Playing a musical instrument is a skill that is often looked at as being reserved for only a select few. From my experience of teaching years of elementary music I have found that the number of students who can be successful with an instrument is far greater than most people believe. In fact, I have yet to find a student who couldn’t make an instrument sound good.
My results may be biased, however, for two reasons. First of all, I teach elementary aged students who don’t have the hang-ups or mental obstacles that many adults have. They give music an honest try and believe they have the potential to be able to play well. Secondly, I am passionate about what I do. I truly believe that anyone who wants to learn music can, if they are taught the right way.
Learning a song can be broken down into three easy steps: listen, read and play. If these steps are down properly and patiently, the songs will flow.
Listening to music is an important step that is often skipped over. To play a song properly a student needs to be familiar with the notes. The song should be listened to a minimum of 4 times. I often play a song that we will be learning in other classes. While students are quietly working on math problems or reading, I’ll play the song in the background. It is important that they listen to the song played as perfectly as possible which means a digital or professional track of the song is much better that listening to someone who is only still learning to play the song. If listened to enough, the song will become familiar and easily recognized.
The second step is to read the music. At first a student will have to look up notes on a note guide, but with practice this will become automatic. Finding the notes can be easy if note guides are clear and easy to use. Any music shop will offer a variety of choices.
The third step is the most obvious one; playing the instrument. When an instrument is played, it should be played along with an accompanying CD or experienced player. This will help the student play in tune and in rhythm. Repeated playing along with a model version of the song will encourage a high level of skill.
These steps will take a student down the path to being a skilled musician. As many parents already know, the gift of music will last a lifetime.
Darren Michalczuk is the founder of the Brick School. He is an experienced classroom teacher who has developed many programs and resources for math, language and music. The Brick School offers quality educational posters, programs and worksheets online for elementary language arts, math and music. Materials are designed to promote effective learning strategies in an easy to understand, straight-forward format. They offer both practical solutions to learning problems and leading edge technology and techniques. It reaches both struggling students and those who need extra challenges in class.With the latest software and leading edge learning strategies, our materials are paving the way for learning. User-friendly programs give students instant feedback while they practice important basic skills. Lessons and study guides also include proven learning strategies and memories techniques. Please visit our website.
http://brickschool.ca
Tags: elementary, homeschool, learn, lessons, music, sheet music
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