Music Fun on the Internet

Summer is practically here -- a great time to find new ways to connect with music and have fun.  Have you ever played a music video game?  Creatingmusic.com has some fun stuff...  Click around and explore the many possibilities music has to tap into your creative side.

Explore Pitch

Playing with the C Scale

And here's my favorite (which lets you go as crazy as you would like).  This "game" gives you a whole new way to think of writing music and to experiment with sounds.  Explore all the buttons!

Creating your own Music

Have you found a place on the internet to experiment with composing your own music?  Share your findings!  And have a great summer!

A New Game!

Today I made a new practice game for those of you in Book 1!

I have been using Alfred Publishing's Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear materials, so I included them in this game.  This game can be played in multiple ways and with many goals in mind.  Here are a few of the games you could play with this board:

   1.  Music Note Trail is good for general practice time.  Roll the die and move your piece after you complete something from your practice list.  Parents, you can play too!

   2.  Practice Spot Time is a tool for a small spot which needs repetition.  Follow the triangles to the very top to finish!

   3.  Review!  We always need to play the songs we already know.  How many can you play from this list?

AND MORE!  Who wants to borrow the game first?

Practice Games

Dr. Suzuki said, "An unlimited amount of ability can develop when parent and child are having fun together...happiness develops ability."1


    Here are a few ideas to add some fun to your practice routine:

• 101 Ways to Practice One Note, One Measure, One Line
      Repetition, repetition, repetition.... with fun!
• Use a Practice Chart
     Charts can be great motivators in and of themselves for those who like to check things off a list.   They are also great for giving your child some control over what they practice while still ensuring that they will cover what the teacher asked.  Create a practice chart from your lesson notes that includes all the key practice points and review pieces.  You may choose to give your child a reward for completing one day, or one week of practice.
     Ask me for examples of practice charts!
• Use or Create a Gameboard
      For young children use a game like Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders.  You may roll the dice or pull a card to move after completing a practice spot or song.  Parents should play along.  Allow your child to pick the practice spot for you to play!  Who will finish the game first?  (Could be played over several days.)
      OR create your own game!  I have several available in my studio to borrow.
• "Lucky Dip" Box
       This was Dr. Suzuki's idea.  Write each review song, practice spot, technique assignment, etc on a piece of paper.  Place them in a box or bowl.  Have your child take a "Lucky Dip" to decide what comes next!
     You could also use this only for review pieces.  Each day assign your child a certain number of songs to pick from the box at random.
  
  What games have you and your child enjoyed during practice time?  Please share it in the comments section!
  
  1Ability Development from Age Zero