Harmonica in the Elementary Music Classroom
description
Transcript of Harmonica in the Elementary Music Classroom
Harmonica in the Elementary Music ClassroomPerformance Research ProjectComprehensive Musicianship
Summer 2014Linda Kwan and Mildred Yi
Columbia University
Performance
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach(excerpt)
Transcribed for Two-Part C Harmonica
RationaleRationale 1:
Personal Connection
Teaching for Elementary Music ClassFosters Inclusive/Accessible Classrooms Portable Instrument Affordable Instrument Requires Minimal Fine Motor Skills Ease of Success for All Levels of Learning
RationaleRationale 2:
Harmonica for Elementary School Music Methods
Effective tool for teaching basic musicianship to Liberal Studies Majors planning to be elementary teachers
Beginning instrument to all levels of music experience
Less common instrument in music method courses
Kinesthetically accessible for early music success for adults
Background
Harmonica
Free reed wind instrumentUsed in variety of musical genres
Harmonica in variety of musical genres
Classical
Pop
Jazz
Ensemble
Types of HarmonicaDiatonic - One Layer Reed, 10 Notes
Tremolo - Two Layer Reed – oscillating, 24 Keys
Chromatic – button activated sliding bar that redirects air to alter notes
HistoryVienna to Germany
1800-1824 Originated in Vienna Joseph Richter invented the blow and
draw mechanics
1830 Brought to Germany Christian Messner (clothmaker) Distribution via Immigration
HistoryGermany to USA
1868 Brought US – Called Mouth Organ Mathia Hohner (clockmaker) Southern States via black market Hilbilly and Jazz (featured in Jug Bands in
Memphis) Abe Lincoln and Billy the Kid had one! Mass Production by Machine Cut and
Exported to other countries
HistoryGermany to East Asia
1898 Brought to Japan from Germany
Tremelo Harmonica modified for Japanese folk tunes
1931 Minor key harmonica developed in Japan
1930s Brought to Hong Kong
Tremelo Harmonica Popular Beginning of Harmonica Organizations:
China YMCA Harmonica Orchestra 1950s Linda’s grandfather was in the
Kings College Harmonica Band - one of the oldest harmonica ensembles that still exist today.
Kings College Harmonica Band
Parts of the Harmonica
Other Uses of HarmonicaMedical Uses:
Pulmonary Rehabilitation for (COPD) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Can also help patients with: Asthma, Emphysema
Exhaling and inhaling when playing the instrument builds lung capacity and diaphragm muscles.
Example: University of Michigan Harmonica Club
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Social & Emotional effect when paired with Music Therapy
Harmonica Lesson Activity
Description:
Teaching music concepts and skills by integrating the harmonica with singing and other instruments (Grades: 3-4)
Music Concepts:
Melody – pitches moving by steps or skips
Rhythm – quarter and eighth note patterns
Harmony – Interval of five as accompaniment
Form – Round and Canons
Methodology:
Integration of Multiple Approaches
Kodaly – Note Reading on Staff, Singing with Solfege, Curwen Hand signs, use of folk songs
Orff – Movement, body percussion, borduns as ostinatos, singing with Solfege, Curwen Hand Signs,
Resourcehttp://www.theharmonicacompany.com/_harmonicastore/products/800px/hering-1148-giant.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-TIMER-TREMOLO-HARMONICA-Hole/dp/B0014N46V6
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/myquill/howharmonicaworks.html
http://www.uofmhealth.org/medical-services/pulmonary/pulmonary-rehabilitation
http://www.macleans.ca/society/life/rx-play-the-harmonica/