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Music Theory 911
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Music Without Borders is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new teachers’ service – Music Theory 911.
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Over the past 40 years of teaching I have had the pleasure of speaking with thousands of teachers from coast-to-coast in Canada and the United States. In workshops and seminars, I have shared my knowledge of music theory as well as my passion for teaching a variety of subjects including ear training, rudiments, harmony, keyboard harmony, counterpoint, analysis and history. While such events provide teachers with exciting opportunities for learning and growth, they are momentary experiences. At the end of the day, the curtain comes down – and teachers once again are left to fend for themselves. If only there was a pedagogy service – a theory lifeline – that teachers could access whenever they felt the need for some assistance, guidance and mentoring.
Welcome to Music Theory 911 - an exciting online service available to teachers everywhere. The concept is simple really, and operates much like a pre-paid phone card. A teacher can purchase one hour of time with me – but will have up to 1 year to use up their minutes. When the teacher requires my support, they can message me to arrange a one-on-one online session. Once the session is over, the teacher will receive a statement from me, indicating how many minutes were used, and how many remain in their account
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Teachers of all backgrounds would find this service helpful: those who have limited experience and are seeking guidance teaching a particular subject, as well as seasoned professionals who wish to “reboot” one or more aspects of their teaching.
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I can assist teachers with the theory co-requisites of the RCM A.R.C.T. program as well as the Carnegie Hall-Royal Conservatory Achievement Program. Those subjects include: rudiments (all levels), harmony (all levels), keyboard harmony (all levels), counterpoint, analysis, and history (all levels).
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Alas, no. I offer only an excellent pedagogy service – not a perfect one.
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Remember that RCM already offers a fine service to students and teachers to evaluate sample examinations. My service takes it to a completely different level by showing you how to mark the material. Our sessions are conducted online in real time. If you send me scanned copies of assignments, I will prepare the documents before I come online. Once our session begins, you will be able to see everything on my screen. I shall talk you through the process, while addressing pedagogy questions that might arise. I will send you a pdf file of the marked assignments after our session.
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Yes, but the cost of my time is the same. Therefore, it makes more sense – and carries greater pedagogical value for you – if you are there online with me.
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Yes – the minimum appointment is 20 minutes. Anything less would make it very difficult for me to organize my professional life around.
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After you have signed on for that day’s session and we have exchanged pleasantries, I will announce that the “Record” button is being turned on – that is when the meter starts ticking. Once we are done with our discussion, I will stop the recording – that is when the meter is off. The recording will indicate the length of our online session. For example, if your first session runs for 24 minutes – the statement you receive from me afterwards will indicate that you have 36 minutes remaining.
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Just shoot me an email. Give me two or three times that might work for you, and we’ll take things from there. Because of the different time zones across the continent, I am very used to working with people at all hours. I may need up to 72 hours notice to fit you in – just know that I shall try my best to accommodate your needs, and as promptly as possible. You will also have to tell me what areas specifically you would like me to address, so that I may line up the documents on my computer before our session begins.
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You do. After each session, I will send you the recording of our session, along with an account statement of how many minutes were used, and how many remain in your account. You can access the recording anytime within 30 days of the session. You will receive a password and URL that will enable you to view the session. The web-conferencing service that I use service provides me with information who has accessed the recording, and when they have done so.
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No – at least, not without written permission from me. The recordings and the intellectual property they contain belong to me. Giving you the right to view the session again at home is a courtesy that I am prepared to extend – it adds value to the service I am offering. I reserve the right to use any recording – for demonstration purposes only. I will not sell the pedagogy session you paid for to anyone else. After all, ethics are a two-way street.
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Not at all. If you can click on a hyperlink with your mouse (that’s the blue URL address that you receive from me) you can sign on to the site easily. I am the one who masters the controls. Everything that I bring up on my screen can be viewed by you on your screen.
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- A high-speed internet connection
- A desktop or laptop computer (MAC or PC)
- A scanner, if you are going to be sending me any materials before our session
Normally, when I work online in a one-on-one situation, I prefer to maintain two-way audio/video contact. If that is your preference, too, then you will require a webcam and headset. On the other hand, many people are happy with just seeing and hearing me; in such cases individuals use the Public Chat box to type in their questions and comments.
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You mean beyond our discussion? Yes – it can be. For example, if you want, I could write a chord on the Shared Whiteboard and have you attempt the resolution. The web-based conferencing tools that I use offer many creative possibilities for you and me.
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A teacher is required to purchase a 60-minute package – the cost is $90 (Can or US). This can be done easily through my website using the secure PayPal online payment system.
(Please note: my normal private rate of $70/hour is available only to individuals who sign up for ten-lesson packages, and who take lessons on a weekly basis.)
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Not really, although I welcome the background information. PayPal notifies me instantly of your registration. E-mails between us will help keep the lines of communication open.
Over the past four years I have dedicated myself to the teaching of music theory over the internet. I have worked with students – young and mature – from all across North America: northern and southern Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia as well as Alabama, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Virginia. I hope that I will have the pleasure of welcoming you to the wonderful international community that is Music Without Borders!
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