Make melodic musical instruments. Make different notes by blowing into different size containers or plucking different types of strings. You may find some ideas on this blog under the "activities" label. Use your instrument to make your own song.
Extension: Find other instruments in the orchestra or from around the world that make sounds the same way your instrument does.
Skills: Classifying, composing melodies
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Piano Guild Auditions!
The Guild Auditions consist of a program of memorized music played alone for a judge, who then gives detailed feedback on a "report card". It is a good opportunity for students to review and show what they have accomplished this year and to hear from a person other than their teacher about what they are doing well, and ways they can improve. Students also receive a pin and award certificate.
Our local audition times are Thursday afternoon April 28th, which gives us better time to plan ahead. Fees for entry depend on the number of pieces in the program, but should range between about $30 and $50. Programs can include songs that students already know and/or have memorized, as well as pieces we will learn for the auditions, and "musicianship phases"--demonstrations of skills such as playing sets of scales, chord, or exercises.
If you are interested in participating in the Guild Auditions this year please contact Mr. Michael before February 26th (michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com) or return this letter. We will work together to complete the next steps to register students and choose a program to begin working on! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I look forward to giving our students a chance to learn and grow through this experience.
Our local audition times are Thursday afternoon April 28th, which gives us better time to plan ahead. Fees for entry depend on the number of pieces in the program, but should range between about $30 and $50. Programs can include songs that students already know and/or have memorized, as well as pieces we will learn for the auditions, and "musicianship phases"--demonstrations of skills such as playing sets of scales, chord, or exercises.
If you are interested in participating in the Guild Auditions this year please contact Mr. Michael before February 26th (michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com) or return this letter. We will work together to complete the next steps to register students and choose a program to begin working on! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I look forward to giving our students a chance to learn and grow through this experience.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Meet Miss. Amber!
Who has been playing the piano since she was 8 years old? Meet Miss Amber, one of NewSongs piano teachers.
What do you do at NewSongs?
I teach group and private piano classes from ages 6 all the way up.
Why do you play the piano?
I play the piano and wish I was talented enough to do them all but for right now I'm perfectly happy with piano.
When did you start?
I started when I was 8 years old in 3rd grade and my mom forced me to take lessons. Good thing I ended up loving it.
How often do you practice?
1-2 hours a day. I usually mess around and try to play songs by ear, radio songs or some old classics.
When did you start teaching?
I started teaching last May of 2010.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
I absolutely love working with kids.
What was the best concert you ever went to?
My first recital with my students. (I've never been to a concert otherwise!)
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by the idea that there is no limit on the capacity that you can learn, explore, find and achieve. My mom and dad tell me that a lot and it keeps me motivated in everything, not just piano.
What are your dreams for your life?
I want to get to college! I'd love to continue teaching music and study either business or liberal arts. We'll see I guess! My real dream though is that whatever I end up doing, I'm happy.
What do you do besides NewSongs?
I play piano in the worship band at my church, both high school youth group and adult service. I am also a full time high school student at Pleasant Grove High School (c/o 2012) and I volunteer teach 4th and 5th graders at my church. I am also on the yearbook staff at my school.
What do you do for fun?
I write my own songs, take my little brother and sister out to lunch, play with my 2 adorable puppy dogs, go see new movies and buy shoes online.
Amber's favorites:
Food: I absolutely love potatoe gnocchi's (It's Italian potatoe dumplings! They're amazing.)
Color: Aquarmarine
Movie: Miss Congeniality
CD/Music: Alternative Rock
Book: Misery by Stephen King
Saturday, February 19, 2011
News from NewSongs
Dear NewSongs families
We will be OPEN next Monday during Presidents Day.
VIOLIN and VOICE students in Artist (private) lessons have Group Classes this Saturday--double check with your teacher for times and information.
PIANO EXPLORER students interested in performing in the March 5th Recitals at NewSongs, please make sure to sign up or contact Ms Amber for details (amber@elkgrovemusiclessons.com)
Piano Guild audition applications are due this month for those who are interested (see the bottom of this letter)
And we have one more NEW performance opportunity coming up on Saturday, February 26th, in just over one week! Read on--
We have been working for several weeks to schedule a performance at Sunrise Assisted Living in Elk Grove. We finally got it--we are inviting students who would like to perform on Saturday, February 26th at 3 pm.
Students of ALL ages, instruments and ability are invited to play for the residents, who are a very warm and receptive audience. The hall is not too large, so it is a good opportunity for students that may be nervous about performing for a large group. We will only be able to accommodate about 15 performers and families so please sign up at NewSongs this week or contact Ms Jan or Mr Michael and we will get your name signed up. We will also have an "interest list" of students, regardless of if they perform this month or not, would like to perform for senior centers in the future. We will contact you first about our next scheduled performance. Students are invited to use 3 to 4 minutes to perform, so more than one piece or song is fine, and students can work with their teacher to choose music that they feel is "ready".
We look forward to helping our students share their musical gifts with others that so appreciate them. Remember the performance is coming up on Saturday, February 26th at 2 pm. Sunrise Assisted living is at (6727 Laguna Park Drive Elk Grove, CA 95758). Please remember to sign up as soon as possible!
If you take piano lessons, read on!!
?
Dear Piano Families--
Spring is on its way and it is time to prepare for Piano Guild auditions! Last year we had a disappointing experience with the Guild auditions, however I spent a good deal of time talking with the new chairperson and I am more confident that things will go smoothly this year.
The Guild Auditions consist of a program of memorized music played alone for a judge, who then gives detailed feedback on a "report card". It is a good opportunity for students to review and show what they have accomplished this year and to hear from a person other than their teacher about what they are doing well, and ways they can improve. Students also receive a pin and award certificate.
Our local audition times are Thursday afternoon April 28th, which gives us better time to plan ahead. Fees for entry depend on the number of pieces in the program, but should range between about $30 and $50. Programs can include songs that students already know and/or have memorized, as well as pieces we will learn for the auditions, and "musicianship phases"--demonstrations of skills such as playing sets of scales, chord, or exercises.
If you are interested in participating in the Guild Auditions this year please contact Mr. Michael before February 26th (michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com) or return this letter. We will work together to complete the next steps to register students and choose a program to begin working on! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I look forward to giving our students a chance to learn and grow through this experience.
We will be OPEN next Monday during Presidents Day.
VIOLIN and VOICE students in Artist (private) lessons have Group Classes this Saturday--double check with your teacher for times and information.
PIANO EXPLORER students interested in performing in the March 5th Recitals at NewSongs, please make sure to sign up or contact Ms Amber for details (amber@elkgrovemusiclessons.com)
Piano Guild audition applications are due this month for those who are interested (see the bottom of this letter)
And we have one more NEW performance opportunity coming up on Saturday, February 26th, in just over one week! Read on--
We have been working for several weeks to schedule a performance at Sunrise Assisted Living in Elk Grove. We finally got it--we are inviting students who would like to perform on Saturday, February 26th at 3 pm.
Students of ALL ages, instruments and ability are invited to play for the residents, who are a very warm and receptive audience. The hall is not too large, so it is a good opportunity for students that may be nervous about performing for a large group. We will only be able to accommodate about 15 performers and families so please sign up at NewSongs this week or contact Ms Jan or Mr Michael and we will get your name signed up. We will also have an "interest list" of students, regardless of if they perform this month or not, would like to perform for senior centers in the future. We will contact you first about our next scheduled performance. Students are invited to use 3 to 4 minutes to perform, so more than one piece or song is fine, and students can work with their teacher to choose music that they feel is "ready".
We look forward to helping our students share their musical gifts with others that so appreciate them. Remember the performance is coming up on Saturday, February 26th at 2 pm. Sunrise Assisted living is at (6727 Laguna Park Drive Elk Grove, CA 95758). Please remember to sign up as soon as possible!
If you take piano lessons, read on!!
?
Dear Piano Families--
Spring is on its way and it is time to prepare for Piano Guild auditions! Last year we had a disappointing experience with the Guild auditions, however I spent a good deal of time talking with the new chairperson and I am more confident that things will go smoothly this year.
The Guild Auditions consist of a program of memorized music played alone for a judge, who then gives detailed feedback on a "report card". It is a good opportunity for students to review and show what they have accomplished this year and to hear from a person other than their teacher about what they are doing well, and ways they can improve. Students also receive a pin and award certificate.
Our local audition times are Thursday afternoon April 28th, which gives us better time to plan ahead. Fees for entry depend on the number of pieces in the program, but should range between about $30 and $50. Programs can include songs that students already know and/or have memorized, as well as pieces we will learn for the auditions, and "musicianship phases"--demonstrations of skills such as playing sets of scales, chord, or exercises.
If you are interested in participating in the Guild Auditions this year please contact Mr. Michael before February 26th (michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com) or return this letter. We will work together to complete the next steps to register students and choose a program to begin working on! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I look forward to giving our students a chance to learn and grow through this experience.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Glass Xylophone
The is very easy to make but it can be very messy if you're not careful! The glass xylophone teaches basic science concepts, composition and coordination.
Here's what you'll need:
Arrange the glasses in a row (tape the bases down to make sure they don't tip) and give the child a small plastic jug and syringe and instruct them to fill the glasses with varying water levels to create a row of different pitches.
How you play it:
Strike gently with the teaspoon to make melodies; use two spoons for chords.
Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard
Here's what you'll need:
- eight hi-ball glasses
- a plastic jug
- a syringe
- a small teaspoon.
Arrange the glasses in a row (tape the bases down to make sure they don't tip) and give the child a small plastic jug and syringe and instruct them to fill the glasses with varying water levels to create a row of different pitches.
How you play it:
Strike gently with the teaspoon to make melodies; use two spoons for chords.
Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Meet Mr. Matthew!
Mr. Matthew is NewSongs newest guitar teacher. Did you know his favorite food is brownies?
What do you do at NewSongs?
I teach guitar.
Why do you play the guitar?
Because it allows me to express myself.
When did you start?
I started when I was 13.
How often do you practice?
I practice on a daily basis for multiple hours.
When did you start teaching?
I started teaching over the summer out of my house.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Seeing the kids' faces when the instrument finally clicks for them.
What was the best concert you ever went to?
I took a train to Reno and saw B.B. King
What do you do besides NewSongs?
I like to read, write, listen to, and play music religiously.
What do you do for fun?
I play guitar. I don't have many other hobbies besides music. I go downtown with Cameron and watch Jazz.
What are your dreams for your life?
My dreams are to reach out to everybody through music.
Mr. Matthew's favorites:
Food: I have a weakness for brownies
Color: blue
Movie: Almost Famous
CD/Music: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Texas Flood Blues/Rock/Pop/Jazz
Book: On the Road Jack Kervac
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Don't Forget About Saturday Group Classes!
Remember that "Artist" students have group classes and workshops!
All private lesson students are invited to participate in group classes to help enhance and support their learning by working on special projects with others.
Write these times on your calendars!
Violin: 4th Saturdays @ 10am for beginning players and @ 11am for late beginner/early intermediate players
Voice: 3rd Saturdays @ 1:15pm
Guitar: 1st and 3rd Saturdays @ 11am
Piano: weekly labs
Upcoming performances:
Ms. Amber's Piano Performance Club - Saturday, March 5
Guitar Performance Club - Saturday March 5
Spotlight Drama - March 12th at Peace Presbyterian
All private lesson students are invited to participate in group classes to help enhance and support their learning by working on special projects with others.
Write these times on your calendars!
Violin: 4th Saturdays @ 10am for beginning players and @ 11am for late beginner/early intermediate players
Voice: 3rd Saturdays @ 1:15pm
Guitar: 1st and 3rd Saturdays @ 11am
Piano: weekly labs
Upcoming performances:
Ms. Amber's Piano Performance Club - Saturday, March 5
Guitar Performance Club - Saturday March 5
Spotlight Drama - March 12th at Peace Presbyterian
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Tube Kazoo
The tube kazoo is great for learning breath control and pitch technique and actually making it is good for coordination skills.
Here's what you'll need:
Fix the wax paper to one end of the tube and fasten tight with the elastic band around the tube. Make a hole halfway up the tube (this makes playing it much easier as it lets the air escape).
How you play it:
Hum through the open end of the tube with your teeth apart, and lips slightly open. This will make a great buzzing sound that will match the pitch of the tune you are humming.
This instrument is great for playing along to music as it is easy to pitch and makes an interesting sound. You can experiment with using different lengths of tube for this instrument - the card tube from a roll of wrapping paper is particularly effective.
Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard
Here's what you'll need:
- a strong cardboard tube from a kitchen or bathroom roll
- wax paper
- an elastic band
Fix the wax paper to one end of the tube and fasten tight with the elastic band around the tube. Make a hole halfway up the tube (this makes playing it much easier as it lets the air escape).
How you play it:
Hum through the open end of the tube with your teeth apart, and lips slightly open. This will make a great buzzing sound that will match the pitch of the tune you are humming.
This instrument is great for playing along to music as it is easy to pitch and makes an interesting sound. You can experiment with using different lengths of tube for this instrument - the card tube from a roll of wrapping paper is particularly effective.
Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Meet Mr. Cameron!
Everyone wants to learn to play the drums! Mr. Cameron loves the drums and does a great job teaching in a fun way!
Do you know Mr. Cameron's favorites?
What do you do at NewSongs?
I teach drums.
Why do you play the drums?
Because it is my life. It's all I know how to do.
When did you start?
I started to play drums at the age of 2 years old.
How often do you practice?
I practice on my drum kit about 2-3 hours at a time. But I also play gigs and play on a drum pad off and on the rest of the day.
When did you start teaching?
About 3 years ago.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
I love seeing students excited about playing. Especially when they work hard and improve.
Who inspires you?
My drum teacher, Rick Lotter and players I look up to. And my friend, Matthew.
What are your dreams for your life?
To be able to support myself by playing music professionaly.
What do you do besides NewSongs?
I play drums, teach at home and work at a movie theater. And I am a full time student at Sacramento State.
What do you do for fun?
I like to go to downtown Sacramento and eat at restaurants where live Jazz is played.
Cameron's Favorites:
Food: strawberries
Color: purple
Movie: Grown Ups
CD/Music: Jazz, CD-The Soothsayer by Wayne Shorter
Book: Calvin and Hobbes :)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Everyday Music Activity #8
Make RHYTHM instruments! This can be anything you hit that makes a sound. Make a rhythm pattern by combining long and short sounds together with a steady beat.
Extension: Make rhythm cards that represent long/short sound, or learn about standard notaiton and learn how to make a complete measure.
Skills: Motor skills, math, learning rhythms
Extension: Make rhythm cards that represent long/short sound, or learn about standard notaiton and learn how to make a complete measure.
Skills: Motor skills, math, learning rhythms
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Meet Mr. Sam!
Do you want to be a rock star? Then you better meet Mr. Sam and learn to play the guitar!
What do you do at NewSongs?
I teach guitar and music theory?
Why do you play the guitar?
Because I feel that it comes more naturally to me than other instruments.
When did you start playing?
When I was in Junior High in the summer of '99!
How often do you practice?
About 1 1/2 hours a day (excluding Sundays)
When did you start teaching?
I started teaching at the ripe old age of 18!
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Seeing my students' reaction when "everything clicks".
What do you do besides NewSongs?
I go to school at Anthem College to begin a side career in surgical technology!
What do you do for fun?
I record my music at home for fun!
Who or what inspires you?
- Seeing something that seems impossible made possible
- Learning a new music skill
What are your dreams for your life?
That I'd write music that is recorded and played worldwide by myself and millions from all corners.
Mr. Sam's favorites:
Food: American food! burgers, ribs, BBQ and Soups!
Color: Green
Movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Cd/Music: "Brothers" by Black Keys and "OK Computer" by Radiohead
Book: Ender's Shadow
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