Making Music “Children need music every day and every year of their learning lives, and the more complex the better.” —Rebecca Shore and Janie Strasser (2006) Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

What Is Music? Music is organized sound. Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

The Elements of Music RhythmTimbreDynamics FormMelodyHarmony Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Learning through Music Through music, children: Improve in auditory memory Gain more physical coordination Learn how to work with others Develop organized and logical thinking Increase language skills Learn a way to express feelings Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Music Standards By the end of the primary years, children should: 1.Sing by oneself and with others 2.Play instruments 3.Improvise rhythms and melodies 4.Compose and arrange music 5.Read and notate music Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Music Standards (continued) By the end of the primary years. children should: 6.Describe and respond to music 7.Evaluate music 8.Understand music’s relationship to the arts, other subjects 9.Understand music’s role in culture and history Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Musical Development Infants Respond to and recognize music Toddlers Move to rhythms and learn simple songs Preschool Begin to match pitch and rhythm; can reproduce musical patterns Kindergarten Sing in tune and can learn to play an instrument Primary age Can read and compose music Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Designing Musical Activities One-on-one Exploration centers –Listening –Conducting –Sound –Instrumental Responsive activities Transitions Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

The Listening Experience Listening to music leads to increased cognitive and language skills: 1.Begin with complex music in infancy. 2.Then introduce music from other times and cultures. Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Dealing with Special Needs To assist children with auditory processing needs: Provide preferential seating Use earphones Let child touch vibrating instruments and speakers Play music with multiple clues (words, visuals, and patterns) Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Making Rhythms Provide tappers and shakers. Create a sound- making center. Record rhythms children make. Match children’s motions. Ways to develop rhythmic skills: Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Musical Instruments Introducing instruments: Start with simple, durable percussion and tonal instruments. Explore the sounds they make and practice describing them by name, shape, and timbre. Stage impromptu parades and concerts. Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Singing Songs Show expression on your face. Maintain eye contact with the children. Be enthusiastic. Signal when to begin, such as with a “Ready, go!” Really know the song. Practice it many times. Pictures and props will help the children— and you—remember the song better. Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Selecting Songs Songs should: Be short Be easy to sing Have a steady beat Be repetitious Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Inventing Songs Guidelines for successful improvised songs: 1.Make sure it is appropriate. 2.Use short, simple melodies. 3.Use a comfortable key. 4.Make it rhythmic. Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Teaching a Song Whole song method Call and response Say it first or write it out Clap the rhythm or act it out Substitute more personal words Make it familiar or tell its history Add hand signs Copyright 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.