Catherine Johnson

8 October 2005

Web Dropin # 1

Five Short Activities

Activity # 1

What is Sound?

As a musician and music teacher, sound obviously plays a very important role in the study of music. I’d like you to explore

what sound is, and how we hear sound.

My question for you is: How do we hear?

A few suggested sites for finding this answer:

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/bigear.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound

Also, learn how to protect your hearing! http://www.hearnet.com/index.shtml

Activity # 2

Tendonitis and Performance-Related Injuries

What causes musical injury?

To find out, check out these:

Musicians and Injuries - http://eeshop.unl.edu/music.html

Musicians Wellness - http://www.musicianswellness.org/casestudy.htm

Activity # 3 The Alexander Technique—What is it and how does it work?

Created by Frederick Matthias Alexander, this is a

method that works to change (movement) habits in our everyday activities.

I want you to tell me how it works!

The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique: http://alexandertechnique.com/

Activity # 4 Music Therapy—Is it for you?

Read about music therapy, and tell me if you think this is something you would be interested in, and why.

How does it work?

Music Therapy - http://www.musictherapy.org/

Activity # 5 Perfect Pitch

Sometimes called absolute pitch, this phenomenon develops in a small percentage of musicians. It is the ability to identify

correctly (and most often, instantly) any given note in music. People possessing active perfect pitch, also known as absolute pitch)

can also tell if a note is sharp or flat. There are studies being completed as to whether it is something you have to be born with to have, or it is something that can also be developed.

After reading some of the studies, tell me what you think about developing perfect pitch: Do you think it is something you can develop on your own?

If you have a musical instrument nearby (preferably a piano) play a C. Try to remember how it sounds. Come back a few minutes later and hum or sing it….then check it with the instrument. Did you hit the note, or are you far off? Let me know!

Epinions.com - http://www.epinions.com/inst-review-1E6F-5827FBB-39D50257-prod1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_pitch