Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

(1) Evaluating Internet Resources: Most of what is posted on the Internet has never been subjected to the rigors of peer review common with many traditional publications. Students must learn to evaluate the reliability of information of the websites they visit.

• Select two websites that provide information about a topic related to your curriculum. Cite the URLs and names of both sites and explain which is more reliable using evaluation criteria.

The Violin Site: http://www.theviolinsite.com/ Experts and musicians from around the world have helped contribute to the content of the site. Theviolinsite.com is the copyright holder of the site. The website contains a wealth of information on the violin. All of the information on the site is factual and can be verified easily. As the title on the main page suggests, the site is constructed in order to provide resources for violin students, teachers and performers. The site provides detailed information about the history of the violin, playing techniques for left and right hand, tips for memorizing music and practicing, information on violinists and violin music, and other information that would be very valuable to any student of the violin. The site does have several products as well as advertisements for violin related websites. The site was updated this year. This site is more reliable because it has been written by professionals and experts of the violin. The Violin: http://library.thinkquest.org/27178/en/index.html Even thought the site was created by three teenagers of ages 16 and 17, it contains a lot of valuable and credible information. The three individuals that created the site are from Switzerland and they are all very knowledgeable violin students. The site is copyrighted by thinkquest. The factual information on the site is clearly listed. On the main page, they have listed how the site and the information on the site are organized for easy navigation. I can assume that the motivation for the website is to share the knowledge that these three individuals have about the violin with anyone that is interested. There are no products on the site and there is no profit motive. The article was written in 1999 and has not been updated since then. (2) Electronic References: Since we live in the Information Age, it is particularly important that teachers are able to access and evaluate information to prepare accurate, up-to-date lessons, and to teach their students the principles of electronic research. In this activity you will examine a variety of electronic references in your quest to acquire information for lessons or other professional activities.

• Identify two topics to research using electronic references (broadcast news, almanacs, quotations, etc.). Research the first topic using at least one resource from each of five categories of electronic resources. Repeat the process with the second topic, using references from five additional categories. Include the URL, name of the resource, key information acquired, and a screen capture from each

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

resource. (See examples of research ideas). • Identify the special features (e.g. hypertext linking of terms, Boolean search

capabilities, archival search, knowledge tree, downloadable movies, online audio transcripts, animations, translations, reference lists, printer-friendly output, multimedia links, PDA or bookreader download, visible directory structure, etc.) of each of the reference tools you have used.

• List criteria for determining the authenticity of information on a website. • Compare and contrast electronic references with their traditional paper

counterparts. Discuss at least ten tasks or features that are possible with electronic resources that are not possible with traditional paper resources.

• Develop a lesson plan that incorporates electronic references. Your lesson plan should require students to use two or more electronic references to address a specific curricular objective.

Topic #1: The violin bow

1. Encyclopedia: Encyclopedia Britannica-“Bow” http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/76050/bow

The article describes the musical bow. It states that the common material used is rosined horsehair. It also mentions that early bows were shaped like a bow an arrow. Today, the tension of the bow can be adjusted by the frog. Bows went from being convex in shape to a concave formation.

2. Research Database: JSTOR-“The Violin Bow in the 18th Century” http://www.jstor.org/stable/3126778?&Search=yes&term=musical&term=bow

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

This article describes how the violin bow was termed as such only after the birth of the violin in the 16th century. It wasn’t until the 18th century that anyone tried to make improvements on the bow. The article discusses what events and reasons led to the creation of the modern Tourte bow.

3. News Magazine: Times-“Baffle of the Bows” http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,810222,00.html

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

The article addresses the Wieniawski Violin Competition of Poland. Two competitors, one from the U.S. and a Russian, went head to head. The contestants “bowed away at each other”. They demonstrated perfect bowing and right hand technique, but the Russian came out on top at the end. 4. Dictionary: American Heritage Dictionary-“Bow” http://www.bartleby.com/61/60/B0426000.html

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

This dictionary entry gives a good definition of the musical bow. It states that a bow is a rod that has horsehair is stretched out between the two ends. Bow can also be a verb, describing a string instrument being played by the bow; for example in the sentence, “He bowed the violin.”

5. Book: Los Angeles Public Library-“Violin Bow rehair and repair”

http://catalog1.lapl.org/cgi-bin/cw_cgi?fullRecord+7974+965+379286+9+2

This book describes how a bow can be rehaired and repaired. The author has included pictures to illustrate the different steps. Topic #2-Baroque Music

1. Encyclopedia: Encarta Encyclopedia-“Baroque Music” http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_701880792/Baroque_Music.html

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

This encyclopedia entry provides a good introduction to baroque music. It also has sections that explain characteristics of baroque music, baroque melodies and harmonies, and types and forms of baroque compositions. The main page has a link to a sample clip from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. 2. Dictionary: Dictionary.com-“Baroque Music” http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/baroque%20music

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

The dictionary states that baroque is a genre of music. Some famous composers from this genre include J.S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. It also mentions that term used for music is borrowed from art and architecture. 3. Book: CSUN Library-“Bach's solo violin works: a performer's guide” http://suncat.csun.edu/search~S9?/Xbaroque+music&searchscope=9&SORT=DX/Xbaroque+music&searchscope=9&SORT=DX&SUBKEY=baroque%20music/1%2C310%2C310%2CB/frameset&FF=Xbaroque+music&searchscope=9&SORT=DX&12%2C12%2C

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

This book is a good guide for the proper performance of Bach’s works for violin. It has a section explaining the use of the bow arm. The left hand has many important aspects to it in playing Bach, such as intonation, positions, vibrato, and ornamentation. The book also contains Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. 4. News Magazine: U.S. News & World Report-“His voice is high and mighty--and mighty high” http://www.usnews.com/usnews/culture/articles/021125/archive_023394.htm

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

This story tells about David Daniels, and how he is helping to revitalize Baroque opera. Daniels is a countertenor. He is the son of two music teachers. He trained as a tenor in college and made his Carnegie Hall debut on November 23, 2002. 5. Research Database: International Index to Music Periodicals-“Vibrato in the Violin Music of the Baroque Periods” http://iimp.chadwyck.com/articles/displayItem.do?QueryName=articles&Multi=yes&ResultsID=1209752D8D3&ItemNumber=1&ItemID=iimp00127851&FormatType=raw&journalID=JID00031313&logType=fulltext

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

This periodical provides excellent insight into vibrato during the Baroque period. Some critiques argue that vibrato should never be used, while others are strong advocates for the use of vibrato. The violin vibrato should not be to fast or too wide. The musician must find the correct balance in order to play in the right style. Special Features: Encyclopedias: multimedia capabilities, hypertext linking of key terms, print, email and blog friendly Dictionaries: several definitions, etymology, related search options News Magazines: print, email, and blog friendly, related stories, recent articles generally available in print Research Databases: journals, articles, references, hypertext linking, archives of searches

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

Books: visible directory structure, reference lists, archival search Criteria for determining the authenticity of information on a website: When looking at websites, it is important to look at who created the website or who wrote the certain article. Since anyone can put information on-line nowadays, it is important to know who the author is and where the information is coming from. It is also important to notice the website extension. A .com site is a commercial website and will most likely be less accurate and authentic than a .edu or .net website. Date of publication is also crucial, because you want to be sure the information you are receiving is up to date. Scholarly articles are generally peer reviewed, hence making them more authentic. It is important to find out what the motive of the site is and if there is any profit motive related to the website. References are good to look at, because it tells you that the information comes from and is verified by several sources. Ten tasks or features that are possible with electronic resources but not with paper resources: 1. Electronic resources provide hypertext linking, which can be used to access information by just a click of the mouse. 2. People with visual impairments can use the zoom feature to make objects extremely big for easier reading. 3. ‘Find’ and ‘Search’ features are not available with paper resources, where one can search and find information instantly. 4. Text from most electronic resources can be saved indefinitely in order to have access at a later date. Library books have to be returned by a certain date. 5. Electronic articles can be emailed or shared with anyone in the world that has internet access. 6. Text can be translated to almost any language through translation tools. 7. Electronic resources can have useful multimedia links directly on the page. 8. It allows for archival search. 9. Provides downloadable movies and audio files. 10. A wealth of information and knowledge can be gained by researching from your own home, in front of your computer. Lesson: The objective of the lesson would be to research a baroque composer and to respond to a composition of theirs. I would instruct students to visit classicalarchives.com and to find their favorite baroque composer. Students would summarize the biography of the composer and would write a paragraph on why they chose the certain composer to research. Students would then visit classiccat.net, where they can find free mp3 downloads of works by hundreds of composers. Students would be instructed to listen to a piece from the composer they have chosen and to write a one page reflection about the piece. The reflection should include their general thoughts about the piece, as well as the images that came to mind or the emotions they felt as they listened to the music. This lesson would be part of a unit studying composers of different time periods and would follow California Music Standard 4.0-Aesthetic Valuing.

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

(3) Educational Research: Teachers should be familiar with research related to the teaching of their discipline. The Educational Research Database (ERIC) and Scholar provides access to abstracts from numerous educational publications, and is the best place to start when conducting educational research.

• Find two or more full text articles and two or more abstracts of recent, relevant research related to the use of technology in the teaching of your subject. Include the text in your electronic portfolio. Summarize implications for the teaching of your subject. Cite the articles using APA format.

Full Text Articles: (linked on website) Casey, Amy C. (2005). General Music: A Learning-Center Solution for Using Technology in Elementary Music. Teaching Music, 12:4, 50-53. Peterson, H. (2006). Technology Tips and Tricks for Music Educators General Music Today (Online), 19:3, 36-43. Abstracts: Criswell, C, Menasche, E. (2009). Redefining Music Technology: A Rough Guide to a Universe of Possibilities. Teaching Music, 16, 30.

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

Nardo, R. (2009). A New Role for Music Technology: Enhancing Literacy. General Music Today, 22, 32-34 .

The articles emphasize the need and usefulness of music technology in the classroom. In order for teachers to overcome the media and technology that students are exposed to, teachers should integrate technology into the classroom. Creating music centers in the classroom is one way to manage technology in the classroom. Music teachers need to use music software. Music software can enhance musicianship skills. Teachers need to keep up to date with the software and technology that they will be using. Instead of trying to find funds to build a music technology lab, music software can be put on computers in the general lab. Music technology does not only enhance music learning, but it also supports literacy. Some of them have reading activities and readability tests.

(4) Multimedia teaching resources: At many libraries, teachers can obtain cards which give them special privileges as educators, including the ability to check our more resources and keep them longer. Teachers can check out books, CDs, DVDs and and videos.

• Find a video related to the teaching of your course in the Los Angeles Public Library System (or other public library system), CSUN main library, or the CSUN Teacher Curriculum Center, or online service.��Skim the video and write a synopsis of the video and a description of how you would use it in your classroom. ��Include three questions from a published study guide, or make your own study guide.

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Name: Petros Boyadzhyan Spring 2009

The Art of Violin. Writer & Dir. Bruno Monsaingeon. Videorecording. Warner Music Vision, 2001.

I have viewed this video several times, and it is an excellent resource for violin students. This two hour video covers the greatest violinists of the 20th century. These violin masters include Jascha Heifetz, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Leonid Kogan, Itzhak Perlman, and Zino Francescatti. The unique footages will allow students to hear the incredible sound and technique of these violin virtuosos. Current violinists, such as Hilary Hahn and Itzhak Perlman, provide commentary and insight on the tradition of the violin and those violinists that perfected the craft. Students will witness the exceptional of bow arms of David Oistrakh and Nathan Perlman. I will use the footage of the legendary Jascha Heifetz to explain his flawless technique and beautiful vibrato. Students will witness exceptional playing and will learn a great deal by watching and listening to footages of the violin legends, and by listening to insightful commentary about their playing. Study Questions: 1. Why did Itzhak Perlman call Joseph Szigeti a chameleon? 2. What was special about David Oistrakh’s bow arm technique? 3. What makes the violin such a difficult instrument to play?

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