; therefore it is important for administrators to find adequate musical instruction time in the public schools. Keywords: keyboards, general classroom, schools, grants
It is very important for every child to have positive hands on experiences in the general music classroom. Research shows that learning an instrument at a young age is the perfect time to build all concepts of music such as melody, harmony, tempo, pitch, steady beat, and rhythm. By using instruments in the classroom, every student will have the opportunity to build confidence and self esteem as they learn simple musical concepts. Although there are many methods and theories for successful hands on experiences for young students, the keyboard lab is one that will bring joy and excitement into the general music classroom. Gardner (1983) proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. He revealed that music is the first intelligence to develop, mostly through playing instruments. This is extraordinary because the coordination skills needed to play an instrument are not developed until middle childhood. It is very important for the music educator to understand how to