homeschool music – Color In My Piano

With my music homeschool class, we have been studying the instruments of the orchestra. We started this endeavor a long time ago, starting with completing the Musical Instruments Workbook. We have also used Robert Levine’s book: The Story of the Orchestra, and frequently played this review game for remembering the names/families of the instruments.

When I found this “stand-up symphony” download from the St. Louis Symphony website, I knew this would be another great way to review the instruments — as well to as learn where the members of the orchestra sit onstage.

This was such a fun class project! Over the course of a couple of months, we cut out the figures, colored them, and then folded/taped them so they could stand. Continue reading “Instruments of the Orchestra Study – FREE Orchestra Stage Pieces” →

I’ve had a few requests lately from readers regarding more info about what kind of activities I do with my Homeschool Music Classes and Piano Readiness classes, so I thought it might first be a good idea to first give you a peek into how I lesson plan for group classes. Although I don’t lesson plan for teaching private lessons, I do always make a plan for group classes.

At each class, we begin and end with a “Hello Song” and “Goodbye Song.” Students like having this routine, and they are very good at reminding me about the songs if I forget about them! I have the students tap the beat on their knees (as we sit cross-legged on our carpet squares) while we sing. That way, I can tell if they are engaged even if they aren’t singing all the lyrics for one reason or another.

When I lesson plan the evening before the next day’s class, I try to include the following things: Continue reading “How I Lesson Plan for Group Classes” →