Module 2

This week was filled with learning in a number of different areas, namely: improvisation, creativity and music notation software.

When considering Kratus' sequential model of improvisation I immediately thought of one of my 7th grade choirs.  All of my choirs have been improvising since the beginning of the school year, but this one particular choir is really catching on well. At the end of last semester, I would say that they were at level two of Kratus' model because they would frequently ask to improv. They enjoyed the "doing" of it all.  They were all engaged but rather oblivious to what was happening musically.  This continued until one day as they were improvising, one student made a harmonic shift--and the rest of the choir followed!  I watched as their eyes light up.  They continued until it naturally decayed.  They wanted to discuss it because for the first time, they realized the musical aspects and possibilities of improvisation. I think a good next step for them might be to incorporate technology through non-traditional instruments and non-traditional sound production as suggested by Kratus.  There are several Apple loops and instrument sounds that can be created through a simple MIDI input to Garageband or Logic.  Further more, it may be helpful to record a few of their improvisation sessions so they can listen to how it evolves and identify how certain musical moments yield specific musical responses.

Kratus' concept on creativity is just as interesting.  He proposes that there are four stages to creativity. They are preparation, incubation, illumination and  verification.  Preparation is the accumulation of knowledge stage.  It consists of gathering ideas and brainstorming.  The incubation stage is identified as particularly important as the 'problem' is considered.  The mind is actively at work trying to find a solution whether consciously or subconsciously. The illumination moment can be described as the "ah-ha" moment.  It is the stage where the components seem to come together.  Lastly, the verification stage involves sharing the musical result with an audience.  The feedback from this stage usually results in returning to the first stage.

The two main music technology softwares introduced this week is Musescore and Noteflight.  In this this module, there was an assignment to enter the piece, "A Bicycle Built for Two". The product of that assignment is entered below.