Differentiated Teaching Methods in the Band Room

Item

Title
Differentiated Teaching Methods in the Band Room
Creator
Eric Wallace
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Teaching (initial licensure)
Project Type
Action Research Project
Date
6/15/2025
Abstract
Most modern band directors teach beginning band using beginning band method books, which have been shown to be insufficient for teaching the musical fundamentals. They can create knowledge gaps between students, particularly in regards to notation and rhythm reading, and can harm programs with only a single high school band. This project sought to understand the impact of differentiated teaching methods aimed at improving knowledge of reading notation and rhythms, and how they would affect the students’ sight reading and self-perceived readiness to sight read. The 43 students in Woodburn High School’s Concert Band were given progressively more challenging assignments-focused on note naming, rhythm counting, and various other fundamentals-over the course of six rehearsal periods. The assignments were tailored to students based on a diagnostic assessment. Results found that daily assignments improved the speed and accuracy of note naming. They also improved the accuracy of rhythm counting, but highlighted the band’s weakness for counting sixteenth note rhythms. Findings on sight reading and perceived readiness for sight reading were inconclusive. This author concludes that daily note naming and rhythm counting assignments have a positive impact on a band’s ability to read and understand notation.
Keywords
Differentiation
Band
Fundamentals
Committee Member
Marcus Wenzel
Carlos Velez
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2025, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
Language
eng
Type
Text
Identifier
EricWallace_ARP_2025
Item sets
Graduate Work
Media
EricWallace_ARP_2025.pdf