Tobin Method
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The Tobin Method, (sometimes called the Tobin System of Music Education or the Tobin System), is an effective method of teaching music literacy both in the classroom, and to individuals.
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[edit] Goals of the System
The Tobin System of Music Education has been under development since the early sixties. The main criteria was that the primary classroom teacher should be enabled to teach the rudiments of music to a high level, without it being necessary to play an instrument other than pitched percussion instruments such as hand-chimes.
In support, they would have peripatetic instrumental teachers and a music specialist in the school or educational district, for liaising on classroom work and larger music projects. By the age of eight or nine ALL children should be able to compose and harmonise music and to be as literate with music as with words and numbers.
[edit] Research Methodology
Believing that musical literacy must be made available to all, the purpose of the research supporting the development of the Tobin System has been to discover how this can be achieved. The body of work that has evolved is based on several aspects that combine to offer the teacher a wealth of stimulating and effective material.
The key elements are:
- the use of colour to demystify notation and engage attention,
- the use of inherent musical patterns to illuminate structure,
- the use of mnemonics to reinforce knowledge.
Because these call upon a wide variety of the senses, musical concepts can be repeated and learnt in many ways, thus reenforcing and guaranteeing understanding.
The system is well structured so that one subject slips effortlessly into the next. In just a few logical steps, the ability to compose music is reached.
[edit] Key Benefits
- improves literacy and numeracy - can be taught alongside other subjects, with good cross-curricula links - requires only the use of pitched percussion instruments - the primary classroom teacher does not have to be a musical expert - teaches students musical theory and concepts to a great depth
[edit] Differences from other Methods
The most significant difference between the Tobin System and other methods of teaching is that visual instruction takes priority over verbal. The psychological impact generated by the use of colour is a powerful way to communicate, clearly evidenced by the effect that colour provides to the comprehension of the London Underground Map. The logic of notation and harmonisation is immediately apparent to a child once the use of colour is introduced.
[edit] Key Features
[edit] Use of Colour
Colour pleases the eye and makes lessons more interesting. Because children enjoy using colour, their attention span in increased and thus each lesson is thoroughly absorbed.
One of the most effective applications of colour is in the teaching of the notes of the Great Stave. From the beginning, children are taught that music is written on eleven lines and they learn the whereabouts of notes remarkably quickly. With the aid of coloured visual mnemonics and games, children learn the note placements effortlessly. Note placements are learnt by position rather than sequence, providing the children with a very quick visual recall of note positions. The knowledge of note positions is then quickly and seamlessly transferred to traditional notation.
[edit] The Notation Ruler
The Notation Ruler is an invaluable tool, with which all musical measurements can be worked out, including tones, semitones, tetrachords, scales, intervals and chords. By using colour in conjunction with pattern, there are numerous projects that not only act as constant, subliminal revision but also enliven the classroom. Piano students are normally at an advantage, as they sit in front of a keyboard that acts as a type of notation ruler. The Tobin System Notation Ruler is equally applicable to any instrument, and allows flauntists, violinists, guitarists and other instrument students to be at an equal advantage to the piano student.
[edit] The Magic Circle
Once children understand the structure of a scale they can play the Magic Circle Game. Standing in a circle with chime bars and coloured bands the children learn together about the three primary chords – how they sound and how they are related. This method can be used to discover the relative minor chords and all scales. It forms the basis of subsequent harmonisation and composition lessons.
[edit] Rhythm Shapes and Note Lengths
Both colour and pattern play their part in the teaching of rhythm. Exploring the 'Rhythm Shape' cards offers children a visual and tactile experience and develops a thorough appreciation of the concept of sound length. This comprehension is reaffirmed by the logical use of fraction names and in this way music is integrated into the maths lesson.
[edit] Understanding of Time Signatures
Because the children are clear in their understanding, time signatures present no problem. Children as young as four realise, for example, that 4/4 means the music in each bar adds up to four quarter notes.
[edit] Music Shorthand
The French Time Names will be familiar to the children from the earliest lessons as they are an integral part of musical shorthand.
This technique is used at all stages and is deceptively simple to teach but extremely effective. It benefits the literacy skills of young children as they learn to write in a smooth flow from left to right and from top to bottom. Perhaps for the first time they understand the significance of writing meaningful symbols that can be correctly read by another.
When 'heads' are put on the notes, the children immediately relate to reading the rhythms in traditional musical notation.
The children play these rhythms on a drum using both hands, thereby encouraging both co-ordination and use of the oft-neglected left hand.
In later classes musical shorthand continues to be beneficial, particularly for students taking instrumental and aural examinations, the major benefit being that it is possible to write down a complex rhythm at the same speed that it is played and heard.
[edit] Using all Techniques Together
Using all techniques together, in conjunction with singing, aural games, movement, improvisation and humour means that learning through repetition is pleasurable. The process is extremely enjoyable while knowledge is constantly reinforced and clear comprehension encouraged. Within this structure a child feels safe to explore their creativity and to use their own initiative. Consequently their musicianship flourishes. There are seldom discipline problems within a class as not only do the students become happily absorbed in each lesson but they also find the information they receive is not intimidating and easily within their capabilities.
The Tobin System is designed and structured to allow every child access to music comprehension. To play an instrument requires technical dexterity and dedication but through the use of the Tobin System, the ability to understand music can be available to everyone.
[edit] Testing and Research
The Tobin System has taken thirty years to perfect. It has been tested throughout this time with children of every age and in every area of education including the most deprived inner city schools; the private sector; pre-school, infant, primary and secondary schools; schools that specifically provide support for those with special learning neads; colleges of education.
Currently many hundreds of schools use the system and their positive response is well documented. Geographically, the system is known to be in use in the UK, Canada, Australia, America, France and Holland.
This scope of experience has allowed thousands of children to be directly involved in the development of the system and the approach has been adjusted according to their responses.
Candida Tobin chose to self-publish in order to maintain flexibility and adapt as research results dictated, and the results are published in over 30 books.
[edit] Applicability to Secondary Schools
If students coming up into the secondary school have not been fortunate enough to have experienced this way of teaching, most of what has been taught in the primary school can be taught at secondary level by using a more adult language.
The music shorthand and the notation ruler is something that can and should be taught right through a student’s music education and is ideal at college level.
This way of teaching composition is again ideal for use in the secondary school and the composition template can be used to delve into more complex composition areas such as modulation and four part harmony and the scale chart is a fascinating project for any music student explore.
[edit] Use of Specific Instruments
The Tobin system also covers material for the recorder, piano and classical guitar, all of which have a unique approach which allows for the visual approach to learning. For each instrument there are a set of carefully designed coloured stickers that can be attached to the instrument. A class can be easily directed by the teacher, without the usual interruptions caused by students questioning the fingering of a particular note - this is possible because the coloured stickers are simple to read, and allow students to work out the fingering quickly and simply themselves. As confidence in the instrument and its fingering increases, the stickers are no longer required.
[edit] Multimedia Titles
A multimedia CD-ROM title (Musicolour) has been produced that includes many of the techniques and learning games of the Tobin System, in a well structured and progressive series of self study lessons. Musicolour won an EMMA (European MultiMedia Award) for best educational programme in Europe, and also a BIMA - a British equivalent award. This provides teachers, students and the general public with a comprehensive interactive aid.
The lessons, creative material, and full design of the program was put together by Candida Tobin, with the technical know-how from Europress to create the multimedia title. Included in the lessons are 7 coloured cartoon characters to help students learn the 7 notes, supported by an original recording of a supporting song to further aid the memorisation of the notes. This recording was sung by Candida's daughter, Penelope Tobin, who is a professional vocalist and Jazz musician. The voice-over for all of the lessons was provided by Derek Griffiths, well known childrens TV and theatre presenter.
The very first release of Musicolour was developed in conjunction with Virgin Multimedia, for the Commodore CDTV multimedia console. At the time of its development, the Multimedia industry was in its infancy. Many advanced techniques that today are considered commonplace on a multimedia PC, were ground breaking at the time - such as the movement of colour graphics carefully synchronised with sound and music.
[edit] Teacher Training and Accreditation
Courses are held all over the country so that teachers can take the Associate certificate for the Tobin System and open classes are given to pre-school and infant children for those wishing to observe the techniques in action. A register of accredited Tobin teachers is maintained and published.
[edit] Conclusion
In attempting to solve the problem of low level musical literacy, accepted teaching practices and procedures are inevitably questioned. Many are understandably resistant to change, and fear that this attitude undermines their abilities, training or approach. Yet if we are truly dedicated to the goal of allowing children a thorough understanding of and participation in music, then new ideas must clearly be embraced if they are shown to be more effective at achieving the stated goals.
[edit] Quotes
"If the Tobin Music System were embraced more widely within the structure of music education, this work could play a key part in reaching the goal of musical literacy for all" (Julie Hall PGCE B Mus(Hons))
"...In devising a system imaginatively combining pattern and colour, she [Candida Tobin] found a way of illuminating the thorny subject of music theory to children who would normally find the topic boring.
Despite little encouragement or even downright hostility from the music establishment, she (Candida Tobin) bravely persisted in her battle against the entrenched conservatism too often found in academic circles.
Sometimes hilarious, sometimes profoundly thought provoking, it is the highly original story of a highly original mind."
Antony Hopkins, CBE. Outside back cover endorsement of Candida Tobin's Autobiography "Lifting the Lid".
[edit] Publications
The work is exhaustively documented in a series of thirty books for use in the classroom. The teachers' manual provides the frameworks within which each class may be conducted. All of this material is listed on the Tobin Music website.
