Notability (Filtered)

What does Notability do for me?

It assists me in helping students review theory concepts and prepare for theory tests. Students can also complete worksheets and not paper or ink are required.

As you can see from the graphic above, Notability gets a black dot in the MAYBE column because there is a learning curve in using and organizing files in the app. However, it’s doable and worth the effort to learn. Here’s a video of me explaining how I use it.

The intention is not to teach for the test. Instead, the test taking provides ME with the level of understanding of students’ theory knowledge.

The best way for students to show me what they know about theory away from the piano is by annually assigning them to take a theory test written by the National Federation of Music Clubs.

I store the PDFs of all twelve levels of the tests in Notability. With a tap, I can duplicate any test, rename it and then move the copy into folders created in the app and labelled them with the name of each student.

Students are asked to complete the test a level up from the year before. I warn them that some questions may be difficult and that they are on a discovery mission of the unknown. Their completed tests give me a baseline of what students know, what I thought they knew that needs review and what they don’t know. 

From this information, I develop off-bench assignments and on-bench discussions to fill in the gaps so they feel prepared to take the test either at the Federation Festival or at least in the studio later in the year.

To save on paper, students periodically complete practice tests in Notability (and other worksheets) and they enjoy they enjoy using my Apple pencil. They also complete at least one hard copy of the test to prepare for the real thing at the Federation festival. Between tests, they are assigned activities to brush up on concepts.

With focused review and repeated practice of test-taking, students walk into the theory testing room and always score 95% or higher. For the record, when we review the tests after a festival, there may be a few mistakes but, the students and I usually call them “dumb mistakes” —like forgetting a sharp sign or drawing a stem the wrong way. 

App: Notability

Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notability/id360593530

For: Worksheets and Tests