isua-isnscatalog-1891-1892-065

Description:	61 ANNUAL CATALOGUE.MUSIC.The work in music is limited to one term of thirteen weeks,and as two-thirds of the pupils enter the class without previousinstruction, it has been found necessary to begin with a carefulstudy of the first principles, including a brief history of thestaff, scale, etc.The aim of the instruction is to give the pupil a thoroughknowledge of the subject, in so far as the limited time will permit, and to cultivate good habits in regard to breathing, singing, pronunciation and enunciation.In the study of the relative pitch of musical sounds the major or diatonic scale is taken as the unit, and by comparison itsintervals are carefully studied, thereby laying a good foundationfor work in chromatic intervals, the different scales and in transposition.Particular attention is given to sight singing early in the term,on the principle that people learn to sing by singing. Eachpupil is expected to be pble to write exercises, introducing in amusical way each new point, thereby proving ability to presentthe same thought to a class of children when occasion demands.During the term three or four recitation periods are given upto the study of musical history, or the works of the great masters, with a view to future study in those lines. A limitedamount of drill in church music is given, and both words andmusic are studied carefully.In either secular or sacred music it is necessary to have aright conception of the thought and emotion expressed beforethe right quality of tone can be given. Poor singing is morefrequently the result of poor thinking than of poor voices.Children will imitatethe right quality of tone just as readily asthey will imitate the wrong quality, and it is very desirable thatteachers should be able properly to express the sentiment contained in song or hymn.Text-books, charts, piano and blackboard are used when necessary as aids. It has not been deemed advisable to limit theterms work, except as the ability of the class may limit it.Mrs. Carrie B. Adams,Head of Department.
Source:	http://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/isuarchive/id/33680
Collection:	Indiana State University Archives

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