In a series of creativity exercises, students learn to manipulate the elements of music, including rhythm, dynamics, orchestration and form. This knowledge is then applied in the writing of short compositions, which may then be performed by the students. Ample opportunity exists throughout the method for the development of music reading skills. Special theory exercises and rhythm drills are incorporated in the student books and in the Teacher's Resource Kit. Sightreading ability may be assessed using the reproducible test material in the Teacher's Resource Kit.
Students practice notating music as well.
The Listening CD in the Teacher's Resource Kit serves as the basis for a series of listening exercises designed to involve students in describing specific musical events and analyzing the use of the elements of music in musical selections. Thought questions are posed throughout the Conductor's Score that may be used to engage students in a thoughtful evaluation of their own and others' performance. Reproducible worksheets in the Teacher's Resource Kit provide opportunities for exploring the interrelationship between music and the larger culture, in a variety of time periods and subject areas. Students will learn about the cultural and historical backgrounds of several of the musical selections in their book, with tie-ins to related arts and other fields.