Using Music as a Matrix for English or Foreign Language Learning and Recall

Music to Soothe the "Savage" Learner

"Alex" leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes and let the sounds take him. At times he would hum softly. Other times his head would move in a distinctive rhythmic pattern. No question about it, music was his life. It could also be a way to reach him and teach him English like almost nothing else could.

If you find that most of your learners have a high musical tolerance you're not alone. Not only that, but did you know that learners can be "programmed", so to speak, to improve their mental function in a classroom using a musical background environment?

Types of Music

You probably don't need me to tell you that all music is not created equal. That being the case, there are both "good" and "bad" types of music that can be employed in an EFL or foreign language teaching and learning setting. First, some "positive" music types useful in lowering learner Affective Filters (Krashen-Terrell, 1983).

o Classical - a cornucopia f musical selections by the likes of Brahms, Beethoven, Mozart, et al can be highly effective when used as background music for learners

o Instrumentals - with the obvious exception of heavy percussion, extensive trumpeting or marching music, instrumentals can be highly useful in the language learning classroom

o Jazz - no matter how much they might pooh-pooh it at first, carefully selected Jazz instrumentals are not only highly effective, but the learners often like them as well The exclamation, "THAT?S jazz?" is a frequent one in some of my classes. Learners often don't realize the breadth and range of musical genres outside of their normal listening venues

o Foreign Language Vocals - another useful musical background venue is playing background music vocals in a language unknown to the learners. Try using Hindi vocals with European learners or Chinese ones with Latin American learners, Portuguese and French vocals can work well with North American, Asian and other language group learners too

Types to Avoid

However, in addition to music types which have proven to be useful, there are those which may tend at times to work against what you are trying to achieve. Some possibly "negative" music types tend to include:

o L1 vocal songs - the last thing you want in most cases, is to use music and songs in the learners' first language. Why? Because they'll simply code switch into their L1 without any effort at thinking or functioning in English or the foreign language you're trying to get them to work in

o English vocal songs - if you're using musical background, songs in English, even if you're teaching English, may at first be disorienting or confusing. You want to use an Affective Filter lowering matrix, not generate a sing-along

o Heavy Metal music, Hard Rock music, Trance - while music of these genres maybe pleasant or interesting to some of the learners, it is often not conducive to a positive learning environment. Not necessarily all of it is so, but a generous amount of screening may be called for to get a series of musical selections that are suitable for your purposes. The effort to screen lyrics and music are frequently not worth the hours I have to spend in advance to do it so I just avoid these genres in favor of easier ones to set up

o Reggae, Rap, Hip-Hop, etc. - Again, music from these genres may not help to produce the desired classroom effects with using music as a background matrix for English or foreign language learning. This though, may well depend on where you and your learners are

In the next segment of this theme, we'll consider some useful requisites for selecting music and genres that will promote foreign language acquisition in the English language learning environment. We'll examine the use of music and its effects and exactly how music influences the brain functions in language learning and acquisition.

Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free. For more information on the lucrative, fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign Language, get your copy of his no-cost, full multi-media, hypertext-linked pdf ebook, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by sending an e-mail to lynchlarrym@gmail.com with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. Need professional, original content and photos or images for your blog, newsletter, e-zine or website? Want more information, have a comment or special request? Contact the author by e-mail or at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/ for a prompt response.

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Approaches to Learning Music

Music is natural to us. We can sing the melodies of popular songs without ever taking a lesson. So why do most people who take music lessons to learn to play an instrument not get very far. It's because of the way most music teachers teach. They teach you how to read music for your instrument. You aren't learning how to play music, you are learning how to read music. Learning to read music for simple songs is not that hard but learning to read the complex musical notation for the up to date songs you really want to play is much harder. There are three approaches to learning to play an instruments.

1. Learning to play by ear

2. Learning to play by reading music

3. Learning to play by understanding music

Learning by ear is the way most of us learn to sing. We learn to sing songs just by listening to them. Many successful professional performing musicians, who can't read music, have used this method. People who do karaoke usually can't read music but can perform popular songs that would look very complicated as written music. Having a good ear for music is the most essential skill a musician can have. For the many successful musicians who are blind reading music is not even a option.

Being able to read musical notation is a valuable skill. It was invented to so that a musical work could be documented and passed on to others. Before that, the only way to learn a piece of music was to hear someone else play it. With the age of recorded music there was a new way. Music has become very portable. We all can have our favorite music to listen to over and over again. Learning to read music for simple songs is not that hard. The problem is that the musical notation for the popular songs that we want to sing or play is not simple. That popular song that you learned to sing so easily by ear has complex and difficult musical notation.

Music theory is the approach that teaches us how music works. All music is based on a few simple building blocks and rules. What seems to be hundreds of different songs reduces down to a much smaller number of musical formulas. Learning about the building blocks of music and the rules for using them simplifies music and makes it much easier to learn. It sounds technical but it's simply knowing how groups of notes produce sounds. For lead or melody playing it's understanding scales and modes. Not just official scales but pentatonic and blues scales and other groups of notes that give a particular sound. For harmony and chords it's understanding the groups of notes played at the same time to back up lead or melody. Even if you play by ear and can't give a names to these groups of notes, you still have to know them.

What's the best blend of the three approaches to learning to play an instruments. It depends. If you want to play classical you will put a strong emphasis on reading music. If you want to play rock, blues or jazz, you need a good ear and a knowledge of the groups of notes that give you the sounds that you want. There is nothing wrong with learning to read and write music. It's a very valuable skill but you shouldn't let it hold you back. Many popular musicians can't read music. Once they come up with a hit song, someone who can read music converts it into music notation. Who do you think gets paid the most?

I have a knowledge website tonyknows. A large part of it contains free music lessons. Based on my ideas of teaching music, it has lot's of explanation of how music works. It contains many sound samples to help train your ear. It uses many piano and guitar examples. The link will take you to these free music lessons.

http://tonyknows.com/freemusiclesson1.html

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Music Teacher Website - An Effective Tool in Learning and Teaching Music

It is true that no one could stop anyone who insists to learn right. That is why it has been a good news to everyone that we are evolving to a much high-tech system year by year. Because of new trends and technology, people have created lots of stuffs that could help and make the lifestyle of people from different walks of life not that much complex and complicated. This even includes teaching and learning music. There have been many developments in making music learning and teaching fun and a hit. This is the same reason music teacher websites are intended and made for.

Nowadays, one of this useful and helpful ways that people usually rely on is this music teacher website. The website has been the simplest and quickest way of finding, gathering, browsing and a lot more in search for everything we tend to look for - all in relevance with music. It is just as simple as clicking and browsing the net; then, instantly you could get the information you need.

Thus, you can also achieve the desired outcome you are looking for, without the need of stepping outside to your house. That is why most people habitually surf through online net with a similar and certain purpose. As Internet has become the window to the global world, no wonder, music teachers also use the website to have an easier and a more accessible method to reach out to those people who want to explore and get into the world of music.

Through this music teacher website, those people who have their interests in and questions in mind about music can actually be easily found and accessed. This is the quickest way a music teacher website helps and aids those music teachers and as well as those people who want to be taught, trained, and educated more about music.

More so, this type of music-related website lessens the difficulty of searching for more and different forms of music teaching style, music lesson or anything about music. In fact, there are several created websites that has been established, which pertain to Music Teacher Website. This mostly includes general information, music lessons, activities, games, and the likes, all with regard and relevance to music.

Hence, in this website, there are specified ways in which people can learn music via net by simply following the indicated lesson plans and other instructions given by that particular site. Such is also consisted of communication of music teachers to their students by means of giving surveys to their students for the enhancement of the music teaching approaches and strategies.

In addition, with the outgrowing number of the website that are concern to music, music teacher, music lesson, music instruments, and more on about music this will give great help to everyone. May be, these benefit all - not only the students, but also those people who willingly like to enter such a website that can give them an overview and connection to music.

Our Music Teacher Website offers a reliable assistance for individuals who want to succeed in the field of Music Teaching [http://www.musicteachershelper.com/music-teaching].

Earl Marsden started developing a passion for music at the early age of twelve. He first learned to play the guitar at thirteen, and from there he pursued the study other instruments including the violin, piano and flute. Currently, he devotes some of his spare time to writing articles about music teaching while managing his own music studio.

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Advantages Of Learning Music Online

Are you interested in learning music but are too busy to commute to the distant music school? Turn to your computer instead. If you have an Internet connection, you will not have to look beyond your own computer for guidance. With Internet enabling online music lessons and providing music software, it is very easy to learn any musical instrument you want without moving out of your house. Internet offers unlimited opportunities to learn your favorite music with minimum hassles and at negligible cost.

Learning music on the web is a truly laudable concept as the method allows anyone to learn any type of music easily. You do not have to worry about finding a good tutor in your locality. You have your own music teacher at home. Also, the time spent in going to the music classes gets saved with the online music tutorials. Moreover, any kind of information about the type of music you want to learn can be accessed from the Internet within seconds.

Only a decade back, if you wanted to learn music, you had to find out the schools that offered music classes nearby. If you were interested in an exotic music style or instrument, you might have found it very hard to get a good music teacher with the right knowledge. Not any more though. Internet enables you to learn any type of music from any part of the world. So a man in Nevada will easily be able to learn the Violin or the Sitar even if there are no local classes on either available.

There are scores of websites teaching people to play piano, guitar, violin, drum, chords and many more instruments. The best part is that you can get free music software and many of the websites do not charge for the music lessons. However, for more advanced training, you may have to register and pay a fee. Nevertheless, it is a small price to pay for the great service you get. Another option for music learners is to buy CDs and DVDs of the music they want to learn. This ensures that even if they get to practice their music wherever they are, without bothering about the Internet connection. Thus, you can even use your car audio to learn music via CDs even when you are on road.

There are musical classes for every stage of learning. There are beginner sites that help the novices learn the ABCs of music. There are college level classes which cater to the more knowledgeable public. There are also classes for kids' interested in music. Many websites teach you how to improvise on your methods. Classical, jazz, rock, pop, and gospel - every genre of music can be found on the Internet. The low cost of this method of learning is a huge boon for many music lovers. Also, you do not have to brave the traffic to reach the music school or worry about a missed class or about rescheduling of lessons. You are in control of your learning here.

Thus, if you are really interested in learning music and audio mastering, you do not have to search for a music teacher high and low. Just, look for the right classes on the Internet and you will be able to learn your favorite music in no time.

The author loves teaching music. You can buy some studio equipment and make your own music. You can learn the latest music terms [http://www.audiomecca.com/dictionary.php] with the help of this music dictionary [http://www.audiomecca.com/dictionary.php].

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The Benefits Of Learning Music Theory

That's music to my ear is a common phrase used to express a person's emotional response to how a particular tune can make them feel. Some people listen to music all the time. Some study the art of playing an instrument. It's therapeutic; it's enriching; it's a way of creating moods in any environmental setting. If you are interested in music for more than the pure enjoyment people get out of listening to it, then learning about music theory is an ideal mode for you.

Music theory can be an important attribute in a person's life, for many reasons. People often ask, "Is music theory necessary?" "Why do we need it?"

First of all, even though you don't have to understand how to read sheet music to perform as a musician, you will need an understanding of music theory. It opens so many other doors for you in the world of music. Music theory will not show you how to understand music, but with music theory you will be able to communicate musical ideas, explore music in whole new ways, and redefine the tremendous scope that entails the magical world of music.

Music theory allows you to voice your opinion with others in the field, expand your musical horizon. Give a little input to a fellow musician and you'll get something in return.

Notations And Communicating With Other Musicians

Music lovers all develop a keen sense of awareness, musically speaking. Sometimes, musicians explain that if they study music theory, then it'll stunt their creativity. Wrong! The world's greatest composers were all masters of music theory: Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, J.S. Bach. These experts composed a keen understanding of the theoretical concepts. Years were spent studying the concept, down to some of the smallest details.

Music can be played by ear, picking out tunes without the aid of written music. Your ears can be your guide. The reason this is brought to light is that some musicians with strong theoretical training often disregard the art of playing by ear.

Think of playing music by ear this way: We're all born as non-verbal creations. Communication begins with crying, making sounds, displaying body language. Parents quickly become experts on baby talk. It's an innate sense. Over time, language develops by mimicking sounds. Toddlers don't learn nouns and verbs; they learn to speak by example. Music can be the same way. Hence, the reason so many people pay top dollar for live performances. It's invigorating, magical.

Understanding Harmony And Chord Progression

Chord progression and harmony, two features of music theory, help broaden any musician, regardless of their genre of study. Chord progression is a series of chords that are used to harmonize music. All compositions use chord progression. Those that improvise - which, as already mentioned, adds charm and magic to the environment of music - invent brand new melodies that blend in with an existing chord. It's a musical transition, something that must be practiced, repeatedly. The great composers and musicians develop chord progressions and transitions until it becomes natural, a second-natured maneuver.

If a musician improvises in a more interconnected manner, these new melodies show the musician the progression as one whole unit, and not a series of bumpy transitions. The more practice that goes into this aspect of music learning theory, the more interesting substitutions they will develop along the way. Once the concept of chord progression and its structure is understood, it will be easier to remember. Jazz musicians, therefore, show a keen interest in the study and analysis of chord progression.

The study of music theory will show musicians and musical scholars that the objective, initially, is not to consider an entire composition in one sitting. Instead, musicians, students and teachers alike, view a chord progression in segments, or units. These units correspond to musical sections known as stanzas.

A stanza is the complete statement and development of a single musical idea. It's a fairly simple act of dividing pieces into small manageable sections, with the melody itself forming, or suggesting the boundaries for sound.

Tonality, another element of chord progression, means different things to different people. Some would consider it to be this: any piece of music with a well-defined key center. Others envision any music that uses the conventional chords as tonal.

Music without the use of chords in a functional manner to reinforce a tonal center is not tonal. It is referred to as non-tonal music. The names of these styles are not always agreed upon between musical connoisseurs. But expressing difference is one key element that makes music such a beautiful art form, with countless possibilities.

So, if you are considering studying music, be it to play an instrument, teach music, or simply hone in on personal curiosity, learning music theory is a must for you.

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development.

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Learning To Say No: 6 Simple Tips To Do It

A few months ago, I received a business pitch. It was from an acquaintance I was on good terms with, and the pitch was based on something we verbally discussed and agreed on in the past. However, sometime had passed since our last conversation, and things had changed.

I was no longer keen on the opportunity, but didn't quite know how to put it across to him. I didn't want to jeopardize our relationship and any potential future working opportunities because of this.

So I procrastinated in replying to the mail. I put it into a "reply later" folder and got on to other stuff. Every few days when I check my folder, it'd be there, and I'd think "Ah I'll reply this later". I wondered if he would be angry knowing that I had changed my stance. At times I contemplated not replying at all, but I thought it wouldn't be appropriate, especially since we knew each other and we had a common friend too.

Finally one day, I decided to get on with it and reply to the mail. I typed out the mail, and crafted it a few words at a time. In it, I apologized for my delayed reply, and at the same time truthfully explained my situation and that I had no plans to take up the opportunity anymore. After reading it through, I clicked "Send" and hoped for the best.

Within 10 minutes of sending the mail, I got a reply, much to my surprise. It was early in the morning (8ish) and I didn't think that he would be in the office. The reply was very amiable. He said there was no worries at all, and he wished me a great year ahead in the meantime. Just like that. And it was done.

Have you ever had to say no before and feel conflicted about doing so? Many times we make a big deal out of saying "no", afraid that we will be committing a hideous crime by saying. In our minds, we are scared that the other people will be angry, that we will be loathed on, that we'll be deemed as making things difficult for others.

The thing is, many of these thoughts are self-created, and not real. Saying no really is a prerogative, and shouldn't be as difficult as we make it out to be. It's about learning how to do so. Here are 6 simple tips how you can learn to say no:

1. Realize it's okay to say no
   No matter who you are speaking to and what the situation is, you have the right to say no. The only reason why you feel you don't have that right is because you choose to relinquish it to others. Rather than think that we can't say no, it's about learning how to say it and put it across in a manner that the other party can understand and accept.
   
   Even if it's your boss or someone of higher seniority that you're dealing with, and you don't feel that you can say no, realize that it's your choice to say yes because you're unwilling to deal with the consequences of saying no. Ultimately everything in life boils down to us and the choices we make.


2. Know your priorities
   What are your biggest goals this year? Would you prefer to spend time on these goals or on this new commitment? Knowing your goals reinforces your reasons for saying no. For example since a while back, I decided to stop taking pro-bono speaking/workshop requests, because each commitment takes up considerable time and effort and it just isn't worth the effort to do them for free anymore. I've also decided to say no to local engagements, as these require me to be situated in Singapore, and my plans for the year ahead involve traveling overseas. Knowing my vision and plans has made it much easier to say no.


3. Write everything down first
   If you're not sure how to start, dump out everything on your mind first in the email, without intending to send it out right away. It can be gibberish. It can be thoughts of frustration. Treat it as writing a draft reply. The process of doing this helps sort out your thoughts. After you finish dumping out your thoughts, you'll find it much easier to craft your actual reply from there. This works for me every time.


4. Keep it simple
   There's no need to over-explain yourself. Simply say no, and give the key reason why. Some people may run into the mistake of writing a lengthy explanation letter/email, and it's unnecessary. Not only does it bog down the other party with details, it also weakens your position. In my rejection mails, I usually keep them to 3 paragraphs - first paragraph as a greeting, and the second paragraph with my rejection and short explanation why. In the last paragraph, I provide a couple of alternative options he/she can seek out (see tip #5).


5. Provide an alternative
   This is not necessary, but if you feel bad about saying no, you can provide an alternative option to cushion out the effect. For example, if the person wants to work on a project with you but you cannot commit to it, you can recommend a few leads to him/her who can do equally good job as you. That way, the person won't be left hanging and he/she can seek out these options instead. Usually in my rejections, I'll provide a couple of quick leads/options out of courtesy.


6. Just say no
   Sometimes I wonder about how to say no, and in the end I just go with a straightforward "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't take it up" answer. Surprisingly, the other parties take to it very readily like the example above, making me realize that a lot of conflicts I have with saying no are more my own illusions than anything else! As long as you're earnest, candid and respectful of the other party in the reply, there shouldn't be any reason why there would be an issue.

How about you?Is there a request you're planning to say no to? How can you apply the tips above to send your message across? Share in the comments area below!

Written on 6/10/2011 by Celestine Chua. Celestine writes at The Personal Excellence Blog, where she shares her best advice on how to achieve personal excellence and live your best life. Get her RSS feed directly and add her on Twitter @celestinechua. If you like this article, you will enjoy one of her top articles: 101 Things To Do Before You Die.

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