10 minute presentation

[Scarlett]

I know this is a tricky one. I have an interview for a teaching post (College, Music Technology) and they have asked me to prepare a 10 minute presentation to the panel, as if teaching a class. I have NO idea what I could do in 10 mins that would impress them/show them I can teach/show them I know what to teach!! I tend to teach the theoretical subjects rather than the studio/music making ones, and to be honest, they are quite dull, with a lot of discusions and video clips etc. What would YOU like to see in 10 mins- what would impress you? What are they looking for? No smut please.....!!

[nicnicnic]

I would guess that you would need to show them that you can keep your class actively involved in what you've got to teach them. Maybe start it with an aim of the lesson i.e. to learn how music has changed through the last 200 years (sorry is rubbish but I dont know exactly what music technology involves!) and then a video clip (this is what you know so you'll feel more comfortable) of somebody who is quite big in music now to show them that you can communicate with younger people of today? The you could play a couple of old pieces of music from the early 1900's and 1960's for example. Then you could talk about the effects that were used how they were generated etc. This would show you have a bigger repertoire but still be relevant and then ask one of the panel a question about it at the end? Or make a worksheet?
I hope this makes sense!! I know somebody who did this subject at college and it seems that this is how they were taught. I think as long as you show them you can not get phased and keep going etc you wont have any problems! Good luck and keep us posted!

[miss_chase]

You need to show them that you can engage and enthuse a class. They are looking for your passion and enthusiasm rather than an amazing lesson (i would think) 

Bear in mind that the panel won't necessarily know anything about music technology so maybe pick one aspect - eg the pentasomething scale and aim for all the panel to be able to tell you something about it at the end (assessment). Be simple - a starter activity will be best. If you want more (free) help - don't know nuffink about music technology but i know how to teach - email me via my website www.blueskydrama.co.uk.

Good luck x

[Hermia]

Does it actually have to be about music? (obviously I realise it would be better if it was about music). It's just that my friend went for a job as an English teacher and had to do something similar. He spent 10 minutes doing a simple scientific experiment with a potato and got the job!

Could you take an instrument and explain how it works (eg why tightening a string etc will change the note).

[Pinotage]

10 minutes is nothing, you cannot do anything in detail in this time. Think of a question, (how do you make a hit record/ tune a trumpet - better if its quirky) pose that question and answer it.

For sure you can't cover 200 years of music in 10 mins.

They want to see if you can keep to the point, and time speak up, look att he audience, appear confident etc etc. What you actually cover is not so important.

I've been in situations like this, but never been given 10 mins, 20 minutes is tight.

[joko]

why not make them laugh and be clever by teaching them 'the art of public speaking and presentation'? which is what you are actually doing. you can get books on the subject. witty demos of what to do and what not to do etc