Here are 5 activities that you can use in your group music lessons. The activities work for multi-age group levels. Read how each activitiy can be used with students of various levels.
Elementary music teachers and movement teachers can use scarves for many activities. In this blog post you'll find 12 ways to use scarves in music class.
I love doing group lessons with my violin students. It's such an awesome way to have activities and performance opportunities that are not possible in private lessons. But how do you get started? This post addresses some ideas to keep in mind while planning a great group lesson. What are the advantages of group music lessons? For the students: performance opportunities, activities and topics that are not done in private lessons, it’s social (motivating!), and it’s super fun. For the teacher: you can teach more students in less time (give yourself a break, but still be productive and give your students a valuable learning experience!), and you can still get the same income that week as you would by teaching privately (depending on how you decide to charge your students for group lessons, you may even end up making more), it’s fun for you too, and a change of pace from the normal weekly routine. There are many more, but that’s a good start. Are you excited now for group lessons?? Keep reading…. How often should group lessons take place? When my studio is large enough, I like to do group lessons regularly. I schedule them once a month, usually the last week of the month, instead of the regular private lessons that week. Attendance at group lessons is required in my studio, but I have also heard of other people still holding regular private lessons that week, and then offering optional group lessons in addition, for an added fee. You can do what you feel is best for your studio. If your studio is smaller, you may choose to do group lessons less often, such as when preparing for a recital or special event. Of course, some teachers offer group lessons only, instead of private lessons, in which case the priorities and format of the lesson may be somewhat different. Who should come to group lessons? I think group lessons can be done for any age and skill level of students. If you have enough students in your studio, I recommend grouping the students by age/skill level and having multiple groups, in order to get the most out of your classes. At times when I was building up my studio, I have also just held one group lesson with multiple ages and skill levels. It works fine, but you have more work as a teacher in order to modify activities so all skill levels can participate and learn. How much should I charge for group lessons? That’s a good question, and the answer can vary, depending on what works for you. I personally charge the same for group lessons as I do for private lessons. So, essentially, each student pays me for the equivalent of four private lessons a month, and they receive three private lessons and one group lesson. Some students only have 30- or 45-minute private lessons, but they still pay me the same fee for the 60-minute group lesson as they would for a private lesson. I’m not too worried about the nickels and dimes, and parents tend to view it as getting a great deal, and it adds value to what they are paying for. You can use this as a selling point. But if you want, you could charge your students, who have private lessons shorter than your group lessons, a little more for the group lesson. Honestly, I don’t think this is really necessary, because the group lesson allows you to teach more than one student at a time. Even if the more beginner students are paying a little less, you will still probably make more as a teacher, because you will only be teaching 60 minutes, but will still get paid by 8 or 10 or however many students, as if they had private lessons. But do whatever you feel works for you. How long should a group lesson last? That depends on what you would like to accomplish, but I feel that 60 minutes tends to be just right for me. And for the kids’ attention spans. So what do you do at a group lesson? Well, that depends on your goals and the needs of your studio and the students in each group class. There are many ways to do a group class, and I don’t think there’s one right or wrong way. You could have just a performance/master class for older students, or for all students as you approach a recital. You can have your students learn group pieces together, such as a fun duet where multiple people are on each part. You can do something new and different every time, or follow a similar format each time. My mom is an awesome piano teacher who has taught forever, and she likes to do group lessons in the following format. I have sort of copied her ideas and do things similarly. The time allotted can vary, of course, depending on the needs of the students. Composer Time: (20 minutes, give or take). Review the composer from last month (she asks questions about the composer they studied at the last group lesson, and hands out candy if they answer correctly), then she introduces a new composer. Usually, she has ten (or fewer for younger students) important facts about the composer that they talk about and she shows them pictures, video, or plays musical excerpts for them. Performances/Group Pieces Rehearsal: (20 minutes, give or take). Students who have been assigned will perform their pieces for the group. She encourages good listening etiquette, and asks the students to give feedback to the performer, such as what things the performer did well. You can also take time to rehearse any group pieces that everyone is learning together. Theory Game or Other Activity: (20 minutes, give or take). Bring music theory to life with games and activities that the kids can do together. You can have prizes for winners, music-related projects and crafts, and spontaneous composition. Just make it fun. Really, anything you can think of! Here’s an idea for a group music lesson involving found objects for a musical composition. Hopefully I will get some more ideas up here soon as well, so make sure to subscribe so you can stay posted. Whatever you decide to do, just remember to make it fun, exciting, and social so the kids will enjoy coming to group class. Make sure the kids know each others' names so they can be friends. Well, I think I have covered quite a few questions about group music lessons, but if you find you have more questions, feel free to contact me, or leave a message below. Thanks!
Tel Tel loves her life as a piano player, a piano teacher, and a mom. Amid piano blogging, piano teaching, and piano playing, she loves a chance to fit in a good exercise class, volunteer at her kids’ school and at her church, and go on long dates with her husband. Full bio at About […]
Here are several summer music camp activities you can do with group classes or camps over the summer. They can be use with a group of different ages.
Here’s 10 ways to use a parachute in the music classroom. Activities will help students learn and practice music concepts. Parachutes can be used for so many fun activities in the music room. I’ve discovered that they are especially helpful during the latter part of the school year when students are more “squiggly” than ever! […]
15 Stretchy Band Music and Movement Favorites from Bear Paw Creek Customers Back in December I had fun in our Bear Paw Creek Facebook Group showing
Music class is an active, engaging, and joyful experience! This is especially true when our musical activities are grounded in creative and intentional teaching strategies. One of the most important teaching strategies has to do with teaching the difference between steady beat and the rhythm of
Want a creative way to practice rhythms and incorporate movement activities into your classroom? These activities are full of drama, movement and rhythm activities for your PreK through 2nd grade s…
15 Stretchy Band Music and Movement Favorites from Bear Paw Creek Customers Back in December I had fun in our Bear Paw Creek Facebook Group showing
Learn how to incorporate awesome and easy creative movement activities into your music class. Read this post for tips and ideas!
I love movement props for my preschool and kindergarten music groups. One of my favorite movement props? Hands down, the Stretchy Band . The stretchy band is exactly that, a big band that is flexible, stretchy and made with elastic and a soft, colorful fabric. The Stretchy Band is machine was
Montessori shelves work perfectly at home for toddlers and preschoolers. Here's an example of Montessori shelves and environment for a 2 year old.
ACTIVITY OUTLINE Title: Musical Scattergories Domain: cognitive Population: Adult Mental Health (Forensics) Category: leisure activity,...
Who doesn’t love music and what all it represents? And as you all already know it is said that having a musical education can help your brain to develop stronger in other educational areas as…
Montessori-inspired music themed learning activities for kids.
I hope these music activities for preschoolers help to give you some
Five parachute music and movement activities K-5 ideas! In today's post I'm sharing five music activities you can use to learn music concepts
Extra Beat, Take a Seat is a really fun game to play with upper elementary students to help them count beats. This can be played with no materials or rhythm sticks.
Reinforcing rhythms with The Chicken Game + rhythm cards that correspond to the music you teach.
In this art and music activity for children we’ll look at famous art inspired by music and create our own art project in combination with different pieces of music. Art and music activity for children In this lesson you will: :: be introduced to synesthesia and the idea of exploring the combination […]
Write for the NAfME Blog SEARCH & FILTER Search Category Subscribe to NAfME Notes Subscribe to NAfME Notes, our biweekly e-newsletter, to receive highlights from the blog and other NAfME news in your inbox. Subscribe Now Write for the NAfME Blog Interested in sharing your experience with the music education…
ACTIVITY OUTLINE Title: Musical Bingo Domain: cognitive, music Population: Adult Mental Health (Forensics) Category: memory, leisure activity, reality orientation Materials: pre-made Bingo cards, chords to all songs on sheets, guitar, bingo card markers, papers with songs/artists to draw, prizes for winners Procedures: 1. Let clients choose a Bingo card and give them place markers 2. Begin drawing songs and singing them 3. Clients mark off either song names, singers, or both from their cards. 4. When someone gets 5 in a row, they yell “BINGO!” 5. Check to make sure they had all of their answers correct. If they do, they win and get a prize. Behavioral Observation: Participation, reality orientation, leisure skills, memory Source: Songs by various artists, compiled for specific population by me Submitted by: Bethany Clayton; 3/23/2010 Bingo cards: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Looking for engaging, musical games to play with your students? Here are a few of my favorite games and activities for elementary music classes, children's choirs, and elementary group classes.
Here are several summer music camp activities you can do with group classes or camps over the summer. They can be use with a group of different ages.
Kindness demonstration to give students a visual representation of how kind acts create a ripple effect in the school community!
Fun music activities for kids inspired by pianos
10+ music and movement activities for toddlers and preschoolers that get them up and moving their bodies, strengthening their fine and large motor muscles.
I have previous posts on how I use centers in my music room. You may click this link to read those posts. I recently planned ...
xxxxx
Elementary music teacher blogs, Kodaly Blogs, music sub plans, substitute music plans, music education activities, music resources, music games
Learn how to practice rhythms with this budget-friendly and fun rhythm game in your elementary music classroom.
We're focusing on practicing rhythms and preparing kindergarten students for quarter notes and eighth notes (ta and ti-ti/ du and du-de). We’ll start with steady beat activities then move to whole group instruction, small group practice, and finally a meaningful wrap up to bring home what your kindergarten musicians learned. I’ll share specific examples, sample dialogue between you and your students, and things you can use in your classroom- including a free worksheet!
Help your students refocus on their goals and identify the strengths they have that will help them persevere and finish the school year strong with this fun perseverance activity!
Elementary music teacher blogs, Kodaly Blogs, music sub plans, substitute music plans, music education activities, music resources, music games
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Worksheet - Worksheet Bookmark
This includes a lesson plan, activities, prompts and summaries for teaching Cinderella themes in a drama class. You May Also like: -Play: A Frosty Friendship -Class/Group Ice Breakers -Roll a Body Movement -Emotion Dice -Mini Drama Class: Year 1 of lesson plans -Mini Drama Class: 1 year of lesson plans - 2nd year -Mini Drama Class: 1 year of lesson plans - 3rd year -Different Topics: Mini Drama Lesson (FREE) You may also like my extras (also available individually) -Roll A Tableaux Bundle -Roll a Tongue Twister Bundle -Roll a Story Bundle -Mini Drama 3 years of Lesson Plans Bundle Thank you so much for taking the time to download my products, don’t forget to follow my page! CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.4: Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail. VA:Cr1.1.Ka: Use materials, tools, and equipment safely in the creation of art.
Love to use scarves and movement in your elementary music room? Here is a scarf routine to Bizet's Les Toreadores No. 1. Your kids will love it!
MELODY/HARMONY LESSONS - FREEBIE: The MELODY/HARMONY LESSONS FREEBIE is a sample of the larger MELODY/HARMONY MEGA BUNDLE (a collection 110+ pages of lessons, activities, and composition/group projects!). This set of "freebie" lessons provides the first three introductory lessons to teach students about Melody, Harmony, and Melody/Harmony together! Check out the full Melody/Harmony Mega Bundle by clicking the link below! MELODY AND HARMONY MEGA BUNDLE Keywords: Music theory, creating, composing, composition, whole class instruction, music centers, technique, independence, independent, individual learning, differentiated learning, partner learning, music notation, music activity, instrument, keyboard, ukulele, songs, music lesson, creative, creativity, reading, singing, learning, playing (c) 2018 – Ty Rockafellow - Permission is granted to original purchasers to reproduce material as designated only for their own classroom use. These materials may not be used to create products that are sold for profit. No other part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.
Engage your piano students from the very beginning of their piano lessons with these creative ways to start a lesson. Read more.
