Christopher Cayari Workshop
Before the workshop with Chris Cayari, I must admit that I had preconceived opinions on how the workshop was going to go. I thought that using technology to make music would not be something of interest to me and therefore felt that I was not going to enjoy myself. I was a student who was never really sure about projects such as the ones Chris demonstrated because I was afraid to let people see the musical side of me. I was scared that students would dislike it or make fun of me. Now, after reflecting on the workshop, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed Chris and everything that he stands for and it made me realize that it doesn’t matter what other people think of your work but that the only things that matter is if you like it and if it makes you feel confident about yourself. I think my favourite part of the workshop was watching the many videos that Chris shared with us that he and his students have created. Something that I noticed while participating in the workshop was that Mr. Cayari tends to use a lot of open-ended questions to allow for more creativity in his classroom. I liked this idea because in most schools teachers tell the students exactly what they want them to do and then grade their work accordingly. Chris teaches in a way where he gives them a broad task such as “create a music video” and allows them to do anything with that whether it be making something very serious or not so serious. Then, he gets his students to grade themselves based on their own personal rubrics that they and Chris come up with together. I really enjoy this idea because every student has different goals for themselves and this allows them to reflect on their process and decide on a mark that they believe they deserve and decide what more they could do next time. Chris also got the people at the workshop involved by having us all work on ipads in groups and learn how to use editing, and creative software apps. I found it really interesting and fun learning about all of these new tools that can be used in the classroom. I felt that this workshop gave me so many different activities that I could possibly use when I become a music educator myself. Some problems that i could see with using more technology in the classroom are schools not having enough available technology, and younger students having access to some apps/websites where strangers can comment on their creations. It opens them up to both positive and negative feedback. This is something where you would need both permission from every child’s parents and the principle of the school. I found it very interesting that Chris teaches undergraduate students who have had no prior musical training. I think it is awesome that these students with no musical training can create these amazing videos and gain some musical experience. As well as come out of their shell and share their new found music with others. Overall, I felt that in attending this workshop I gained so many different ideas that I could use in the future. If i could ask Chris any questions I would ask what would you do if kids aren’t willing to participate in activities like this? Do you often get students who take these projects as a joke and do not do them to the best of their ability or do you find that most students are willing to be involved? I also would like to thank Chris Cayari for come and giving us this workshop. It opened my eyes and allowed me to realize how beneficial technology in the classroom can be and how many fun ideas can be used from it.