Friday, November 22, 2024 | Uncategorized

No Let's Play Music or Sound Beginnings classes the week of Thanksgiving! 

Have a wonderful holiday! Check out this great blog post for some great Thanksgiving themed musical activities!

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | Bridge Lessons

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | Brown Teddy Bears Lessons

Lesson #12

Have you recognized many of the rhymes and songs we have used in class this semester? That’s because the Sound Beginnings curriculum primarily consists of American folk songs and chants, nostalgic songs, nursery rhymes, and well-known classical pieces.

Registration for Pink Piggies is open now for my existing Sound Beginnings families and those on my waitlist! Look for a separate email about registration that was sent out last week. Be sure to take advantage of the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT  so you don't have to pay the $20 registration fee!

Next week we'll sing these in class:

• Weather Bear
• It's Raining
• Echo Edie
• Name the Instruments
• Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around
• Down By the Bay
• The Bear Went Over the Mountain
• March
• Rocky Mountain

Nursery rhymes are much more than entertainment. They introduce idea of storytelling, promote social skills and boost language development. They also lay the foundation for learning to read and spell. Our use of them in class promotes listening to speech patterns and understanding rhyming words. It also provides the chance to interact with peers and parents and is intended to help increase vocabulary and prepare for further literacy skills.

We added the "LA" pitch in "It's Raining" because LA is the next easiest pitch to add to the SOL-MI interval when learning to sing in tune.

Singing songs while playing games that use large motions helps children develop coordination.

Optional home fun activity: Make the Teddy Bear puppet on page 31 in your workbook! Your child will be able to use it in class next week!    
(Remember, these activities are optional but can be a great bonding experience to do with your child during the week.)  

Sometimes it's nice to actually see the instruments playing the songs we hear in class! Here's "March" from the Nutcracker played by an orchestra. If you keep watching, it also has "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Russian Dance," just in time for the holiday season!

Sound Beginnings is education through musical play! It prepares children for success in Kindergarten and Let’s Play Music. Sound beginnings provides research-based elements that stimulate growth in the areas particularly crucial to the development of the young child. These elements make up the foundation of the Sound Beginnings curriculum.  Here is just one:
	Our classes teach intelligent listening and understanding of classical form in a fun and interactive way. Each semester we study the timbre (tam'-ber) of various instruments and our 'smart moves' dances involve the whole body in an enjoyable, classical music experience.

Have a musical day!  
-Ms. Bethany :)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | Purple Magic Lessons

Lesson #12

Next week parents attend and tuition is due for those making monthly payments! (Last one this semester!) 

When playing in the key of F, we can't forget the B-flat! There is an exercise at the top of page 21 in your songbook that will help the kids to remember to play the B-flat when they are in the key of F. Playing this quick exercise before any song in the key of F will help them remember that B-flat any time it comes up in a song. Have them try it both legato and staccato!

This week in class we took melodic dictation in the key of F Major! I played a Mi-Re-Do and the kids drew the notes in that matched what I played.

Please send a text, email, or Marco Polo video of your child playing "Turkey in the Straw" this week! Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect... I'm just looking to be sure they understand the concepts we have been learning.

Celebrate Connection

• Tap the rhythm of your RH while tapping the rhythm of your LH on the keyboard cover (Or just tap one hand if the song is hands alone).
• Pick a measure to play, then close your book and try it from memory.

Jingle Bells
Our fun Holiday song gave us a chance to add chords to a melody. Just like learning any new language, after you speak it, you learn to write it. Once our fingers get comfortable with playing it we will have another opportunity to transpose from C Major to F Major!

By being consistent and modeling positive reinforcement you can have great success with your at-home practice! Your child will naturally follow what their environment gives them. The incredible paradox is that as you help your child, you can grow too! Here are some video practice tips from a fellow Let's Play Music parent to help remind you of some at home practice Do's and Don'ts!

Here is a link to all the skills videos as well as the link to be able to purchase a class video to make up for a missed class. (tap or scan)

Have a musical day!
-Ms. Bethany :)

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | Bridge Lessons

Hello Bridge Families! Here is what we did in class this week: We reviewed the "anchor C's" that help us quickly identify notes on the staff: We learned about the ledger lines above the treble staff The notes on the ledger lines above the staff are: ACE The notes on the spaces above the staff are: GBDF  We learned to play a song to help us remember what the ledger lines and spaces are. You can listen to the tune here as you follow along on page 28 in the Songbook. (It's okay to sing an octave lower than the notes!) I worked with each of the kids during class to see what was working and not working with their primary songs. I added finger numbers to everywhere they had to play something that didn't already have the correct finger over it. I emailed a PDF of their song to each parent so they can begin working with the new updates. Please print it for them! If you can't print it, please let me know. I had to finalize each piece after class was over, so I couldn't get the kids a hard copy before they left. The kids should break down their primary song by practicing the first line only of their song this week. Your child should be able to play the 1st line of the song memorized without making mistakes. Here is a web page I made with all the primary songs and the MP3s so you know what they sound like. Your child is welcome to learn any of the other primary songs ONLY AFTER they have learned their own song. This week your child will do the blue highlighted assignments at home! Parents need to initial completed assignments this week in order for the kids to get their reward in class! I have added additional flashcards to my Quizlet collection. You can access those on my website, or through Quizlet.com. I have also added a few sets to the "Repertoire" section of the Student Portal. Please let me know if you are using these resources and I will continue adding to it! Also let me know if you can't get them to work! (Sometimes things work fine for me as the teacher, but not so well for the students and I have no way of knowing if nobody tells me they aren't working!) Don't forget to please help your child pass off their songs and scales to earn pins! You just need to send me a video of them playing. The scales can be played with or without the back track, but they need to be perfect at least one time with both hands. I'm getting a lot more pass-off lately! Keep it up! Please let me know if you have any questions! Have a musical day!                               -Ms. Bethany :)

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | Brown Teddy Bears Lessons

Lesson #11

Our last week of class with be "Instrument Day"! This fun lesson gives families a chance to share an instrument with the class. Do you, or someone you know, play an instrument you would be willing to share? Maybe your child wants to try a solo from the semester (vocal or on an instrument from home). Of course, performing is optional and you are welcome to just enjoy. Start talking to your child about what instrument you would like to share with the group on this exciting lesson!  

Registration for Pink Piggies is open now only for my existing Sound Beginnings families! Look for a separate email about registration. You will have one week to register before I allow others to begin filling classes. I'll open up registration to those on my waitlist starting November 17th and to the general public on November 24th. You can send this link to your friends if you would like them to get on the waitlist and have a better chance of getting the desired class time!  

Next week we'll sing these in class:

• The Four Seasons
• It's Raining
• Major Scale
• Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around
• Down By the Bay
• The Bear Went Over the Mountain
• A Tisket, A Tasket
• March
• You Are My Sunshine

In addition to teaching musical concepts and Kindergarten skills, Sound Beginnings also introduces children to several life skills. Many of the activities we do in class encourage children to learn to share, take turns, express creativity, listen, or interact and work together with a group.

The instrument families are grouped by the way the instrument produces vibration. The saxophone looks like a brass instrument, but because you blow air into it through a reed, it is a woodwind instrument.

Sharing can be one of the most difficult skills for a young child to learn. With practice and lots of positive reinforcement, toddlers will learn over time that sharing is an important part of life.

Optional home fun activity: Cut out the Down by the Bay rhyming dominoes on page 29 in your workbook. You can use them in class next week if you want!    
(Remember, these activities are optional but can be a great bonding experience to do with your child during the week.)  

Here's a fun video with some different verses of "Down By the Bay" that you can learn!

Sound Beginnings is education through musical play! It prepares children for success in Kindergarten and Let’s Play Music. Sound beginnings provides research-based elements that stimulate growth in the areas particularly crucial to the development of the young child. These elements make up the foundation of the Sound Beginnings curriculum.  Here is just one:
	Little hands need to be strong in order to perform life and learning skills such as dressing oneself and writing. In class, students gain finger dexterity and hand strength as they participate in finger plays to favorite nursery rhymes and manipulate tactile props and instruments.

Have a musical day!  
-Ms. Bethany :)

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | Purple Magic Lessons

Lesson #11

When playing in the key of F, we can't forget the B-flat! There is an exercise at the top of page 21 in your songbook that will help the kids to remember to play the B-flat when they are in the key of F. Playing this quick exercise before any song in the key of F will help them remember that B-flat any time it comes up in a song. Have them try it both legato and staccato!

In class we started taking melodic dictation. I played a few musical notes, and the students had to listen and figure out what they were hearing, then decode how it should be written. We will continue developing this aural perception skill throughout the rest of the school year. 

Please send a Marco Polo video of your child playing "Song of Joy" this week! Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect... I'm just looking to be sure they understand the concepts we have been learning.

Celebrate Connection

• Play "Freeze ad Thaw" - Parent or child will say "start". Child will play until parent randomly says "freeze". Child will freeze until parent says "thaw". Then trade places.
• Play your chords with a small washcloth or towel over your hands. Can you do it without peeking? Use your ears to tell you if you are playing the right notes. Make sure you always use the right fingers for each chord!

Turkey in the Straw
This repertoire piece will have us playing the melody in the right hand and NOW the left hand as well. It will also give us another opportunity to practice our transposing. Your student is doing some pretty impressive stuff!!!

F Major Cadence  Broken

Jingle Bells Chords (Homework)

There's more than one way to write a classic! Check out this funny video of making a variation of "Twinkle Twinkle" by Don Music!

Here is a link to all the skills videos as well as the link to be able to purchase a class video to make up for a missed class. (tap or scan)

Have a musical day!
-Ms. Bethany :)

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | Bridge Lessons

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | Brown Teddy Bears Lessons

Lesson #10

We are now three-quarters of the way through this semester. Time really does fly when you are having fun! If you are interested in continuing your musical adventure, be sure to register for next semester’s Pink Piggies class. Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount so you don't have to pay the $20 registration fee!   

Next week we'll sing these in class:

• Weather Bear
• It's Raining
• Name the Instruments
• Major Scale
• Down By the Bay
• March
• The Bear Went Over the Mountain
• A Tisket, A Tasket
• Old Brass Wagon

You may have noticed by now that a couple of our songs only have two pitches. Both ‘Fall is Here’ and ‘Snowman’ use the SOL-MI interval as it is the easiest interval for the child to learn to recognize, imitate, and sing in tune. Though this interval is part of the major scale, and therefore major in it’s tonality, it is a minor third. SOL-MI songs allow children to have successful singing experiences as they develop in-tune singing voices.

Our next semester of Sound Beginnings classes is Pink Piggies! We will be learning about money, Spanish, and farm animals. You will receive an email with information on how to get registered.

Optional home fun activity: Cut out the letter on page 31 in your workbook and play at home with your family!    
(Remember, these activities are optional but can be a great bonding experience to do with your child during the week.)  

Here's a video with a sweet big sister singing "You Are My Sunshine" to her little Down Syndrome brother. Near the end it shows her other brother singing along as well. SO CUTE!

Sound Beginnings is education through musical play! It prepares children for success in Kindergarten and Let’s Play Music. Sound beginnings provides research-based elements that stimulate growth in the areas particularly crucial to the development of the young child. These elements make up the foundation of the Sound Beginnings curriculum.  Here is just one:
	In class we experience steady beat and imitate rhythmic patterns with our voices, bodies, and through hands-on use of instruments. We incorporate Eurythmics, which is movement-based rhythm training that is perfect for toddlers!

Have a musical day!  
-Ms. Bethany :)

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 | Purple Magic Lessons

Lesson #10

Thank you to those of you who sent Marco Polo, text or email videos of your Showtime songs. It helps class get started much faster if I don't have to hear each student play during class time. It's not too late to send a video of any/all of the Showtime songs we have done so far, if you haven't already. Even if I heard them during class, it's still fun to see them play and to be able to compliment their progress.

We discovered that the reason playing a scale with both hands together is so tricky is because the "pop" comes at different times on each hand. It is perfectly fine to practice one hand at a time a few times to get a feel for it before putting them together. 

Finding F from C is as easy as singing "DO, RE, MI, FA" and then we know where F is! If C is DO, then F is FA! (I've demonstrated this frequently with no extensive explanation as we prepare to sing "Let's Play Music" at the beginning of class!)

Celebrate Connection

• Close your eyes and run your finger over your music then stop and open your eyes. Start from wherever your finger landed and play through to the end.
• Blink each time you play a chord. Then the parent can blink whenever they hear a chord!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
This familiar childhood song is a great way to learn about theme and variation. You can still hear the main theme in each of the variations, it is just sort of disguised in different ways each time. As we continue to study this song throughout the semester we will discover that it is ALSO written in our classical ABA form, and will help our fingers play in an extended C position. 

C Major Scale hands together

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. Our Let's Play Music Blog has some fun ideas for a few Turkey extras your whole family can enjoy! Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is one of the most popular English nursery rhymes. It combines the tune of the 1761 French melody "Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman" with an English poem, "The Star", by Jane Taylor.
    
It is often thought that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the original writer of this melody. Reinforced by its appearance as a "correct answer" in the original edition of Trivial Pursuit and "Snapple Facts" (among others), many believe that the song was written by Mozart when he was four or five years old. Mozart was this age at the time the original French melody was written. Much later in his life, he did write a lot of variations on the original theme-- which we hear on our CD! I told the kids I'd give them a special treat if they can tell me exactly how many variations there are! They will need to listen to their music to find out! 

Check out this parrot singing his OWN variation of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!

Here is a link to all the skills videos as well as the link to be able to purchase a class video to make up for a missed class. (tap or scan)

Have a musical day!
-Ms. Bethany :)