About Berklee PULSE
The Berklee PULSE® Music Method is a unique and innovative online music education portal that enables students to study, jam, and practice using interactive modules and an ever-expanding collection of popular music. PULSE is open to anyone, with exclusive resources available through Berklee City Music and select public school partners. PULSE gives students and teachers the benefits of a Berklee education no matter where they live. Learn more about PULSE here.
Teaching Popular Music in the Classroom
About this Course
Teaching Popular Music in the Classroom explores approaches to teaching popular music from culturally rich communities in the United States. Students in the course will learn teaching methods that engage youth with the basics of improvisation, technology, songwriting, arranging film score, and writing to the strengths of small bands. The course models how to integrate principles of authentic cultural relevance and positive youth development with contemporary music instruction, while providing tools for assessing and documenting learning and program progress.
Students in the course will refine their own pedagogical skills, applying principles of contemporary music instruction. Content and approaches are intended for secondary music programs, but can be adapted for elementary grade levels. All lessons are based in core standards for music education with recommendations for assessments.
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| This five-video series presented by Casio will introduce tools and resources for any musician to develop effective practice routines, improve musicianship, and prepare for performances. | Watch the PULSE Livestream series highlighting our City Music Weekly Masterclasses during the Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive program. | Explore your musical creativity through improvisation by developing ideas for melodic lines using the Aeolian mode. |
More Lessons
The Clave
Dive into the basics of a rhythmic pattern called “clave”, named after the traditional two-stick percussion instrument that forms the foundation for percussionists in most Afro-Cuban styles.
Improvisation: Dorian Alternative Rock Groove
In this lesson, we will demystify what modes are starting with the C Dorian scale.
Transcribe & Transpose...Then Jam
A holistic lesson that will test your ear training, composition, and performance skills using the spiritual “Wade in the Water”.
