5 ‘Innovative Ways’ To Blend Music Studies With History

Did you know that one of the best ways to introduce your kids to music is by blending music in with other subjects that they learn in the homeschool? 

When I say this, one of the first questions I hear from moms is, how do I do that? 

I’m teaching history today, and what about the signing of the Magna Carta can I use to teach music?

Ok, so let’s assume for a second that your kids are currently learning about the Middle Ages, in this post I am going to explain how you can blend the study of history and music in your homeschool. 

Read on to learn about different activities you can do with your kids to teach them about any event or era in history and blend in some music appreciation as well. 

As always, I have also included printables you can use to take your kids learning to the next level. 

Instruments Of The Era

Let’s continue to assume that your kids are currently learning about the Middle Ages, a time of disease and plagues and lots of political upheaval. 

The medieval era in music covers the time up to 1350, which can be considered as the middle ages. 

Now that you’ve identified the age, it is time to get started on learning about some musical instruments from that time. 

Introduce one instrument from that time to your younger kids and have older kids research some instruments themselves. 

Older kids can take it a step further and learn about the instrument in depth and even create a playlist of songs played on the instrument. 

Eg. A sackbut is a medieval musical instrument. 

Remember the knowledge and projects of the older kids can be used to expand the knowledge of the younger ones. 

Composers Of The Era

How about researching and learning about some of the composers from the era? 

Some well known composers of the medieval era in music were Hildegard of Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut and Guillaume DuFay. There are many others. 

With younger kids you can help them learn the names of a few composers and find and listen to a composition or two. 

Older kids can carry out a research study into the life and works of a selected composer. 

The Role Of Music

What role did music play in medieval life? Do you know?

Research indicates that almost all forms of music and compositions around the era were focused on worship music. 

It is possible that peasants played flutes and other early instruments just for pleasure, however famous composers of the era only composed for religious ceremonies and events. 

This is another excellent research opportunity for older kids, don’t you think?

Wars And Their influence On Music

Do you know that the Trumpet for instance is a very ancient instrument as is the drum? 

They were both used extensively in the middle ages. 

The trumpet was used in civilian life when soldiers were sent out to make special announcements from the rulers, while drums were often used as a form of battle cry. 

There are many other similar instruments that kids of all ages can be introduced to based on events and timelines they are studying in history. 

Monarchs, Revolutions And Music 

Monarchs of the ancient world were seen as great patrons of the arts. 

Hence look at which monarchs from the middle ages, may have influenced and contributed to the upliftment and study of music. 

Also many different revolutions throughout history resulted in music flourishing as a means of camaraderie and hope as well as a battle cry. 

So learn about music that sprung up from different revolutions and wars. 

As you can see, there are many different ways in which the study and appreciation of music can be introduced to kids of all ages when you are teaching them history. 

Let me know which one of the above methods you are going to try out first.