Our after school program gives us an opportunity to work with students in a less structured environment. We are able to offer enrichment activities that support the what is learned at school through various activities. This semester, we offered two music units, violin and choir, for the elementary and middle school students.
In Boost we use music to practice math and literacy skills. Students can practice counting notes and grouping them into measures. They learn to count various beats and rhythms. They also learn rhythm, rhyme, and vocabulary as they learn lyrics and set these lyrics to music. Additionally, the students have an opportunity to learn an instrument they may not be able to otherwise.
Many researchers have looked at the connection between music education and cognitive skills. A five year study published in the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience journal provides evidence that music education can enhance brain development, language, and auditory skills in elementary aged students.
There is an overwhelming number of music resources available online, which is wonderful during the current isolating situation. However, it can be difficult to sort through these sites and determine which ones are most helpful and appropriate.
Here are some music resources that may be beneficial as you work with your children at home. I have only included links that I have experience with or researched and feel are beneficial.
The Let's Play Music website is a curriculum for beginning music students. The people who developed these music classes have produced free downloads for games and materials that can be used to help beginners learn about notes, scales, and how to read music. These are not online activities and a parent or older sibling with more musical ability might need to work with the beginning musician.
Davis-Academy, who run the Pickleville Playhouse in Bear Lake, Utah, are offering online music classes ($15/week per family).
They focus on musical theater type music and performing for kids 6-16. I have seen their kids' summer camp performances and they do a great job teaching kids and putting on a quality show.
Ms. April, a music teacher in Maine, has been conducting a weekly preschool music class through Zoom. She does a great job engaging the preschoolers. The Zoom link changes weekly and so I will post the link on a week by week basis.
Violinspiration offers a beginning Suzuki violin course on Youtube that may be helpful for the beginning violinists. Violinonline is also a good site that describes the correct bow and violin hold and has pictures for reference.
I am also available to help with any violin issues. If you need help tuning or have a specific question, please e-mail patriciawcasey@hotmail.com. If needed we can set up an online meeting or arrange an instrument drop off to help tune. I am confident I can help you and maintain social distance!
What online music resources have you found helpful? Are their any online music classes or performances have you or your families been enjoying? Please share in the comments.
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