Introducing Symbols To Preschoolers

Here's a great way to introduce the concept of symbols to preschool age children.
Find pictures to represent the names of songs you have been singing with the children.  I have legally printed off pictures from the internet and found pictures in books and magazines.  For instance, a picture of a star or stars would represent the song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".  A picture of a lamb would allude to "Mary Had A Little Lamb" and a cute puppy dog would be the symbol for the song, "Bingo".
Introducing symbols at an early age is a great idea because learning music notation is full of symbols!
Using the picture idea above is not only a fun game for the children, it makes for a teachable moment.

2017 Summer Music Fun

What will you do this summer when family schedules are turned delightfully upside down and your children's practice schedules are not consistently on the calendar?  You will go find and make some wonderful music!

• Try going out to your local farmer's markets as they frequently have musical guests performing that may inspire your family
• Look for inexpensive orchestra tickets in your local paper or online to take in some inspirational live music
• Try organizing a home recital with your children and other fellow music students.  Refreshments and visiting afterward are a reward for a job well done!

More Appropriate Rewards For Your Child

Like any human being, we like to be rewarded for our hard work now and then. Rewards can be incentive for paying attention, keeping a quiet body while having a lesson, following directions, and practicing. Rewards aren’t always necessary but as a parent, you may decide that your child has earned a little extra attention, ice cream, stickers, or a pat on the back for doing a stellar job. Here are some ideas for appropriate rewards.

1) A hug
2) Verbal rewards such as saying, “I am so proud of you!”
3) A sticker or a few stickers
4) A sweet treat such as a cookie or piece of candy
5) Making their favorite food
6) Setting up a playdate with someone special
7) Visiting a new playground
8)Watching a special TV program

Well, you get the idea! Whatever the reward, make it happy and healthy for your family.

One Of Our Favorite Musical Stories

Lefty and Buckaroo

Lefty and Buckaroo lived in the state of Montana.  Can you say Montana? Lefty was a girl pony and Buckaroo was a boy pony.  One day there was a rain storm and Lefty and Buckaroo ran into a cave to stay dry.  Ready to help me with a rainstorm? (Children get to clap and stomp their feet for a moment until you say "stop!")  As Lefty and Buckaroo walked into the cave, they heard a noise.  The noise sounded like a baby rattle with the rattle being shaken slowly but getting faster. (Teacher shakes maraca slowly and then faster) What was it?  Both ponies then saw a very colorful snake slithering toward them.  (Can you help me make a snake noise?) But, after the snake made a hissing noise, it began to talk.  The snake said, "Do not be afraid, my friends.  I am just a lonely snake who would like some company.  I'm so glad you're here!"  The three animals became friends and the ponies said they would come back and visit again.  Since the rain had stopped, Lefty and Buckaroo said goodbye to their new friend and galloped home. (Teacher plays wood block with mallet)

Musical Activities For Very Young Children

You may find yourself in the position of needing some ideas while working/playing/teaching young children.  

Here is an article I wrote for the Minnesota Public Radio website in early March of 2015.  It's rather long so I'll just post the link so you may read it at your leisure!

www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/03/02/activities-children-classical-music

You Be The Music Teacher And I'll Be The Music Student

Sometimes it's fun to change roles during practice sessions with your child.  You might say to your son or daughter, "Okay, today you get to be the teacher."  "Come and sit in this special chair and I'll play your instrument today."  "You tell me what I'm doing well and not so well."  This can be a great insight to both you and your child!  Even if you, the parent, play the instrument terribly, it will still be lots of fun and give both of you clarity about what it's like to be in "each other's shoes".

The Student-Parent-Teacher Relationship

Parents, if you are new to working with a music teacher, here are some tips for you.

1) Let the teacher develop a relationship with your child. While it may be tempting to tell the teacher about your kiddo, let the connection evolve
2) Respecting and following the teacher’s suggestions are the order of the day. If you are questioning anything about the teaching, please give the teacher a call or e-mail so as to have a private conversation
3) Take the enthusiasm of the teacher home with you. Try to remember specific compliments that the teacher gave to your child during the lesson and reinforce those compliments at home
4) Keep the relationship between all three of you light. Laughter, humor, and creative guidance from both teacher and parent set the tone for a successful journey through the wonderful world of music