INDIANA UNIVERSITY TAKES ACTIVE ROLE IN ‘BOOKSTORE’ APPROACH FOR MUSIC CURRICULUM
–Yamaha PSS16 Portable Keyboards Available in Indianapolis Campus Store–

INDIANAPOLIS-Against a backdrop of increasing national focus on music education at the elementary and secondary levels, the Indiana University School of Music at Indianapolis has instituted a pilot program that requires elementary education majors to attend two music classes as part of the general school curriculum program.

(L-R) Education student Kimberly Abbott, Professor of Music Shelley Torgnyson, student Abby Martin, Music Instructor Jean McKen and student Amanda Foor use the Yamaha PSS16 in their "Music Fundamentals for the Elementary Classroom Teacher" course at Indiana University. Photo Credit: John Gentry

In order to fulfill that requirement, the students need to purchase a Yamaha portable keyboard (as they would a textbook) at the campus bookstore. The keyboards are sold in the $50 price range (about the cost of a textbook), complete with an instruction manual and inexpensive class materials.

"The model keyboard selected for this pilot program needed to be small enough for students to carry to class in their backpacks and use in a normal classroom setting, as well as offering the desired features, like multiple sounds, accompaniment and rhythm patterns," states G. David Peters, who heads the university program.

At the end of the semester, if the keyboards are undamaged, students can return them if they wish for a 50 percent refund as part of the bookstore’s buy-back program. Students are encouraged, however, to hold onto their instruments, as the keyboards are required in a second music class later in the curriculum.

The Indiana University School of Music at Indianapolis is taking an active leadership role in music technology and distance learning for professional and graduate students, while maintaining a broad array of undergraduate classes for the non-music major. Under the direction of Peters, IUPUI offered the first graduate degree in music technology in the country in 1996. This experimental portable keyboard program was initiated during the fall semester of 1999, continues today, and could very well prove to become a model program for universities across the country. To date, students have demonstrated more highly developed keyboard skills, higher test scores on music exams and a broader understanding of music concepts than those students who were not required to use the keyboards.

The Opportunity-to-Learn (OTL) Standards adopted in November 1999 by the MENC: The National Association for Music Education technology task force (of which Dr. Peters is a member) supports the minimum requirements for use of music technology in the schools. The OTL Standards recommend that all music classrooms have a minimum of 8 digital keyboards in elementary and middle school, and 16 station keyboard labs at the high school level. The leadership role Indiana University has taken with the pilot program for keyboard usage may very well set new standards for all universities offering elementary ed programs. The focus of the MENC task force is on teacher preparation in utilizing music technology as outlined in the OTL standards, the goal being increased awareness in the importance of music education and student participation at all grade levels.

"At the elementary level, the functionality a portable keyboard provides made the choice of utilizing Yamaha keyboards simple," states Peters. "Traditionally, third and fourth graders begin their music studies using a recorder as their first school curriculum instrument. By offering instruction on keyboards to elementary education majors, they can experience the keyboard choice given to young students, and teach songs geared toward the level of the class. The college students also learn that, academically, the use of keyboards and pianos increases both math and science abilities of children."

Indiana University student Nimal Patel (right) purchases a Yamaha PSS16 keyboard from the Indianapolis University campus bookstore. Photo Credit: John Gentry

"The Yamaha PSS16 was selected as an affordable keyboard, which met the criteria defined by the music faculty, and the general attitude toward using these keyboards has been very positive as well," adds Peters. More than 200 Yamaha keyboards are used during each semester of study at the Indianapolis campus. Multiple sections are taught in the fall and spring, with two summer sessions offered.

The PSS16 features 37 mid-size keys, 100 PCM voices, 22 PCM rhythm accompaniments, a choice of 15 songs with "Music Minus One" accompaniment feature, computer-aided music, auto harmony, 4 built-in drum pads, stereo speakers and a headphone jack.

"Yamaha takes a very active stand on music education," remarks Jim Presley, marketing manager for portable keyboards at Yamaha Corporation of America. "And, participating with Dr. Peters and the IUPUI pilot program reinforces our stand. Whatever part we can play in educating teachers on how easy keyboards are to learn, and use with a positive impact on the academic abilities of young kids, is really what this is all about."

The Yamaha keyboards are used to teach basic music keyboard skills, and to enhance their understanding of music fundamentals, i.e. scales, chords, harmony, basic melody, rhythmic accompaniments, ear training, etc. The music methods classes for non-majors include instruction on "music for the general student" and emphasize the importance of elementary classroom teachers participating in the music education of their students well beyond the work of a music specialist.

For more information on the IUPUI program, visit www.music.iupui.edu.

For more information on the National Association for Music Education, visit www.menc.org.

For more information on the PSS16 keyboard, please write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Portable Keyboards, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail info@yamaha.com or visit the Yamaha Web site at http://www.yamaha.com.

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