Chapter 2 #3,9 pg. 85-86

Yes, I feel that improvisation should be included in the musical skills. I feel that improvisation is not only something that the students would enjoy doing, but something that could be included while teaching a subject such as jazz. Improvisation is something that can be done by any of the students. You could create a lesson explaining what it is, how it can be done, show some examples, and then create a class project by having the students create their own improvisation and perform it for the class. I do not suggest doing this individually, because some students may not be totally comfortable with this type of project. I think that it is something that could be done in groups. I think that improvisation is a phenomenal skill that the students could learn.

To be completely honest, I am not someone who necessarily agrees with standardized testing. It is something that I feel does not work for every student. I know that when I would have to take those tests my grades were never as good as my grade in that actual class, all because I am a nervous test taker. Test taking is not for everyone, and I feel that way even more so more musical classes. I think that having regular tests in the classroom are fine, but once the name standardized test gets put in front of it, it makes the students nervous. I also feel that the teaching would change in order for the students to pass that test. I think that the teachers would teach for the test and not just to share their love and knowledge of music to the students.