Music

This course is self-directed and includes four units and an exam task (5 Assessment Credits).

Practice Units

Each Practice Unit requires approximately 20 hours of work, including active practice and specific assignments. If you practice just over an hour a day in addition to the assignments, you should be able to complete each unit in about two weeks.

In each Practice Unit, you:

1. Set a personal goal
2. Make a plan to achieve it
3. Execute your plan while logging your practice
4. Make a video of your results to determine how to approach your next unit

This process is what professional musicians do throughout their whole careers. By developing the ability to reflect on your progress, you will find that it's not only your music that's improving, but your ability to troubleshoot other problems in your life.

Method Books

Because this course is designed for any instrument and any skill level, from absolute beginners to experienced players, you are free to choose a method book appropriate for your instrument and level. You may also use this course in combination with private lessons you are already taking.

Process

To complete a unit, follow this workflow to ensure you are planning, tracking, and reflecting on your progress:

Assignment Breakdown

• Critical Analysis Discussion
  Music is all about listening. In this assignment, you and a friend listen to a piece of music you haven’t heard, but have heard of. In a 3-5 minute video , identify the elements of the piece that you would like to incorporate into your playing to guide your practice. This assignment should take about 45 minutes per unit.

• Goal Setting Form
  Based on your discussion, research the piece/artist you chose and set specific practice goals for yourself during the unit. This form should take about 75 minutes to complete.

• Practice Plan
  Prioritize your goals and make a plan for your next two weeks of practice. It should take about 25 minutes per unit to write up your plan.

• Practice Logs
  Keep track of what you're practicing and how it's going so that you can make fine adjustments as you go. You should log 16 hours of practice per unit.

• Training Montage Video
  Use your phone to record a few clips of yourself practicing the range of things identified in your Practice Plan. Aim for 3–5 minutes of footage spread over the unit. You can incorporate these videos into your practice time. This is for descriptive feedback, so it’s the place to show things you’re not sure about.

• Performance Video
  At the end of each unit, record yourself doing your best playing in the three areas the course covers: Reading, Theory/Improvisation, and Repertoire. Ensure both your hands and your face are visible. Take about an hour to do several takes: Make sure you show your best work.

Exam Task

Once you’ve completed all four practice units, you can complete the Exam Task to earn your credit! You are encouraged to preview the task in Classroom at any time to see what you are working towards.

Open Materials

Did you know our materials for all courses are always open for anyone to browse? We believe in making education accessible. Feel free to explore our music course materials anytime!