By Nelson E. Harrison, Ph. D.

I. Learning Objectives

A. All scales and intervals
B. Chord theory
C. Melody theory
D. Rhythm theory
E. Composition theory
F. Lyric theory
G. Scat singing theory

II. Target population

A. Middle school  grades 6 - 9
B. Must have a chosen instrument on which one can make a controlled sound or be a vocalist
C. Must understand English
D. Must not be tone-deaf

III. Implementation Schedule

A. One half-hour segment of the regular music period plus one hour per week of after school instruction
B. Correlated with the instructional objective of helping the student understand the world of music, the creative process, the manufacture of tangible value from thought, music + math = art, the responsible use of sound, the democratic principles of group interaction, self-confidence, self-expression, self-esteem, mutual appreciation of others, the economics of creativity, enhanced motivation toward the learning process, the value of intellectual property.
C. The general timeline will be one-semester required and up to 4 semesters of elective participation.

IV. Costs

A. Materials to be supplied by the school will include instruments, space, clerical and parking
B. Instructional materials will be $25.00/student per semester
C. Teacher time based at $15.00/student/hour.

V. Benefits

A. For less than $600.00/student per semester the students will have learned more about music and how to access its power for enjoyment, self-expression, and market potential than is currently known by high school graduates of performing arts high schools and many college music majors.  They will each have composed at least one song and learned how to copyright it and put it into the stream of commerce if desired.
B. Human resources required are one qualified instructor under independent contract with no displacement of current staff and no appreciable added burden on administrative staff.  Human resource benefits available would derive from the documentation of the process on video and photographic media that can be used to prove the measurable results and attract grant and budget support for continuation and expansion.

(c) Nelson E. Harrison Ph.D. - September 2001

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Living Encyclopedia of Global African Music
Received: Fall 2001
Posted: 08/14/2002