Learning Strategies of Note

Sing like nobody is listening, 

love like you have never been hurt, 

dance like nobody is watching, 

and live like it is heaven on earth

                                                                             Mark Twain

A Jam Not a Performance -- What is the Difference?

Jam:
1. Pre-plan and/or free flow -- participants choice
2. Feel the music, get in the groove, intuitively join in for collaborative results
3. Participants set their own expectations or learning goals
4. Contribute within or outside of personal comfort zone
5. Good feelings result (safe playful environment)

A group learning strategy where the musicians form into groups of their own choice. Group sets the Jam guidelines and then the play begins.

Learners are free to respond intuitively and with full opportunity to try different styles, riffs, beats, pieces, songs they have been working on -- or alternatively pick up tips from other players. It is a casual safe learning environment where joy and good music is created; Learners learn to play with and from others.


Performance:
1. Set program
2. Practices and dress rehearsals
3. Expectation of performer by self, co-performers, and audience of perfect execution
4. High tension
5. Reputation at stake (public failure or success)

Singular or group learning strategy where musician(s) or event planners set the performance guidelines. May or may not include adjudication. 

The event program dictates the musical piece(s) the performer will follow and if improvisation is acceptable. It is a high stakes environment where there is a high expectation of the performer for flawless execution of material. Performer (learner) is graded on the result. This is an opportunity to shine and bring joy to others. 

The Jam is your safe learning environment where you can as Steven Covey says: "sharpen the saw" as there is automatic feedback and synergy created. The Performance is a where all of what you have learnt is displayed in sharp focus for you and your audience to experience. It is a summative test and like all tests known to be one of the most effective learning strategies 

There is value in including both Jams and Performances to continue to grow as a musician and to bring joy to self and others. Research shows that if tests or quizzes are utilized on a frequent basis they provide formative assessment to the learner and the instructor (in this case may be the self-directed learner musician -- or more formal lessons with an instructor).

For myself I would like to utilize Jam's more often as an informal test or quiz as they can be take place in a safe learning environment. Here I can see where I am currently at on mastering my learning objectives: 

1. What is clear?

2. What is unclear?

3. What type of course corrections are needed to master my learning objectives?

4. May reveal that I am not alone in my quest to learn.

5. Gives me and everyone else time to get it right

6. Bonus is the synergy and good feelings that result!

http://psych.wustl.edu/memory/Roddy%20article%20PDF's/BC_Roediger%20et%20al%20(2011)_PLM.pdf

http://www.guitarhabits.com/building-scales-using-the-whole-half-step-formula/

http://www.amazon.ca/The-Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/1455892823

http://www.lightstalking.com/photo-artistry-thank-you/

https://www.thesingingzone.com/articles

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-10-youtube-dance-lessons-learn-cool-dance-moves/