Hi everyone,
My name is Mark Pepe, born and raised here in Vancouver. I currently teach Kindergarten to Grade 7 music, concert bands, and French 5 6 7 (I’d usually be teaching choir and jazz band as well if it weren’t for covid) at two schools for the CISVA. I’m also a classically trained operatic tenor and sing with the Vancouver Opera Chorus. I am just beginning my graduate studies by taking my first two courses in the MET program, and I’m very excited.
I found myself very easily adapting to the world of online teaching. Even though I am not able to teach most of my music classes the traditional way by playing classroom instruments (percussion, ukuleles, recorders, etc.), myself, and my students, are embracing it. My grades 5 6 7 classes have gone completely paperless for both music and French. All of our work is done through the Google environment as well as platforms like Flipgrid, and Kahoot!
I am interested in mobile learning because this is an exciting avenue in music education. I personally use the app from the guitar company Fender to practice my guitar and bass playing. There is a professional music teacher in your pocket! I also have colleagues who have their music students use their mobile device to learn their parts for choir. I’m really interested in how musicians can prepare so that they have a more enjoyable, productive, and most importantly, creative rehearsal and performances.
I also remember a conversation that I had with a vice principal from the VSB while I was doing my practicum. I was teaching guitar class and I set aside independent practice time, the students were using their phones to read guitar tabs. The VP and I discussed how the “new teacher” doesn’t need to encompass all knowledge, because the kids have it at their finger tips. It provided a lot of food for thought since I’ve started teaching.
I’m looking forward to working with all of you.
Hi Mark. Thanks for sharing your story! I can completely relate. Back when I was an Education Assistant, I had students who had developmental disabilities but wanted to join in Band. Technology would have made their lives so much easier in learning and following along! (not to mention it would be a life saver for the electric bass/guitar learners who can’t tune by ear yet). I look forward to learning more about your experiences!
Hi Mark! I enjoyed reading your story. I’m also an elementary Music/French teacher (although this year my board abruptly cancelled both programs in my school, due to pandemic and financial issues) and I’m hopeful to return to teaching what I love when things get back to normal(ish). I agree with what you’re saying about the exciting opportunities for mobile learning in Music education, and have been dabbling in some of this over the past few years as well. I think this course will be really interesting and beneficial for us as Music teachers. Looking forward to working with you!