Language
development, and even brain development, is largely
based on the ability to recognize similarities and
differences in visual perceptions. Reading
is the ability of the brain to make associations
with the visual field. With music notes being
limited to far fewer symbols than English or other
written languages, pattern recognition is easier
to grasp and build from as a foundation. As
the brain becomes stronger at musical pattern recognition,
visual and auditory, the ability to recognize patterns
in other languages improves as well.
When do you
start?
From
the very first lesson, to the last song read, before
going to middle school, pattern recognition, or FORM,
is identified in the scores or songs read. Even
in utilizing the rhythm drills, FORM is ever
present. Later FORM is reinforced through pattern
identification within the individual FORMATS.
FORM in FORMATS?
Each FORMATwill symbolize form as it relates to
measured BEATS, RHYTHMS, PITCHES,
and sometimes TEXT. FORM is
also beneficial to learning fingerings for keyboard
or recorder and playing patterns on percussion
instruments.
When reading a FORMAT,
the instructor will habitually ask, "Raise your hand if you see a pattern." In time, students will begin
to raise their hands after reading the chart one
time. A second reading will bring more offers
of identification, before the question is even
asked. The students have transitioned into
seeking the answer while reading.
"Raise
your hand if you see any patterns."
"If
this staff is an apple, what could
this staff be called?"
"Is
the beat pattern the same, or is
the pitch pattern the same?
"Are
there any smaller patterns within
the larger patterns?"
"If
this staff is "A," What
would this staff be called? And
this one?"
"So,
if these two are the same, what's this staff?" (DIFFERENT) "It's
O.K.!"
"No it isn't."
"Yes it is. If
it wasn't different, it would sound boring. Sometimes being different is
a good thing."
As a teaching strategy
and skill development, suggested questions for
pattern recognition are included on many formats.
Will FORM be
mastered?
Students
will master the concept of SIMPLE patterns very quickly. The
increasing difficulty in song selection, as the student
is promoted, will reinforce and strengthen FORM'S importance
in learning, writing, or performing music.
Who benefits?
The
benefits from pattern/form recognition and
use will be a life long reward. From early
brain development in language skills, to creative
application of FORM in new arenas, learning FORM in life, is learning LIFE .
Curriculum
tie-ins:
Pattern
recognition is a universal concept; Language Arts,
Math, Science, Health, Social Studies, Physical Education,
Computer Science, Art, all have pattern recognition
at their core of instruction, and creativity.
The General Music Curriculum will introduce this
concept FIRST.
Through
a collaboration of all disciplines FORM begins
but never ends!
Assessments:
Listen
to these four phrases. Using letters A, B, C,
or D, label the pattern or form of the rhythm.
Melody.
Using
colored markers, draw quarter notes showing a
Rondo Form in colors.
What
is this pattern or form called, A B A C A D A
E A?
Can
the melody's pitch pattern be different from
the rhythm pattern?
How
does Form help in learning to sing or play a
music selection.
What
other subjects use Form to learn new information? How?
