Mr.

Nelson’s Music Performing Arts Text Set

Context
The text set that I have compiled will be one that I will use in my middle school and high school
instrumental ensemble classes. Rather than addressing a specific topic such as articulation or
dynamics, they are a collection of general tools that will help with music performance and
interpretation. I felt this was much more fitting because we cover a wide variety of topics in one
class period, so putting together multiple text sets at once would be difficult.

As a Set
All of these texts supplement each other in various ways and are open to being used for only a
few minutes at a time. They can also be used as a resource individually. This set all focuses on
the aspect of performing and composing music (whether written or improvised). Before class,
students could come in and look at a chart from the Fake Book, transcribe some riffs in
MuseScore, reference a music theory lesson by Andrew Huang, then teach themselves using
strategies from the Klickstein book. These texts are very user friendly and can be mixed based
on the interests of the students.

Possible Objectives
Content Based Objective - After reviewing texts in the provided text sets, students will create a
short composition for their instrument on MuseScore and share it with the class.
Literacy Based Objective - After reviewing texts in the provided text sets, students will perform
a selection from the “Ultimate Fake Book” and demonstrate understanding by playing correct
chords and singing correct lyrics.

The Musician's Way: A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness by Gerald Klickstein
(Print Resource)
The most important part of a musician’s study is developing a practice routine and
self-assessment skills. This book covers ways to do this in a happy and healthy manner. The text
set benefits from this book’s contribution to performance study and how to combat performance
anxiety specifically. Although this is a heavier read than I would typically include in a text set, it
is a great introduction to advanced performance techniques that I may not be able to cover in
class. However, I do intend to supplement my teaching with material in that book. If I know a
student is beginning to read this text, I’ll also be asking follow up questions to help them digest
the material.

The Ultimate Fake Book - 5th Edition published by Hal Leonard (Print Resource)
This is perhaps the most famous material that I have listed on the my resource guide. A
Fake Book is a collection of popular jazz tunes that only contain the lyrics, form, and chord
progressions for each tune. This is popular for gig musicians who might have to play a song
they have never heard of, “faking” their way through it. Curious music students will soak this
book up, as it gives them so much creative freedom. In addition to jazz music, I could use a few
of these charts as examples in the concert band setting, which will show them the process before
they take on this challenge themselves.

Andrew Huang - YouTube Channel (Media Resource)

Visual representation of concepts is always a great way to expose students to beginning
music theory. With over two million subscribers, Andrew Huang breaks down concepts on
“Theory Thursdays” such as “Why Pop Music is Obsessed with One Note” and “Five Easy but
Powerful Songwriting Tricks”. There are also silly videos on the channel such as “I Wrote a
Song with a Horse that Plays Piano” that will catch student’s interests immediately. After
students watch these videos, they should talk with other friends about what they hear and saw
and why they thought it was interesting. There are so many topics they could be exposed to, so
it might be a little complicated to incorporate it into a regular lesson.

Hal Leonard Concert/Marching Band - YouTube Channel (Media Resource)

This resource has been one of my favorites to use while learning new secondary
instruments. The YouTube channel constantly uploads new music each week that contains both
the audio track and the scrolling score. This means that you can watch the music go by as you
listen to what it sounds like. Students can play along with the music while they hear it in real
time, testing their sight reading skills. They are also listening to professional players, so
intonation and tone quality are superb. The videos can either be used for music we are currently
working on or music that sounds interesting and would be fun to play along with.

MuseScore.com (Online Interactive Resource)

This free website is a fantastic introduction to beginning transcription and composition.
After selecting from over 100 different instruments, you can input notes and rhythms that you
can listen back in real time using MIDI software. There is also a feature to download and upload
scores that others may have put online, diversifying your literature selection. MuseScore allows
students to create their own text and read texts from others, all while listening back in real time.
I fully expect to use this tool when teaching lessons about transpositions and arranging.

Songs for Teaching - https://www.songsforteaching.com/ (Instructional Resource)

This website provides a song for any and all occasions that you may need. Although it is
designed for a younger age range, older students will appreciate its creative nature in writing
lyrics and developing music. I do intend to use this website as an introduction to songwriting
since the lyrics are made available and all we have to do is match the chords. Students can
check out other songs and match chords before listening to the provided MIDI recording.
‘Songs for Teaching’ is a wonderful resource to explore new music quickly.