Learning assessment, Finnish style

I am trying to find new, innovative, and useful models for assessing higher learning in student work.  I also seek formative assessment through self-reflection upon my own performance as a teacher-facilitator. Five purposes of mathematics assessment have been outlined by Kulm (1994) as the following: improving instruction and learning, evaluating student progress, providing feedback for

Online marketing an independent documentary

This website is a very good example for students of independent filmmaking as a well-done example of online marketing and promotion. http://www.theentertainersmovie.com/ I would like to know more about the ragtime style of piano-playing after seeing the various clips.  I love what the left hand is doing with those amazing bass lines.

Applying for a Radio or TV Broadcast Station in California and Thailand

I am comparing the processes and systems for setting up a radio station in Los Angeles, California, and Bangkok, Thailand Federal Communications Commission USA Thailand 1 Thailand 2

Uncle Pen by Bill Monroe

For those who have not heard Uncle Pen, here is your chance! Listen to Uncle Pen

How to play Hangman’s Reel

I’ve been trying to learn and play this tune for years.  This video provides a helpful bit of instruction.

How to tune a Banjo

I am learning to play the Banjo.  I have two long-nick Plectrum Banjos, one for each tuning, a beautiful 5-string Banjo, and an Irish Tenor Banjo. CLICK HERE for a useful list of different tunings for some kinds of Banjos (in the USA and Ireland)

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC: A Fulbright grant

I am happy and grateful to receive a 2017-19 Fulbright FLEX grant for doing research at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic (AUCA). My research project is develop and write an “indigenous” curriculum for higher education and creative practice at AUCA, in the nascent Department of TV, Cinema and Visual Arts. In doing my research

Bill Monroe “Uncle Pen”

A lot of good things in the performance of this tune.

Hardanger Fiddle

TWO NICE SAMPLES OF HARDANGER FIDDLE: SKRADDARRLATTEN SPRINGAR av VIDAR UNDERSETH  

Can’t you hear me calling? Bill Monroe.

A really nice old timey tune by Bill Monroe. Can’t you hear me calling?

Sukiyaki (Uewo Muite Arukou)

Sukiyaki versions

The publication of my first book!

I am very happy that my doctoral dissertation has been published and internationally distributed by LPO Lambert (Germany).  My plan now is to construct a few shorter books from the various sections of the dissertation, examining topics such as the learnability of creativity, filmmaking as a systematic process of work, the practice of grounded theory for filmmaking,

The music of Osvaldo Golijov

Today, I first heard “AYRE,” a very unique song cycle by a contemporary Argentine composer, Osvaldo Golijov (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osvaldo_Golijov). Wow,  I am thrilled, absolutely enchanted, by what I hear.  This music is a beautiful and wonderful mix of textures and sensibilities, performed on a wide range of voices and instruments. Check out the bio, works and

Concerto for Oboe & Orchestra by John Corigliano

        I remember being deeply thrilled with wonderment when I first heard John Corigliano’s Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra. It seemed so new and insane, yet ancient to my ears in a wonderful sort of way. Movement #1 Movement #3 It is a wild ride, so nice. John Corigliano: http://www.johncorigliano.com    

RIP Richie Havens, thank you!

A lot of bad news flowing around these days and the news about Richie Havens’ death can be added to the unfortunate list. ABOUT RICHIE HAVENS As a guitarist I have been greatly influenced by Havens’ guitar playing style and the wonderful sound of his music.  His voice resonates in a profound way and his energy is captivating.  I was fortunate

Solitary Man

Recently heard this song in a shopping mall as if wafted meaningfully through meaningless commercial corridors.  Since then I haven’t gotten it out of my head, recalling its various versions by Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash and others.  Until I find x (a woman, love, etc) then I’ll just stay as I am, a Solitary Man…I