The purpose of this unit is to introduce students to the theories and practices of instrumental music education. Students will undertake practical activities to gain an understanding of the basic theories of learning, child development and psychology, roles and responsibilities of being an instrumental teacher and a broad range of instrumental teaching practices.

Students will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories of learning;
• demonstrate an awareness of their responsibilities for the positive development of their students, including the areas of best teaching practice, creating a positive learning environment, child protection, mandatory reporting & OH&S regulations;
• plan and apply proven teaching strategies encountered in the literature; and
• demonstrate the ability to reflect upon and improve their instrumental teaching practice.

Attendance required at 85% of classes for successful completion.

• Teaching practice journal (50%) - A structured reflective journal, in either a written, audio or video format, which reviews the literature and reflects upon the experiences you have throughout the course. The journal should record your personal and professional development as a music educator throughout the semester.
• Lesson plan series (30%) - A series of  10 instrumental lesson plans, which are designed to be taught in a consecutive sequence and on an instrument in which you have existing expertise.
• Micro-teaching exercise (20%) - Each student will complete a micro-teaching exercise. Students will present a completed lesson plan, conduct the lesson in a micro-teaching environment and complete a written evaluation on the experience. (Teaching exercise may be undertaken in a range of different formats depending on availability of ‘real-world' students.)

2 hour tutorial/workshop each week

Mills, Janet (2007), Instrumental Teaching, Oxford University Press, UK.