Music Learning Theory

Summary

Natalia Sigman, a passionate music teacher, brings out the musician in all her middle school students by focusing on developing their musical aptitude. Trained in Moscow, Sigman incorporates Music Learning Theory, emphasizing a sound-first approach over traditional notation. Her after-school Music Makers chorus has grown significantly, achieving success in regional competitions. Sigman’s influence extends beyond music, fostering emotional and social growth in her students. Her teaching philosophy underscores the power of music to shape a child’s overall development, creating an environment where learning is a holistic experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Natalia Sigman is a unique middle school music teacher who brings out the musician in every student, helping them develop their musical aptitude to its fullest.
• 🎹 Natalia's musical journey began at age 7 in Moscow, where she received a comprehensive curriculum in piano and music theory, similar to what she later encountered at Temple University.
• 📚 Natalia studies and applies Music Learning Theory, developed by Dr. Edwin Gordon, which views learning music as similar to learning a language, focusing on sound before notation.
• 🎶 Music Learning Theory emphasizes the importance of auditory vocabulary in music education, teaching students to recognize and internalize the sounds of music before focusing on formal notation.
• 📏 Traditional music education often focuses on memorizing lines, spaces, and notation, but Music Learning Theory suggests these concepts are secondary to understanding the sounds of music.
• 🎤 Natalia started the Music Makers chorus as an after-school program, which has grown significantly over the past four years, from 12 to 65 members.
• 🏆 The Music Makers chorus has achieved notable success in regional competitions, winning awards such as the B101 Christmas choir competition and New Jersey 101.5 contest.
• 🎵 One student shared how music has become an integral part of their life, providing emotional support and a sense of self.
• ❤️ The emotional connection students have with music is evident in their dedication, and many attribute their love of music to Natalia's influence in their lives.
• 🧠 Research suggests that being in a rich musical environment can positively impact students' cognitive and emotional development, even if the direct effects on academic subjects like math or reading are unclear.

Q & A

What makes Natalia Sigman stand out as a music teacher?

Natalia Sigman is not your typical music teacher. She has a unique ability to bring out the musician in all of her middle school students, helping them develop their natural musical aptitude to its fullest potential.

Where did Natalia Sigman receive her musical training?

Natalia's musical training began in Moscow at the age of 7, where she followed a comprehensive curriculum that included piano and music theory, subjects that are typically introduced later in the U.S. education system.

What is the Music Learning Theory, and how does it influence Natalia's teaching?

Music Learning Theory, developed by Dr. Edwin Gordon, describes the process by which children learn music, comparing it to the process of learning a language. Natalia applies this theory to teach students in a structured sequence that helps them develop from musical infancy to becoming independent musicians.

How does Music Learning Theory compare music to language learning?

Music Learning Theory treats music learning as similar to learning a language, emphasizing the importance of oral learning first. It argues that understanding music in terms of sound is more crucial than knowing notation or technical concepts like lines and spaces.

What is the role of music theory in Natalia's classroom?

In Natalia's classroom, music theory becomes secondary to understanding sound and music itself. She prioritizes vocabulary and sound over traditional notation, allowing students to connect more deeply with the music before focusing on formal theory.

How did The Music Makers chorus program evolve under Natalia Sigman’s leadership?

The Music Makers chorus, started by Natalia as an after-school program, grew from 12 to 65 members over four years. It has also enjoyed significant success in regional competitions, including winning the New Jersey 101.5 contest.

What is the impact of music on the students according to Natalia Sigman?

According to Natalia, music has a profound impact on her students, influencing not just their musical abilities but also their emotional and social development. It fosters a love for learning and personal growth, often being integral to their sense of self.

What is the 'Mozart effect,' and how does it relate to music education?

The 'Mozart effect' suggests that listening to music can improve cognitive function. While there isn't conclusive evidence linking music to academic improvements in subjects like math or reading, the research suggests that being in a rich musical environment benefits overall brain development and emotional well-being.

What is the significance of the emotional connection to music for Natalia's students?

The emotional connection to music is central to Natalia's teaching. She encourages students to express themselves through music, creating a space where they not only develop technical skills but also grow emotionally and socially, as seen in their passion and dedication during rehearsals.

What impact has music had on individual students in the program?

For many students, music has been transformative, providing an outlet for personal expression and emotional release. Some students describe music as essential to their identity, offering them opportunities and confidence that they otherwise wouldn't have had.