Description By David Newell with links to related educational literature by Deborah L. Burris, Ph.D, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. David Newell’s new text book, Classroom Management in the Music Room: “Pin-Drop Quiet” Classes and Rehearsals, is a resource vital to any productive music classroom. Designed with simplicity in mind – simple to teach, simple to learn, and simple to administer – this book promotes student-centered self-discipline and turns classroom management into creating music. This management program is the Epitome of Simplicity: Simple to Teach, Simple to Learn, and Simple to Administer. Instead of TEACHER-centered discipline and control, this book promotes STUDENT-centered SELF-discipline and SELF-control. The responsibility for behavior in this program is precisely where it belongs — squarely on the shoulders of the students. Yelling is counter-productive. Things said softly register most loudly on the student brain. The teacher sets the climate in the classroom. It’s not the SEVERITY of a consequence that deters poor behavior: It’s the CERTAINTY of it! The stated consequence MUST happen! The words “please” and “thank you” should never be used in a management situation. Good manners? — Yes! Politely asking students to behave? — No! Reward Programs: The good and the not-so-good. Competition in Performing Ensembles: The good and the not-so-good. Proximity: Both a Management and a Musical tool. Students’ classroom time should be filled with MUSIC: “More Music — Less Teacher Talk — Everyday!” Students deserve to have a musically satisfying experience every time they are in our classrooms. MUSIC takes over the MANAGEMENT in the classroom. Great music teaching comes with a built-in side benefit—great discipline. A close look at the well-managed and well-planned, aesthetically-driven class or rehearsal. Grading in music classes: Its relationship to Behavior and to Improved Performance Looking at the Music Performance Class as a Community MANAGEMENT through MUSIC: What could be better?
