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:

• eight hi-ball glasses
• a plastic jug
• a syringe
• a small teaspoon.

Here's how you make it:

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

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



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

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:

• a strong cardboard tube from a kitchen or bathroom roll
• wax paper
• an elastic band

Here's how you make it:

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

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 :)



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

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