Beginner Nice online theory course at Coursera

[MandyH]

We are entering the final phase....on the course....my head is preparing to explode

 

[zelda]

Interesting. I'm hoping that you'll post your thoughts on the course when you've finished.

 

[kevgermany]

Interesting. I'm hoping that you'll post your thoughts on the course when you've finished.

From an exploded head?

 

[Jeanette]

Well I got as far as enrolling and did nothing so hats off to you Mandy!

Mind you if your head explodes your hat will be off anyway

Jx

 

[BigMartin]

I thought the course was mostly pretty good. But I won't be doing the final assessment (Analyse a chunk of a Mozart string quartet), It's way beyond the level of the course itself and looks like a lot of work for not much benefit (to me, anyway).

 

[jafo50]

Well I got as far as enrolling and did nothing so hats off to you Mandy!

Mind you if your head explodes your hat will be off anyway

Jx

Jeanette, if you enrolled you can still download the videos and supporting documentation and view then at your leisure.

 

[MandyH]

You guys are so funny

TBH, there was nothing much in this course beyond ABRSM grade 5 theory. If you can pass that, you can do this course.
I have found this course far more interesting from the forums and Facebook support page point of view. As I am preparing to take my diploma in Saxophone teaching, it has been enlightening to realise how information can be mis-understood and how concepts that to me appear straightforward and obvious, are just way-beyond other people, or require explanation in a completely different way, or require the tutors to adapt and give alternative information or teach in a different way.

 

[kevgermany]

As I am preparing to take my diploma in Saxophone teaching, it has been enlightening to realise how information can be mis-understood and how concepts that to me appear straightforward and obvious, are just way-beyond other people, or require explanation in a completely different way, or require the tutors to adapt and give alternative information or teach in a different way.

I really wish more people had this understanding. What goes with it is the need to put yourself to one side and second guess/find out what the question really is - the student often can't articulate it properly. And we see it a lot on the forum.

 

[Ivan]

And we see it a lot on the forum.

Name names Kev

 

[old git]

Mandy,
You are realising the difference between teaching and coaching, as defined by John Whitmore. If you can grab a copy of his book, treasure it. It is about finding an explanation that is understandable by your client, and agreed goals. Just to make it more interesting, they are likely to be different for each one.

Worst?, best? example come across whilst attempting to train driving instructor? A colleague said they accepted all the credit for past clients who had passed the Driving Test but none for those who failed, as "I told them." Never even thought to check if they understood or appreciated the reason, just that they'd been told. As it is a life or death industry, was tempted to spell that tolled.

Good luck and be a good one.

Apologies for being serious.

 

[MandyH]

'tis fine OG. you make a very good point. I will look for his book.

I am just awaiting the final marks for the course, but unless I overlooked something, I believe I have scored 100%!
given that all of my music theory is self-taught, I am rather pleased

 

[Tenor Viol]

Only just catching up with this thread. Some interesting comments. I do get worried when people think there is "only one right way to teach" since we are different and learn in different ways.

I am currently informally teaching a friend some basic music theory - she's a complete beginner and is looking to start playing violin soon. It is interesting how things I don't even think about, I need to break down into bits and possibly explain in several ways.

 

[Jeanette]

Only just catching up with this thread. Some interesting comments. I do get worried when people think there is "only one right way to teach" since we are different and learn in different ways.

I am currently informally teaching a friend some basic music theory - she's a complete beginner and is looking to start playing violin soon. It is interesting how things I don't even think about, I need to break down into bits and possibly explain in several ways.

Agree entirely, once you become proficient in something you forget what you didn't know or understand in the beginning and now just take for granted. Teaching is a real skill and as you say we all learn in different ways.

Jx

 

[ProfJames]

It's always good to know what courses are available free of charge. Thank you for posting, I shall investigate and see if I am suitable.

 

[MandyH]

@ProfJames, you can do any course you fancy - that is all the "suitability" you need IMHO, just some enthusiasm!

 

[ProfJames]

Mandy.....I love your enthusiasm it is refreshing, thank you!