Teaching Theme for 2011-12

Ahoy Mateys!  For the first time I am going to attempt a piano theme for the year.  Many other teachers center their teaching around a theme for the year to promote excitement and incentives for the year.  After working this year in a Music Camp where I used a pirate theme, I decided to take that theme and run with it.  So the theme for my studio for 2011-12 is


                                       Hidden Treasures!

I am already thinking of games and activities around the theme, but the first thing I wanted to do was make an incentive chart for the students using none other than a Treasure Map!  The students are going to collect jewels (inexpensive beads) to spend in the Treasure Chest and they can chart their progress on the map.

The map could be used in a variety of ways:
1. Mark off a dot for each goal reached
2. Mark off a dot for each piece (measures) memorized
3. Mark off a dot for each new technique mastered
4. Combination of any or all
5. Other incentives for the year

Each time the student meets a special symbol on the map (ship, pirate or treasure chest) they are promoted to a new position on the ship.

I am throwing around the idea of collecting a different pirate goodie each time they reach a symbol on the map.  I am either going with pirate silly bands or rubber duckies that look like pirates.  This would be in addition to the jewels they get to spend in the treasure chest.

I haven't worked out all the details, but I think they will need 5 jewels to cross off each dot on the map. Any ideas you guys have are more than appreciated!

Here is a look at the treasure map if you are interested in sailing the high seas with me:

Rhythm Blocks: Level Two

Rhythm Blocks have been a big hit in my studio!  I have added level two for some more complex rhythms.

We have been building rhythms with blocks based on the time signature.  One added benefit in using the blocks is they transfer well from the floor to the keyboard.  My students can make a rhythm on the floor and then take there blocks to the keyboard to play them using notes or chords.  This has been a great hands on activity.

For more ideas see Rhythm Blocks Level One

Google Docs: Rhythm Blocks: Level Two

Transfer Students

I recently had an interview with a transfer student and I wanted to really record my assessment, so I came up with a handy chart to record my observations.

I wanted to see how far they have progressed in rhythmic reading, note reading, chords, keys, ear training and musical terms.  It provided me with a great picture of where the student was at and since I recorded it, I can easily remember what the student needs to work on as well.

I also included a section on the student's interest and personality.  It was really great to get to know this new prospective student and to discover all the wonderful things they have learned and some of the things I can teach them.

Google Docs: Transfer Student Interview

Alphabet Blocks

A reader asked me to come up with some ideas inspired by the website: Filth Wizardry 
The creative folks at Filth Wizardry had come up with the idea to put words on Lego Duplo Blocks. 

Naturally, I came up with some Musical Alphabet Blocks.  Using printing labels from Avery Template 8160, size 1 x 2 5/8 I put the musical alphabet on the labels and then cut them to fit on the block.  


The possibilities for fun and learning with these blocks are endless.  I can't wait to try them with my students.  


Here are a couple of ideas:
1. Arrange them in A-G order
2. Arrange them in third order
3. Identify the interval
4. Have one block out, let's say it is E and have the student attach a third, fourth, etc. up or down.
5. Spell simple words: Bead, Face, Egg and play the notes on the keyboard or write them on a staff.  
6. Arrange the letters to make chords, inversions, scales.  A great teaching tool!
7. Game: Each player gets ten blocks.  Place one block out to be the starting block.  Place all other blocks in a pile, with the letter side turned over.  Players take turns building the alphabet forwards and backwards until they have used all of their blocks.  If they do not have a block to play they can pick a block from the pile.  If the block they picked can be played, they may play it.  If they cannot play it, then it is the next player's turn.


Google Docs: Alphabet Stickers






Check out my other use of Duplo Lego Blocks: Rhythm Blocks

Rhythm Blocks

Recently I was asked to come up with a musical idea using Duplo Blocks inspired by Filth Wizardry.  


I decided to start with Rhythm Blocks.  Using printing labels from Avery Template 8160, size 1 x 2 5/8 I put rhythms on the labels and then cut them to fit on the block.  


I put four different time signatures on each side of the duplo block.  Then I put different rhythms on each side of the other blocks.


I attached blocks that made one complete measure.  Then by turning the blocks up or down the time signature changes.  The student would have to adjust the number of beats to make the rhythm correct for the time signature change. 

A possible game would be to have the students each choose 10 blocks and build measures.  They would play a block only if it would fit in the measure.  If they could not play they would have to pick one block.  If that block played then they could play that block, if not their turn was over.  Play would continue until the winner played his or her last block.

Now, I have put a sticker on each side, but for this game, you could put one sticker on only one side.  For beginner students I like the idea of showing how a half note takes up two quarter notes by adding an extra blank block to represent the beat.  

Here are the Rhythm Labels for Level One.  I still want to tweak the other rhythms before I post them.  I have a lot of more ideas so keep checking back.  I am so excited about this Lego Project!

Google Docs: Rhythm Stickers: Level One

For more rhythm fun check out Rhythm Blocks Level Two

Check out these resources!

Duplo Blocks

A reader saw this wonderful site: Filth Wizardy, a wonderful craft site for kids and parents, and asked me to come up with a game using Duplo Blocks.  The folks at Filth Wizardy have already laid the ground work for this great idea by putting stickers on the blocks.  Well, my wheels are already turning on the great ideas I could do with musical concepts!  Check out there site and maybe get inspired yourself.  Check back soon for some ideas with duplos!

Music Camp: Day Five

Today we finished our Persian March from Fun with Composers.  It has been a lot of fun for the kids and easy to get them involved.  I loved discovering the body movement with the drum stimulus.  The dancing, singing and instruments made this a great way to have fun with a classical piece.  The kids have really enjoyed pretending to be pirates.  Tonight we are performing it in front of the parents.  I have had four classes each day ranging from 1st grade until 5th grade.  Tonight they will all perform the piece together with instruments!  It should be fun!

I also finished a sound story for Noah's Ark today.  We read a story about Noah's Ark and added some instruments sounds to different parts of the story to bring it alive.  So when it rained, drip, drop, drip we added a triangle or a agogo bell.  The children got to pick whatever instrument they thought went with the sound.  If we need a animal roaring or flapping its wings they chose another instrument.  By the end we had a great story with a lot of sound!

It has been a great week and the children have learned so much!