Monster Music

Monster Music using Kodaly solfege and rhythm.  I cannot take credit for this idea.  This idea came from another music teacher and I decided to make my own monster cards for my classroom.  Monster Music would be a fun October activity for the classroom or even a private instrumental student.  Here is a sample sheet that has 4 monsters on it. I made 24 monsters in all. I also made one music notation sheet that needs to be cut into 24 strips and glued onto the monster cards.  Laminate, of course.  The students can play a game with the cards, or put them in order to make a song.

Each note is labeled with d, r, m, s, or l for do, re, mi, sol and la.

Foam Rhythm Stick Notation

Rhythm sticks made out of foam.
 I used the sticky-back foam (leaving the 'sticky' on, which makes them a bit firmer),
I cut out eighth-notes, quarter notes and quarter rests (stems only)

I have used them for my 2nd graders - passing out a bunch and letting them compose a rhythm and then clapping (or use percussion instruments) the rhythm for the class. 

I reused a pizza box to store these foam rhythms. 

Ti-Ti,    Ti-Ti,    rest,     Ta

Sound Songs

Fourth grade class wrote some terrific "sound songs".
I got this idea from another music teacher.  Thank you!
It was a hit.

Rhythm Dice

Who doesn't love to throw a dice? 

I have made a few of these over the years.  I have either found a square box or just cut 6 equal squares from corrugated cardboard and put them together.  For stuffing, I have used newspaper, poly-fil or plastic shopping bags.  I then wrap the box like a gift and use clear mailing tape to seal it.  It is important to use permanent marker to draw the music notes.  Then the color doesn't run.  The dice will get damaged on the corners as it is thrown around the room.  This is great for general music classes or private piano students.   And it's pretty simple to make.

 

Play and Create

Bored with Summer yet?    Create!     I love projects!  For piano students (or any instrument), I often encourage them to do something with their pieces besides just learning the piece to excel or performing at a recital. 

Put your good work to use. 
Play for your family.
Put on a show for the neighborhood with costume and decorations and refreshments. Play it up. Do other children play instruments in your neighborhood? 
Perform at talent shows at schools.  (In the Summer there might be a talent show around town, sometimes at a town festival or fair) 
Visit a retirement or health center for Seniors and play a few pieces for them.

And here is the great project....Record your pieces.  You will have these recordings as keepsakes.  So, you've done that.  How about this.... My son has created stop/motion videos with legos, playdough and other objects and put his own music to it.  Of course, as his mom, these are my favorites.   Now, you don't have to create your own music, you could play a song you have been working on in your lessons.  Beethoven will do, even Twinkle, twinkle....you decide.  You are the creator and director.  Fun. 

Here is a printable from www.pianimation.com to get you started.  This website has many ideas.

Noodles for Music Games



http://www.tipjunkie.com/pool-noodles/

Come on over for the Music Summer Camps. 

Another great idea for learning music.  Label each noodle circle with a music note.  Quarter notes worth one point, whole notes worth 4 points...you get the idea.  

Instruments in Your Backyard

This is a great idea, espescially for summer.  I think it is set up for preschoolers, but I know some older kids who would love it too...close by neighbors, well maybe not.


http://www.childcentralstation.com/search?updated-max=2011-05-13T20%3A39%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=1

Music Floor Mat For Preschoolers and Elementary

My dog decided to join in for the picture.

I bought the fabric years ago, so I don't know the name, but it is the kind of material that would go on your ironing board for an ironing cover.  It has a soft back and a silver front.  The soft back keeps it from slipping on a rug, but not a wood or vinyl floor.  I painted shapes on it first for a preschool- find the shape song game, then I revamped it with the music notes for the elementary age group.  In the pic it is folded up.  It is about 7 feet long.

Medieval Music for Piano

I am soooo excited about this project.  I have completed a book cover and 4 songs.  The songs are for my piano students and they will be challenged to learn most of the songs and fill out a few theory and history pages that accompanys the book.  They will be rewarded with small prizes so I believe they will be as excited about the new songs as I am.  They will also be mentored to write their own Medieval sounding song. 

Copyright 2012 Patty Hurlburt.

I will included a sample shortly for you to use if you like it.

Here is a rough draft of the front cover.
Go to Piano Music Page for a sample. 
More sheet music to come soon.

Did you know music and sand go together... Sand art.  I love to find inspiring ways to teach music.  This was not only a listening project, but a hands-on project.  I taught a music class and wanted the children to listen with their whole being.  Listening with one's whole self engages the ideas by using our senses making a complete learning experience. 

Here's the project.  You will need music and play sand and a smooth table top (clear glass top works best.)
Put on a classical or contemporary piece.   You can find them on www.classicsforkids.com
Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Beethoven's 9th Symphony
Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream

Schubert's March Millitaire
Handel's Water Music
Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite (In the Hall of the Mountain King)

Give each child about 3 handfuls of playsand.
Let them move the sand around with their hands and fingers as they listen to the music.  They may move the sand in rhythm making zigzags or they may just make shapes...big shapes to loud sounds or small shapes to quiet sounds.  They may imagine a picture in their mind as the music plays.  It may take them to a place they can see in their mind and then draw it in the sand.
Try it.