Music Smart

What is music smart?

This intelligence covers music, patterns, rhythms and sounds.

Permission to use for educational purposes.  © 1999 Fablevision

What are some personality qualities of music smart people?

Music smart individuals learn by working with sounds and patterns as it relates to music. They are able to decipher rhythms and tones and can play and create great compositions.

What are some activities and technologies that would help music smart people in a learning environment?

GarageBand - This software allows you to create music and podcasts. It can record audio, play and mix virtual instruments in predefined loops or ones you can create on your own and also has a lessons feature to learn to play different instruments. Using a book like GarageBand Mechanics by Dan Schmit will give you ideas for lessons in many curricular areas. For ideas on using GarageBand with your students, see what others are doing on Apple Learning Interchange.

Guitar Hero/Rock Band – This gaming landscape is taking off in the musical realm. There are many players in this field that bring music to everyone. Games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band not only introduce music to our students, they can teach rhythm, meter, pitch and a host of other musical intelligences. Many others are taking this a step further. Guitar Rising is using a real guitar game ideas from Guitar Hero to teach the instrument and other concepts. Jam Sessions is a unique game that turns the Nintendo DS into a portable guitar that you can use for many teachable moments. Click for Guitar Hero‘s or Rock Band‘s website.

iPod/MP3 Player – Having a library of music is helpful for any facilitator. Need to pick up the pace? Play something jazzy. Need to mellow the room? Play some easy or classical pieces. You can easily set the mood with the music you choose. Not only this but you also have the ability to relate your teaching to different genres, historical instruction and geographic information. Music plays such an important part of everyone’s lives and is great arsenal to add to your toolbox. Done with thought and conviction, you will see engagement and ultimately, better productivity. Click to read more on Apple’s iTunes/iPod.

How do you use musical personally? Is it an important part of your life? Did you pick specific pieces to play at your wedding? Birthdays? When you hear a song from the past, does it create memories of that time and where you were at? How can you start using music for your students? Share your thoughts.