Most music teacher resources are written by specialists, and designed for other specialists to use. But if you’re not a trained music teacher, these programs are intimidating and difficult to understand.
It IS possible to teach a quality music program – even without any formal training. All you need are resources that break down the concepts in a way that both you – and your students! – can easily follow.
Teaching the elements of music and looking for worksheets? Doodle-style notes are all the rage in science and math, but doodling notes are actually a natural choice for music classes as well – especially when you’re hoping to make music theory worksheets a little more interesting. What are doodle-style notes? Doodle-style notes are structured worksheets […]
Looking for tips on how to teach dynamics in music class? Dynamics in music can be a lot of fun to teach, because of all the dramatic pieces of music you can use as examples. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started, even if you’re not a music specialist. What are dynamics […]
Looking for emergency elementary music sub plans for now… or in the future? The single most important strategy for music sub plans (especially when it is a true emergency) is to have a substitute teacher kit (or “sub tub”) ready to go in advance. That way, you can just write “see sub tub” and feel […]
Music listening activity ideas for your elementary lesson plans. Stretch out / music reflection This is a great activity for the end of class, especially if you’re like me and have SO MUCH FUN during music class that you have a reputation for getting the kids all riled up… (sorry not sorry). Play a piece […]
Beat vs Rhythm Grade 1 Looking for help with a beat vs rhythm lesson plan? Beat and rhythm, although a grade 1 expectation, can be deceptively difficult – especially if you are not a music specialist. Understanding the difference between beat and rhythm is the first and most fundamental concept in the “duration” element of […]
I have been in charge of Elementary Christmas concerts for a long time. One of the most important things that I do in preparing elementary classes for their concerts is teaching them the song they are going to sing. Occasionally, a few of the classes don’t make it onto my music class schedule, which means […]
Opera lesson plans for elementary music: Have you introduced opera to your elementary students? A lot of music teachers are afraid to try to include opera in their lesson plans because they assume that elementary students won’t like it. If you aren’t a music specialist, you may not know much about opera yourself. But teaching […]
An orchestra conducting lesson is an excellent addition to your elementary music plans. Music teachers can use conducting to: Orchestra Conducting Lesson Plan Tips 1. Hook your students with a fun example of conducting. Of course, watching examples of legit conductors is an important aspect of a conducting unit, but watching a non-conductor’s attempts also […]
If you are teaching grade 1 music and don’t know where to start, the concept of high and low in music is an excellent choice. An essential but often overlooked fundamental music concept in the Ontario Curriculum for grade 1 is Pitch: high and low sounds. Although I have been teaching music for 15 years, […]