Performance FAQS

When do we do our performances?

What song should we perform?

Must we perform "live" for you, or can we make a videotape of our performance?

Which instrument should we choose?

It is mentioned that if we choose to do our performance via audio tape, that we need a proctor. What exactly does that mean?

Can we get help or find lessons online?

How do I play the note "F" on the recorder?

When do we do our performances?

A performance may be done any time during the term, up to the last day of class. Typical times would be:
1. first choice: on Performance Day.
2. during class sessions.
3. during a mutually agreed upon time which works for both you and me.
4. during the scheduled exam time.

What song should we perform?

The choice is up to you. Just choose a song which will show me that you can read/play music. Here are some suggestions:
1. Pitch and Rhythm Performance Exercise
   if you practice the Performance Exercises as laid out on the Performance Exercise Page, then this "final" exercise is a logical and easy step.

   Any of dozens of songs from the textbook would be suitable. Among the best ones are Folk Songs which are listed on p. 248 in the Textbook Index. Of those, choose any EXCEPT "Boil That Cabbage Down," "Hush My Babe," Jarabe Tapatio", Karagouna," and "Kyewologo, Kyewologo." Many students have chosen "Scarborough Fair" and found it to me an excellent choice.

   Choose a church song or family song that you really love. Just let me know of it in advance, to make sure it is suitable. Also, make sure you supply me with a copy of the score.

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Must we perform "live" for you, or can we make a videotape of our performance?

You may make a videotape. It must be handed in by the last day of class.

Which instrument should we choose?

Any instrument, including your voice, is suitable.

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It is mentioned that if we choose to do our performance via audio tape, that we need a proctor. What exactly does that mean?

The answer is: if you give me an audio tape of your performance, I need some way of knowing that it is actually you doing the performing. So, a proctor would verify this. When you make the recording, you would need someone (other than your family or friends) to verify for me that you made the recording, and that you are indeed the one performing.

With a video tape this isn't necessary, since I can see that you are performing. With an audio tape, there would be the possibility of having someone else do your performance for you, so I couldn't know the integrity of your grade.

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Can we get help or find lessons online?

If you haven't yet chosen your instrument and/or song, and you'd like to use your computer and the internet to solve this, you do have some options. Take a look at the Links page of the course web site, and you'll see a section called Online Music Learning. There are links there to some free online learning sites. For example, you could use the World Rhythm Training link to a page which will teach you two African polyrhythms. These can be learned online and don't require an instrument. You can use two pencils (or chopsticks, etc.) on a desk. The site gives you MIDI files to listen to, and instructions. If you learn the two African polyrhythms "How to Play Two Against Three" and "Eve Bell Pattern with Clap" you can use them as your performance.

There is also a Piano on the Net site which gives free piano lessons, and you could work your way through the Starter Studies to help you play a simple song.

There is an Online Music Lessons site which gives lessons in recorder and whistle, and there's the Online Guitar Lessons site, as well. Look at these and see if you could learn a song!

Check these out and get back to the MCO-L list to let us know what you think of them.

How do I play the note "F" on the recorder?

1. A photo of the fingering

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