 This year we covered basic music theory and terms such as music notes, treble clef, and the music alphabet. They were introduced to the various styles of music such as Classical, Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Country. We touched on music history of famous composers of these styles. I explained pitch with games such as the ball bouncing up and down and how pitch is similar with high and low sounds.
We discovered rhythms using our rhythm sticks and creating our own rhythms, as well as clapping various rhythms. We sang many new and old tunes, some educational such as the continents, solar system and some for fun such as London Bridge. We discussed tempos both fast and slow and how the role of the conductor is needed for orchestras and bands playing at these tempos.
Students were introduced to World music, such as Irish music or playing on Native American instruments.
They learned the different types of musical instruments with the learning project I created, as well as listening to various instruments played. They also played the xylophones, handbells, keyboard, drums, recorders and harmonicas.
Most of all your children learned the importance of practicing, performing in front of a group and how music is in every aspect of our lives.
For my background in music education you can visit my website at www.pianoinc.com.
Below are examples of the general topics for each lesson, by month:
 November:
- Introduction to Native American music and instruments
- Singing the continents song
- Thanksgiving Day song
December:
- Create a candy cane rainstick instrument
- Singing: Winter, Christmas and Hanukkah songs with bells
January:
- Learning the various types of instruments and hearing them played
- Introduction to pitch with parachute game
- Music Montessori learning project presented to group for classroom use
February:
- Dinosaur song with movement
- Valentine’s Day songs
- Presidents Day songs
March:
- Irish music played and sung, and types of Irish instruments explained
- Introduction to solar system song
- Learning the contemporary style of music “Moonstones played”, and modern composers such as Gyorgy Ligeti
April:
- Springtime songs sung with movements
- Xylophones played with hand drums
- Bunny song incorporating letter use
May:
- Music History (Beethoven, Louis Armstrong, John Lennon)
- Music styles & genres (Jazz, Classical, Rock and Country)
June:
- Preparation for graduation concert, practicing twice per week. Singing, xylophone, and bells. |
