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Zig’s program was packed with knowledge with practical ideas that can be used immediately. MTGMEA
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School Assemblies/Cultural Arts Programs Classroom Workshops At-Risk Youth Enrichment/Outreach Programs Educational Prison/Correctional Center Workshops Professional Development Workshops Summer Programs, Special Needs Programs |
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To listen to samples of music featured in Zig's programs click here: Zig's Music Samples
To watch short videos of Hands On with Zig programs click here: Zig's YouTube Channel
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1. Zig’s Musical Journey (In-School Assembly, Theatre Performance) <-MOST REQUESTED PROGRAM
A highly interactive multicultural experience featuring a battery of world percussion introducing rhythms, sounds, and song-styles from around the world with authentic traditional world instruments, folk songs and original compositions. Audience members participate with hands on interaction including basic rhythm patterns, instruments names, chants, and form various ensembles culminating in a large world music ensemble finale. Cross curricular connections include social studies, math, language arts, historical and cultural content reinforced through active audience participation. The program features world musical styles including; African, Native American, Latin, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Caribbean among others. As an extension of the classroom, students will make a connection how music relates to their daily lives. Grade appropriate content. For pre-and post studies, lesson plans, and play-along music we recommend Zig's book with CD, World Beat Fun (Alfred Pub.).
| Rhythm-duple meter, 4/4 time, 6/8 time, tempo-BPM, note and rest values. | |
| Harmony, melody, accompaniment, orchestration, variations, repertoire of music. | |
| Song form, composing, arranging, phrases, call & response. | |
| Dynamics, family of instruments, timbre, names and sounds of instruments. | |
| Various styles of music, contemporary and multicultural music. | |
| Proper playing techniques, hand positions, and basic rhythms. | |
| Individual and ensemble instrumental participation-building a rhythm band. | |
| Integration of various types of music technology for performance. participation and composition. | |
| World culture and traditional instruments, influence on history, current influence on popular culture, and musical comparisons. | |
| Blending of various culture’s music in contemporary musical styles. | |
| Real-world occupational related fields in music. |
2. MATH & Music by the Numbers
The innovative and contemporary program introduces students to math concepts including numbers and facts, calculations, shapes, measurements, and data as related to multicultural and contemporary music. Students use creative reasoning to explore, apply, and participate in a fun, productive learning process using classroom math language. Participants play a battery of world percussion instruments to create patterns and different parts in small groups, and in a large musical math ensemble. Reinforced math skills (based on grade level) include: numbers, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, fractions, shapes, divisions of time, order, sequences, ratios, odds vs. evens, graphs, points of intersection, patterns, symmetry, measurements, time, angles, estimating, and analyzing. As an extension of the classroom students will make a connection of how textbook math can be applied to what they musically hear in their daily lives. Content based on grade appropriate math skills.





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3. West Africa meets Hip-Hop
The history and development of contemporary Hip-Hop is traced to traditional West African rhythms and music. This interactive performance compares rhythms and authentic instruments (Atoke, Gankogui, Axaste, Sogo, Kidi, Kaganu) of Gahu (recreational dance of Ghana) to contemporary song-styles and technology instruments representing Hip-Hop culture. A musical timeline is traced from the Griots of the 13th Century, to slave trade, through present day spoken word “Rap” artists. Rhythms, instruments (acoustic and electronic), rhythmic annunciation and call and response are reinforced through active participation culminating in an African/Hip-Hop student ensemble.
Program Content:
| Basic rhythms will be taught the African way ‘Say what you Play’ | |
| Proper playing techniques and hand positions. | |
| Notation of rhythms for use in the classroom. | |
| Names of instruments used in Gahu; Atoke, Axaste, Gankogui, Sogo, Kidi, Kaganu, and Boba. | |
| Individual and ensemble instrumental participation-building a rhythm band. | |
| Call & Response vocal ensemble using the African word annunciation for playing rhythm(s). | |
| Musical History timeline stating the development of Hip-Hop; Griots-Slave Songs-Blues-Ragtime-Jazz-Swing-BeBop-Cool Jazz-Gospel-R&B/Soul-Rock&Roll-Funk-Rap-HipHop. | |
| Rhythms-duple meter, 4/4 time, 6/8 time, note values and notation, | |
| Tempo, Melody, Harmony, Timbre, Song form, Call & Response, Improvisation, Composition, Performance, Dynamics, Family of Instruments | |
| West African culture and traditional instruments, various styles of music, belief systems reflected in music being Gahu and Hip-Hop, influence on history, current influence by African themes on popular culture, and musical comparisons. |


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4. Hands On Latin Style
Interactive performance introducing Afro-Cuban rhythms, Latin song styles (Mambo, Rumba, Merengue, Cha-Cha-Cha, among others) authentic percussion instruments (Shekeree, Guiro, Timbales, Congas, Bells, Bongos, Palitos, Cajon, among others) and traditional folklore of Latin America and the Caribbean. A historical overview of the development of Latin American music with the contributions of West African rhythms, the folklore of Native Indians, and European traditions. Audience participation using authentic Latin percussion instruments by building various ensembles learning the basic rhythms and culture of Latin Song Styles culminating in a large on-stage and audience ensemble.
Program Content:
| Basic Latin rhythm patterns. | |
| Latin Song Styles including Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Son, and Merengue among others. | |
| Proper playing techniques, instrument names and pronunciation, hand positions. | |
| Authentic Latin percussion instruments. | |
| Notation of basic Latin rhythms. | |
| Ensemble and individual participation-building a rhythm section. | |
| Call & Response ensembles. | |
| West African culture and rhythmic influence on Latin music. | |
| European culture and musical influence on Latin music. | |
| Blending of various culture’s musical contributions to Latin music. | |
| Occupational related fields in music. |





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5. STEM: Using Math to Compose a Cell Phone Ring Tone with Technology
The innovative contemporary program introduces participants to math concepts as related to music technology (computer, software, virtual instruments, USB controllers). Using a step-by-step process participants create, produce and deliver an original cell phone ring tone in a digital media format. The math component applies the concepts of numbers, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, fractions, shapes, divisions of time, order, sequences, ratios, odds vs. evens, graphs, points of intersection, patterns, symmetry, measurements, time, estimating, and analyzing. Participants see, hear and input original parts as music by using virtual instruments and digital equipment while communicating using math and technology terminology. The music segment reinforces traditional music terms and concepts for composition including orchestration, rhythm, harmony, melody, pitch, notation, styles, dynamics and tempo. As an extension of the classroom, students will make a connection of how textbook math can be applied to their daily lives by what they musically hear, and know, as ring tones. All participants use Zig’s workstation, curriculum and external controllers. Content based on grade appropriate math skills.
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6. Connecting Literacy, Music & Technology
The interactive contemporary workshop connects interdisciplinary subjects of language arts (creative writing), music (creating, arranging & composing), social studies, math and educational technology (computers, software, virtual instruments, and USB controllers) as an effective approach for goal oriented project based learning as applied to academic and real-world applications. The workshop engages participants through interactive lessons to express and promote their creativity while learning through technology. The activity driven workshop presents a step-by-step process using Zig’s “Think, Plan, Assemble, Produce” curriculum. Participants work as classes or small teams to create an original digital media project (song, jingle, ring-tone, PSA, play, etc.) by writing lyrics, scripts and/or poetry, composing and arranging music with technology, and recording their own voices. The goal and final product is delivered as a mastered digital media product (CD, .mp3, ring-tone, streaming content, Podcast) featuring all the projects from the workshop. A student-centered collaborative leaning environment presents doable activities which reinforce and further develop communication, computer aptitude, critical thinking, organization, self-esteem, active listening, teamwork, and digital citizenship. All participants use Zig’s digital workstation, curriculum and recording equipment. For pre-and post studies, lesson plans and further resources we recommend Zig's book with Loop Library, Mr. Zig's Literacy, Music and Technology Connection (Alfred Pub.) and Mixcraft for the Classroom 2nd edition.
To listen to projects created by students click here: Listening Examples
Literacy Benefits:
| Promote literacy skills in reading, writing, thinking, spelling, listening, speaking, creating, and articulation | |
| Adapt, develop, and succeed with 21st century computer literacy skills by applying various tasks as part of the learning process. | |
| Connect interdisciplinary subjects of music, literacy, math, social studies and technology | |
| Language vocabulary enrichment | |
| Improve communication skills | |
| Learn to hear in new ways through focused attention | |
| Sequential learning, right/left brain integration | |
| Introduce new methodologies to think ‘outside the box’ | |
| Stimulate the imagination by visualizing imagery | |
| Learn to follow logic and organize thoughts | |
| Problem solving with new strategies | |
| Awareness of occupational related fields through the arts | |
| Engagement in a meaningful activity with purpose |
Social Benefits:
| Increase higher level thinking, communication, productivity, and cooperative learning | |
| Exposure to real-world applications | |
| Result in opportunities to expand outlook, awareness and self expression | |
| Refine the skill of respectful teamwork | |
| Provide a contemporary vehicle for change | |
| Positive interaction by learning to listen and contribute | |
| Sharing and refining creative ideas | |
| Learning to be open minded to new possibilities | |
| Achieving common goals | |
| Improved attitude and enthusiasm | |
| Increased retention |
Music Benefits:
| Reinforce Elements of Music (Rhythm, Harmony, Melody, Tempo, Dynamics, Orchestration, Timbre) | |
| Sounds of instruments, instrument families | |
| Composing, arranging, phrases | |
| Accompaniment | |
| Song form | |
| Measures, note & rest values with technology | |
| Repertoire of music, contemporary & world music | |
| Connecting subjects of math, science, and history through music |


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7. Game-Based Learning with Music
Game-Based Learning is an engaging interactive experience which utilizes popular and contemporary gaming concepts of Levels (Easy, Medium, Hard and Expert) with music. Selected audience members will interact/play as small ensembles (multi-player) using a combination of Zig’s state of the art electronic instruments, rhythm instruments, mallet instruments and/or electric keyboard. Each group of volunteers will become a member of a Game-Based band by reading (notes/rests)- say what you play method, playing rhythmic phrases (patterns) and/or melodic (pitch) phrases which will be accompanied by various contemporary and multicultural song-styles based on grade specific content. The program engages students as active participants by combining the learning modalities that include; auditory (listening, repetition, oral instruction, rhythmic sounds), visual (key ideas, demonstrations, recognizing shapes/colors, notation), and kinesthetic (active participation, problem solving).

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8. Celebrate American Music
The rich musical song styles that represent American music are presented as a historical timeline and musical tribute. The presentation addresses the similarities and differences between American musical song styles through performance (drumset/song styles) and dialogue. The content includes African and European influences and the blending of cultures. Academic skills introduced through music include: Social Studies, History, Geography, Math, and the Interdisciplinary Fine Arts. (This program does not include audience onstage participation)
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9. Latin 101 percussion workshop
An interactive ‘hands on’ workshop that provides every student the opportunity to participate. Students will be introduced to basic Latin rhythm patterns (tumbaos) through Zig’s ‘Say what you play’ teaching method which produces immediate results. The participants will learn proper technique, vocabulary, notation, and the history of Latin music by playing authentic Latin percussion instruments that include; congas, bongos, timbales, cowbells, claves, guiro, and maracas, among others. The students will combine the rhythm patterns as a rhythm ensemble along with rotating instrument so that each student has a chance to play all the different Latin percussion instruments. Instruments are provided for the duration of the workshop.
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10. African Drumming with HipHop workshop
Students will be introduced to basic rhythm patterns of Gahu from Ghana, compared to contemporary HipHop culture. Zig teaches authentic rhythms through his ‘Say what you play’ teaching method which produces immediate results The participants will learn proper technique, vocabulary, notation, and the history of African drumming by playing authentic African percussion instruments that include; atoke, axaste, gankogui, kidi, sogo, and kaganu, among others. The students will combine the rhythm patterns as a rhythm ensemble along with rotating instruments so that each student has a chance to play all the different percussion instruments. Each African rhythm is introduced through a side-by-side comparison of how that rhythm is used in today’s HipHop culture. Instruments are provided for the duration of the workshop.

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For Additional Information Please contact:
Jeff Goldsmith
(615) 773-9295
email: handsonwithzig@aol.com
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