Packing Slip 
item |
Exploring and Learning Sibelius Music Notation Software |
contact |
Jerome Garrison (South Mountain Community College) jerome.garrison@smcmail.maricopa.edu |
college(s) |
South Mountain Community College |
discipline(s) |
Music |
summary |
The purpose of my project was to learn how to use Sibelius Music Notation software compose music on my computer. The end result was to create arrangements for choir and band and to rearrange existing music to meet particular student vocal and instrumental needs. |
details |
Sibelius is a complete software for writing, playing, printing and publishing music notation. In this project, I was able to learn every aspect of Sibelius and incorporate that knowledge into planning for my Fall classes. The skills I learned allow me to arrange parts for my performing arts classes which include jazz band, choir, class voice and band. I have also obtained the skills needed to compose music on the computer and publish performance quality music. One of the most exciting aspects of what I was able to accomplish, are the booklets of scales for jazz improvisation that will benefit students for years to come. This learning will be ongoing and relevant to the music program at SMCC. ------------------------------------------------------------ Outcomes: In a paragraph or two describe what worked well. Did you accomplish your objective(s)? Were you able to complete your summer project as written? If not, what did you modify and why? What did not go as well as expected, if anything? Were there any surprises? Note: Use the questions as guides for your outcomes. Do not include detailed list of workshops attended, speakers who presented, or a list of items you have seen, heard, or read. ------------------------------------------------------------ My main objective was to learn how to compose music on the computer using Sibelius. This required first learning how to set up Sibelius to work with my piano keyboard. This included setting up a successful midi interface so that the piano keyboard could communicate with the computer. Once this was accomplished, I was able to learn every aspect of the software. This knowledge included how to create a staff, key signature, place notes on the staff, insert rests, ties, lyrics, accents and all the other elements that create music. Learning the basics of Sibelius was time consuming but a task that came naturally due to my already vast knowledge of music notation. Having a background in music is critical to learning how to use software such as Sibelius. The challenge came in understanding the "quirky" aspects of the software, such as how to create a dotted note or enter lyrics correctly in a given measure. I was able to complete most aspects of the project and am able to use Sibelius to improve instruction especially in the areas of class voice. The ability to transpose a score from one key signature to the next at the click of a button, is significant. One objective that may not be as easily implemented as originally thought is teaching Sibelius to students. Music students will need to obtain a significant knowledge of music notation in order to effectively use the software. Although you can play a piece on the piano keyboard and have that music recorded on Sibelius, there is much editing required in order to publish the music. Editing requires having more than just a basic knowledge of music in order to correct some of the assumptions made by Sibelius when you play music and have it recorded. Music faculty should not have any issues when learning the software once they complete the Quick Start section. I was surprised by the amount of editing required to complete a score. The benefit is in the software's ability to transpose from one key to another without extensive editing. This will be a tremendous time saver as I continue to use the software to write scales and compose scores for my performance classes. ------------------------------------------------------------ Professional Growth: Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, your college, and possibly other colleagues. How did project affect you professionally? What skills did you learn? What environments were you working in and how might your summer project influence your teaching or other responsibilities? Did you gain a different perspective? Was it professionally valuable for you? ------------------------------------------------------------ Sibelius has allowed me to take a skill in which I am proficient (manually notating music) and use the computer and a piano keyboard to do the same thing more efficiently and in half the time. Based on the knowledge I acquired this summer, I am able to assist my students in the following manner: Jazz students will be able to utilize the booklet to play the different modalities for jazz improvisation. In addition, they will be able to refer to the foundational 7th chords as needed. Jazz students will be able to play solos written specifically for their instument. Voice students can sing songs that have been arranged to fit their voices. ------------------------------------------------------------ Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college? ------------------------------------------------------------ Students will be able to take advantage of the skills I acquired in the classroom and in special projects assigned to them. Each student will have access to any scores composed using Sibelius and fundamental music knowledge passed on in the course of instruction. I will share Sibelius with music faculty who teach the performing arts classes. I can be a resource as they learn the software and incorporate Sibelius into their classrooms. Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback via the comments form below. |
web links |
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/fpg/ |
shareback |
A "Shareback" cites the places on the web that mention, reference, or use this MLX package, and "shares" that information back here (more about shareback...) Sharebacks can be generated automatically by weblog tools. |
extra |
Last modified: Sep-24-2008 Date created: Sep-24-2008 Visitor count: 522 Dublin Core Metadata record  This package is included in the Faculty Professional Growth Summer Project Reports special collection. |
Maricopa Learning eXchange
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=2173
