Our universal curriculum has been developed by the staff here at the MaKo Music School, along with much appreciated guidance, consultation and advice of Music Legend and Eduacator Victor Wooten, Author of This is Your Brain on Music  Daniel Levitin, Musicologist, Player, and Teacher, Anthony Wellington, Music Educator and Saxophone player Bob Franceschini, Saxophone Player and Educator Bob Hemenger,  and The Head of the Berklee School of Music's Bass Department Steve Bailey.  The intent was to create the best curriculum possible to teach the language of music in the most productive, enjoyable, and adaptable way possible.  See Below. Thanks guys!



Our Instrument specific curriculum is being designed with the "complete musician" in mind and is currently in development.  We consider "the complete musician" as one  who wants to speak as freely as he desires with the language of music.  Each Instrument specific component was designed under the guidance of the MaKo Music School Staff and teachers. All of our Instrument Specific Curriculum will be finished by Jan, 1, 2013

 

 

1. Music is a language, more than just notes.

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MUSIC IS MADE UP OF SEVERAL ELEMENTS, EACH ONE CRUCIAL AND MOST ARE UNDER-TAUGHT.  THESE ARE WHAT WE CALL "1-10" AS TERMED BY MASTER TEACHER AND MUSICIAN VICTOR L. WOOTEN



1. NOTES

2. PHRASING

3. TONE

4. TECHNIQUE

5. RHYTHM

6. ARTICULATION

7. FEEL

8. TONE

9. DYNAMICS

10. LISTENING

 

 

2. The goal of teaching is understanding.



We teach so that music is understood on all four of these levels as equally as possible.  Many are naturally gifted on one or more, but it is only addressing our weakest areas that we can make the most growth and achieve our goals.



1. Sonically (how we hear it, by ear)

2. Intellectually (the science and theory behind music)

3. Visually (reading music as well as the ability to visualize and describe music away from the instrument.)

4.  Physically (being able to physically express the musical idea or concept or sound on the instrument of our choice)

 

3. How we hear music should be how we learn it and should be how we practice it.



1. Tools : Instrument, any other tool needed for playing, learning, and practicing.

2.  Tune: Tune your instrument.  This means to get your instrument in tune but also find an appropriate volume level.

3. Tone:  Play the correct note, with no unpleasant sound or compromise

4. Time:  Play in a correct rhythm, understanding the groove for the music.  The last part of time you should focus on is tempo.

5. Transcribe: Learn songs from reading music or by ear.

6. Tunes: Learn songs.  Learn lots of songs in an effort to build a repertoire.  The more diverse your repertoire is, the better you will be able to express yourself musically.

7. Take 5.  Practice then take a small break to let your brain and body codify the information.  Remember it's only a break if you return!

 

 

 

The terms "1-10" or "2-10" were invented by Victor Wooten and made available to the public in his Book "The Music Lesson" and the DVD "Victor Wooten: Groove Workshop.  The exploration of "Music as a language" in specific terms with examples is also attributed to him. Visit Victor at www.victorwooten.com

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The "Four -Ways to Understand Music" is the intellectual property of musicologist and bass teacher Anthony Wellington.  Visit Anthony and learn something at www.Anthony Wellington.Com



The expansion of "The Five T's"  as well as using it as a practice guide is the creation of Music Educator, Saxophonist and Clinician Bob Franceschinni.  Please Visit Bob at his Web Site www.FranBop.Com



"I am honored that these musicians, these men, these educators have shared these ideas with me, and even more thrilled they have given me permission to use these concepts at MaKo Music School.  I am indebted to you, and we will use these musical gifts to the best of our abilty to bring some more music in the world."- Matt Koon