Using Your iPod For Assessment in the Music Classroom

Today we tried a solfege assessment that utilized an iPod and it worked out great!  Students are often intimidated by singing a solo all by themselves.  This activity allowed students to have the support of a group sound while still allowing me to hear their growth as individuals.

1. Display a Grade Level Appropriate Solfeggi Melody for all to see
2. As a class, practice the melodies a few times.
3. Set your iPod to Voice Memo and start a new recording.
4. The first student says "This is Student Name."  Then holds the iPod close to his or her mouth while the entire class sings several melodies.
5. Pass the iPod to the next student and repeat several times.
6. Assess different students on the next class meeting.

This is so great for several reasons!  Not only did I get to hear each student individually on the recording, but I also was able to hear who was using a singing voice versus a speaking voice.  I could also diagnose which students were able to identify the solfege on sight versus which students were hesitating to sing until the other students had already begun.

This could be a great tool for encouraging your reluctant singers or finding hidden stars in your music classroom!