Instrument ExplorationPlaying an instrument can sound exciting, but it can also sound scary. I encourage my students to start on instruments from a young age, so they can be mentally prepared later when they pick up their band instruments. I usually use the percussion instruments to introduce different sound texture, high & low sounds, and most importantly, the instrumental care. Once the students understand how to produce sounds on basic percussion instruments, I switch to xylophones and other pitched percussion instruments. By this time, students start to practice playing with proper techniques and following the ensemble rules in music class.
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Body Percussion Project
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In this project, students reinforce the quarter note and eighth note rhythm patterns by creating and presenting an original body percussion composition in groups of 3-5 students. Students are encouraged to share their final product by pre-recording their performance. They will also bring their device’s USB wire to transfer the file so the class can watch their performance on the classroom projector. Students may also upload and share their project via Google Drive with the teacher and practice how to submit their work digitally. |
!!Kodaly Ukulele!!If you use the Kodaly method in your elementary classrooms, your students are probably very familiar with the rhythmic syllables by the time when they enter grade 5.
My Grade 5 class in learning ukulele this year - check out how I write ukulele's right hand rhythm pattern with Kodaly rhythmic syllable indications! Strumming is one important ukulele technique, and writing the patterns on the board makes it visually easier for students to understand how the patterns are formed. This method also connects the new information with student's prior knowledge. Keep your Grade 5 & 6 students singing with Kodaly Ukulele! |
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The Art of Music
This is when music meets arts - our students turned recycled materials into instruments and amazing art works! Students enjoy this project and they learn so much about the mechanism about instruments by building them by hand.
The first step of being a professional musician:
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Music AppreciationKeep your students actively listening to music by simply having them keep a process journal! This method is adopted from the International Baccalaureate Program, where students keep a journal during the entire process of their personal projects.
My students use their journal to record honestly thoughts, ideas, decisions, feelings and reflections as they listen to the music in class. They can also use their journals as a resource book and update it regularly as they develop their listening and critical thinking skills. |
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