Pro Tips for Band Directors:
Score Study, Gesture, and
Instructional Strategies for
Effective Rehearsal
Graduate Level
Credits / Units
2
Course Term
must be completed within
9 months of registration.
Course Code
EDUX 9121
Price Per Credit
$185
Course Description:
Maximize the potential of your ensemble through score analysis, conducting gesture, rehearsal strategy, and leadership technique while studying iconic repertoire for wind band. Rooted in 9 video lectures presented by Dr. Chad R. Nicholson, this Forward Motion Graduate Credit course guides students to study Nicholson’s most effective strategies for rehearsing and conducting Holst’s First Suite in E-flat. Students continue to hone their own skills through reflection and practical application assignments. Students may choose to study conducting techniques remotely* with Dr. Nicholson, or any other Forward Motion conducting teacher, privately (*additional fee).
This course is intended for music educators at any point in their career. No pre-requisite required. This course meets asynchronously and independently.
Course Outcomes:
Students will…
- Reflect on their own instructional teaching style and conducting
- Analyze standard wind band repertoire
- Learn practical instructional strategies inspired by score study and instrumental pedagogy
- Examine how conducting gesture communicates musical ideas and encourages performance results
- Develop skills to refine their own teaching practices
Course Components:
This course includes online video lectures, comprehension response questions, reflection essays, and an optional private conducting lesson. All components will be found on www.fwdmotion.org. All completed coursework should be submitted online via the interactive Forward Motion module available immediately after registration and sign-in. Students must receive a passing grade to receive university credit by earning “acceptable” or “excellent” on each assignment rubric.
Forward Motion awards academic credit in partnership with Dominican University of California. Graduate-Level Extension Semester Credits/Units are primarily used for professional development or salary advancement and are transferable to degree programs only on the approval of the institution being petitioned. The words credits and units are used interchangeably as geographical locations vary in terminology. Participants are advised to obtain prior employer approval for use in salary advancement. Dominican University of California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).