What is CMLS? It stands for the Comprehensive Music Learning Sequence. It is a way to create the total musician using rhythm, ear training, and singing.

Who came up with this method? Well, it is attributed to two people. James Froseth created the method basing it heavily on the teachings of Edwin Gordon along with Orff, Kodaly, Suzuki, and Dalcroze.

Students in band receive instruction in the CMLS method everyday.

What is involved in the CMLS process? The complete process uses 11 steps in 3 components as listed below.

Rhythmic Component of CMLS

Step 1: Synchronized Rhythmic Movement

Purpose: To develop rhythmic feeling for consistent tempo, meter, and patterns of rhythmic sound and silence.

Step 2: Rhythmic Verbal Association-Imitation

Purpose: To develop the ability to associate rhythmic syllables to the sound and feel of rhythmic patterns

Step 3: Rhythmic Verbal Association-Evaluation 

Purpose: To evaluate students' understanding of what is heard rhythmically

Step 4: Rhythmic Visual Association-Imitation

Step 5: Rhythmic Visual Association-Evaluation

Purpose: To develop Rhythmic pattern reading skills and to evaluate students' ability to read rhythmic notation at sight

Melodic/Vocal Component of CMLS

Step 6: Melodic Verbal Association-Imitation

Purpose: To develop the ability to associate melodic syllables to the sound of melodic patterns

Step 7: Melodic Verbal Association-Imitation

Purpose: To evaluate students' understanding of what is heard melodically

Instrumental Component of CMLS

Step 8: Ear-to-Hand

Purpose: To develop aural skill through melodic ear-to-hand coordination

Step 9: Visual Association Skills

Purpose: To learn to associate the sound of melodic patterns with noted melodic patterns

Step 10: Instrumental Pattern Reading Skills

Purpose: To develop the ability to generalize music learning

Step 11: Supplementary Self-Study

Purpose: To motivate, to maximize learning potential, and to develop musical independence

Questions about the CMLS method? 

Drop me a line at mpellas@wcpss.net

Information provided by Dr. John Kuehn, Indiana University of PA.