# data[].attributes.headline
Special Topics Paper: Creativity in the music classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
Special Topics Paper: Creativity in the music classroom

# data[].attributes.body
I'd like my topic to focus on implementing improvisation and composition into the classroom.  In many public school experiences, students either are left thinking improvisation is designated for jazz musicians or they left not understanding it at all.  Historically, improvisation has been common throughout genres: from interpreting Bach figured bass to creating one's own cadenza in a solo piece.  Bringing composition into the music classroom is very closely related, as improvisation is composition in the moment.  Let's bring it back.
-David Patush

# data[].attributes.body
I chose to investigate the topic of teaching instrumental music to children with hearing loss because I had never truly thought about how to provide those types of accommodations before. I was also curious: How do people with hearing loss perceive music? How can students learn something  that relies almost entirely on aural skills when they have trouble hearing? What can teachers do to provide a valuable experience to them?

# data[].attributes.headline
Creativity Through Composition in Music Ed  --Garret

# data[].attributes.subject
Creativity Through Composition in Music Ed  --Garret

# data[].attributes.body
From the research I've done this seems to be an area lacking in Music Ed, especially as applied to more modern music using accessible technology. This is something I became interested in after I was out of school. I think it would have been helpful to experience this when I was just starting to learn about music. Student creativity is a topic I'm very interested in and something that I think is a life skill that's not really emphasized enough.

# data[].attributes.body
Ashley

For my topic I wanted to focus on creativity in music education because when I was younger I was never given the chance to be creative in music. It was always here is the music and sing it exactly like this. We never had any compositions assignments or any chance to try to connect to the piece. Also, with this topic I wanted To know more composition resources because I have never heard of sound trap before. I think that is a good source and a chance for people to be creative.

# data[].attributes.body
I am researching how to be more creative in making and teaching music for my future students. This includes being able to change the dynamic of a classroom by creating beneficial activities and assignments that are out of the normal play, practice, and assess. I have found many articles about improvisation establishing the ability to think on your own and be able to create their own music on any scale. As a teacher, exploring creativity can mean how to have more interesting lessons, how to incorporate other subjects and hobbies, and mixing up daily rehearsals to really gear the content towards students.

# data[].attributes.body
I think I'm going to look at the trends in instrument selection in beginning band. I am interested in what factors children consider when picking an instrument. I also would like to find ways to have more diversity in each section of the band.

# data[].attributes.body
For my idea I am looking into cultural awareness and how that affects music education. For now a lot of what I have found is the fact that people are aware that we need to know more about the subject. I have found good sources on how this has changed through time and how it affects what music educators do in the classroom. I was able to read a really good article on how things like the media influence this subject and how things like repertoire and classroom management are being improved by this desire of being more culturally aware. From what I have read there is still a lot of work to do and a lot of people are aware and working towards improvement. My questions would be on what next steps can we take? As individuals and as groups.

# data[].attributes.body
Usually when given a piece, everything is set by the composer onto a sheet of paper. But by allowing students to interact and add their own interpretation to that piece of music, they can make their own steps to making it their own. How do you lead students in the correct path to make great answers? What is the extent of creativity you can reach with still serving the piece respectfully?

Jonathan Rivera

# data[].attributes.headline
Gender Stereotypes in Music and Instrument Selection- Brittany 

# data[].attributes.subject
Gender Stereotypes in Music and Instrument Selection- Brittany 

# data[].attributes.body
I chose to write about the gender stereotypes of certain instruments and how that can affect the instrument selection process, as well as a student’s experience in a musical environment. As a female percussionist, a lot of my musical experience has been informed and shaped by these narratives. I know this also affects male students who want to play instruments that are labeled more “feminine.” I think this is an important topic to discuss and learn about, especially with the ever-changing gender norms in our society.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm writing my paper on accommodating and respecting transgender and nonbinary students in the choral classroom. Since choir can often unintentionally reinforce a gender binary and has the potential to put students in uncomfortable positions based on this, it's important for teachers to be aware of how to ensure the safety of all their students. I've had experience with this from a student perspective so I have an idea of how I wish choir directors had accommodated me, but I'd like to examine it further from the perspective of a teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
My paper is on underrepresentation of asian Americans in music. I chose this topic because I have a passion for South East Asian representation in music. Spending so much time in a new culture of Thai I have realized how little knowledge I had of Asian American culture and history in music before this year. I would like to know more experiences and how we will grow to make sure Asian American culture is taught in schools throughout college.

# data[].attributes.body
Competition in music
What is healthy competition? Is competition healthy? At what age? What is unhealthy competition? Does this change as students get older? Is competition viewed differently between different music disciplines?

# data[].attributes.body
My topic is about Latinx ELL and their involvement with music in school settings and how their background effects their decisions/commitments towards joining ensembles or pursuing music as a whole.
Justin.

# data[].attributes.body
I am writing about hearing loss in music, particularly in choral. How is hearing loss measured? What are some strategies that can be done to protect the teacher and the students from further damage?