Will Music Alive work in my situation?

[lesleyanne]

I am taking on a new job where the children have had no music background at all. I have taught for 20 years and never had to deal with a situation like this. They know no notation and next to nothing about classical music/instruments/listening/composers/etc.

My material that I have gathered over the years pre-supposes a general music literacy and knowledge. I am in the UK. I am considering a subscription to MUSIC ALIVE. Will it work for me at least in the first 3-4 years...until my students are more able?

[mrafter]

Hi Lesleyanne,

I've been using Music Alive! for every one of my 19 years as a music teacher and I highly recommend it for you.

Each issue of the magazine comes with a lesson plan for most of the articles. The plans are designed so that you can use them with students who have little musical background (like yours), or ou can use the explanded lesson for students who have a little more ability.

I like the magazine because it includes the kinds of things our students like to read (popular music styles) about as well as the content we want them to know (careers in music, music technology, musical theatre, etc.).

There's also a student website, MyMusicAlive.com. My students really enjoyed the games and articles there. Teachers who subscribe can go to MusicAlive.com/teach for additional lesson ideas, links to useful sites, and worksheets to use with the magazine.

I have no doubt that this magazine will work in your situation.

~Michelle Rafter