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Halloween Music Analysis: Witches' Minuet

Music theory and appreciation skills applied to a spooky movement from a Haydn String Quartet.
Dr Steph Acaster
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(253)
Star Educator
Class

What's included

1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content

Class Experience

This class will use a short piece of 'spooky' music to allow learners to examine the features that create a certain mood or atmosphere within music.

Learners will be introduced to the context of the composition and invited to listen a few times to the music that they will be analysing, noting down their initial response to the music and any stand-out features they notice. The class video will then continue with an overview of how the composer uses melody, tonality, articulation, instrumentation, structure, and contrast, to create effects. 

At the end of the class video, learners will be instructed on writing their own analysis of the music, including making their own evaluation of whether the music earns its spooky nickname.

The class video lasts 55 minutes in total, but learners would likely want to allow extra time to listen to the music more times and pause to write down their ideas. 

The musical excerpt will be the third movement from Haydn's string quartet Op. 76, No. 2 in D minor (approximately 3 minutes in length).

Syllabus

1 Lesson
over 1 Week
Lesson 1:
The Witches' Minuet
55 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Pre-Requisites
Learners should have some musical experience, but they do not need to be an expert musician. It would be helpful if they can already read notes in treble/bass clef, and have some knowledge of key signatures.
Supply List
A 3 page copy of the sheet music for the minuet will be provided for learners to make their own annotations.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
5.0
253reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Psychology from Sheffield Hallam University
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from University of Birmingham, UK
ABOUT ME
I love to learn, and I am a big advocate of following your interests - even if they might not seem compatible at first glance!
My teaching philosophy is to encourage intellectual curiosity, motivation, and aspiration in students, whatever their current stage of education.

I teach a range of subject areas, including Psychology, Biology, Music Theory, and Maths. I'm developing new ideas all the time, so please feel welcome to get in touch if there's something you'd like to see! I can also create custom sessions - so if there's something you're looking for and can't find, please just ask!


GENERAL TEACHING APPROACH
My teaching style differs depending on different topics/activities, but my general approach is to welcome students into an environment where they can engage at a level where they feel comfortable, whilst also having opportunities to reach further and learn new things. I believe that learning is forever, and that learning should never be constrained by just one syllabus/curriculum. Students tend to learn best when they are really interested in the subject, and I love to be able to give students the chance to explore their interests! 

I encourage students to tell me what they already know about a topic, and I don't assume that I'm always the expert! I believe that learners can learn from each other's experiences and knowledge too. I also encourage everyone to ask 'why' things work as they do, and to research further around topics that capture their interest.

I don't use AI tools to provide feedback to learners as I believe that feedback should be provided that is genuine and written in my own voice.

I also believe that everyone should be able to participate in my classes, so if there may be barriers or you require adjustments to allow you to participate in a class, please feel welcome to get in touch. 

Aside from initial verification when joining the session, I do not require students to use their camera for the full session (though sometimes I will request for certain activities!). I ask students to participate, but accept that this may be verbal discussion, writing in the chat box, or using zoom 'reactions' or visual cues on camera to respond during class. In general, I will invite anyone who would like to get involved to raise their hand, rather than putting an individual 'on the spot'.



MY CLASSES - OVERVIEW
I offer a range of sessions on Psychology topics - including themes such as Introduction to Neuroscience/Neuropsychology, Psychology of Music, Brain History, and Psychology of Gaming. The aim of these sessions is to capture students' interest, share knowledge from an unusual angle, and/or give space for students to discuss their interests while bringing in elements of the science of Psychology in an accessible way.

The most popular courses in 2023 were my ongoing sessions where students can further their learning in a relaxed setting, such as my Biology, Animal Anatomy, Plants, and Neuroscience colouring classes (where students can listen whilst making creative learning resources, with little pressure to answer questions and no pressure to be tested).

I offer lots of Flexible Schedule classes suitable for learners who prefer to take time to process information or to dig into a topic more deeply before coming back to discussion or to complete assignments. These classes allow students to take time to engage with material and written discussion threads outside of the constraints of a live session schedule, and spend additional time completing assignments that will encourage deeper thinking and topic enjoyment. These classes can also be great as holiday-projects!

I offer individual tutoring for students who would like to explore additional topics in Psychology, Biology, Mathematics, or Music. These sessions can be used to supplement other classes, as an individualised study session/program, or as subject-related mentoring.

For all my classes, if you don't see a suitable section scheduled, please do reach out as I can often fit in additional meetings!


WHAT ELSE DO I GET UP TO?
As well as teaching online on Outschool and independently, I also work as an Associate Lecturer in Psychology at the Open University. When I'm not teaching, I can usually be found practicing the violin, playing in orchestra, reading, and learning new things.

I previously completed a PhD in Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience, which involved using EEG (an electrical brain recording method) to investigate visual perception. I have taught high school and university level Psychology classes since 2014, and I have tutored in Biology, Maths, and Music Theory since 2018. I started to learn the violin as an adult and progressed through to ABRSM Grade 8 in violin and AMusTCL Diploma level in music theory!

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$13

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1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 12-17

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