Educational Psychology.

The Institute actually conducts pretty interesting modules, it's enjoyable just sitting in and listening.

One of these modules is educational psychology. I've always been fascinated by how the human mind works and this module helps to put certain things, that anyone may understand from life experience and observation, into clearer perspectives. This is achieved through theoretical explanations such as the Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory..

We all know that teachers play an important role in the development of their students. But now, we know for sure that teachers' significance lies right in the microsystem, according to the theory. And that actually means that as teachers, we directly impact students on the same level as their parents!

Wow!

Such responsibility!

Theories like this help to guide student teachers like myself in having clear mindsets and attitudes towards teaching in future. And I personally find them to be very essential in preparing me for my role upon leaving The Institute.

An Introduction to 20th Century Music

Today's recommended listening is Penderecki's Threnody for the Hiroshima Victims.

I actually stumbled on this piece while doing my readings for my Teaching Music as an Examination Subject module in..The Institute.

Just a fair warning, it is not easy on the ears and it can be unsettling right from the very start. Not for the faint-hearted, especially if you choose to close your eyes and listen. Yet I appreciate it because I'm impressed by Penderecki's ability to manipulate the orchestral instruments into creating such realistic sounds that seem to put one in the very heart of the scenario he was trying to create through this composition.

On top of helping me visualise the bombing through his music in my head as I listened, I actually sensed fear.

Also interesting to watch how this particular video walks the audience through the original musical score of the piece and enables one to appreciate Penderecki's interesting 20th Century music notation.

An additional piece of trivia: Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood is a fan of Penderecki and has written and performed compositions inspired by the latter.

For more information on Penderecki, visit his myspace page here.

My Second Entry.

Okay, so I'm still in the early testing stages to see how NIeFolio works and I just thought that I should make this current showing blog page on the site seem a little more dynamic.

As a music teacher-to-be, here's sharing an amazing video recording done by a musician. It's something I saw a few weeks back and apparently uploaded only a month ago.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did and still do.

For more information on Mike Tompkins, his music and videos, visit here.

My Very First Entry.

hello.

(that was pretty innovative, wasn't it?)