2009 Teaching Initiative Award Winner
Martha Horst, Ph.D.
- Ph.D. in Music Theory and Composition from University of California, Davis
- Assistant Professor of Music
Teaching philosophy
Learning is doing.
Teaching Specialties
Undergraduate courses in music theory and musicianship and graduate courses in applied composition, music theory, and orchestration.
One technique or strategy that I would recommend to my colleagues
The one technique or strategy that I would recommend to my colleagues to enhance students learning the most is in-class activities. When learning an analytical system such as music theory, students learn the most by practicing. I try to incorporate at least 2-3 in-class activities per class to make sure that the students have absorbed the concept before moving on. Although we all try to plan such activities, often times we drop them in order to conserve time. Such activities allow students to absorb material; because one doesn’t have to reteach the material, time is saved in the long run.
On creative projects in the classroom
In addition to in-class activities, I try to incorporate creative projects that apply theoretical concepts learned in class. Although my students don’t think they are capable of writing music, with guidance almost all are. For me, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing a student light up when they hear a composition they wrote for the first time. It makes music theory come to life for them, and they suddenly truly see the importance of studying the subject.
