8 Awesome Ways To Add Music Learning To Your Summer Travels

8 Awesome Ways To Add Music Learning To Your Summer Travels

by | May 19, 2020

8 Awesome Ways To Add Music Learning To Your Summer Travels

See below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.

Do you continue homeschooling during the summer, or do you just take time off?

In my case, my kids are in Catholic school as you know, and they are off at the end of June, and we do travel a lot. 

But I do use the entire summer to enrich their education in arts, music, literature and more. 

However, I don’t do it rigidly. Rather, I always blend it into whatever we are doing on vacation. 

That way, it doesn’t feel like school, yet, I often feel that they learn and grow a lot more than do at school through the year.

I’m sure you are now wondering why I even bother to send them to school, but that’s a discussion for a totally separate post, so I won’t cover that here. 

Today however, I want to talk about 8 awesome strategies you can use this summer, to enhance your kids’ musical learning, even if you are travelling throughout the entire season. 

So, let’s get started.

 

Listen To Music

Yes, this is a no brainer isn’t it. 

Instead of listening to random radio stations (if you are on a road trip), pick a genre, or a composer or a period and create a couple of playlists that you can use. 

You can keep the kids occupied by having them analyse the music. 

Want to know how? Read my post 6 ‘Unbelievably’ Simple Ways To Teach Your Kids Music Analysis. 

Already know how to do that? 

Then, simply download the printables I have for you and take it with you or use the digital versions. 

 

Sing In The Car

Can you think of anything more fun than singing during your journey?

I can’t. 

It’s also a fantastic way to introduce your kids to music that you and your spouse grew up on. I love playing Queen, ABBA and the BeeGees for example and my kids know all the 60s, 70s and 80s songs, because I introduced it to them on road trips. 

 

Sing Around A Campfire

Yes, it is as simple as that. 

If you go camping or if you build a campfire in your backyard, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to bond, have fun, and learn music all at once. 

 

Sing Just Like In ‘The Sound Of Music’

If you have watched the Sound of Music, and loved it just like I did, maybe you even dreamed of singing outside in nature. 

So why not try it?

Do it. Don’t be shy. Take the kids and reenact it. 

Just make sure you are all safe while doing it. 

 

Watch A Live Performance

Whether you attend a parade, or watch a brass band play in the park, or go to a broadway or watch street musicians, look out for opportunities to take in a live performance and I’m sure you will not be disappointed. 

 

Take Portable Instruments With You

If you are going on a road trip, going camping or even flying. Try to take your portable instruments like recorders, guitars, and ukuleles with you. 

This way the kids can still play and continue with their music lessons in a very informal, yet, extremely fun manner. 

 

Go To Musically Historic Sites

If you are travelling cross country or internationally, look out for opportunities to visit sites and locations that are musically significant. Some places that come to mind across the US include Paisley Park in Minnesota,  Sun Studio in Tennassee, and the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. If you are travelling internationally, then Abbey Road Studios in London, Vienna, Austria the birthplace of Mozart and more. 

Want a list of Musically Historic Sites, categorized country and state? Then read my post Top Historic Music Sites To Visit This Summer (Categorized By Country and State).

 

Enrol In A Summer Music Camp

Yes, you can enrol your kids in a summer music camp, but what if you are travelling and can’t be tied down? 

Also summer camps can be very expensive, so what do you do if you are on a budget? 

Easy. I have a solution for you. 

Take my Online Summer Music Camp. 

It is invaluable, can be used by kids aged 4 – 14 and most importantly does not require a keyboard, or any other musical instrument, it can be used year round and can be taken with you wherever you go. Want to try it out? Here’s a trial version. 

 

Over to you. Now that I have given you these amazing ideas, which one do you think you will implement this summer?

Karen Cadera

Karen Cadera

Founder/Creator

Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.

My daughter loved the games, but there were also worksheets and videos. The weekly lesson plans were complete, and I never questioned what I should be doing next.

Lisa Tanner

Homeschool Mom

Play Piano Today!

Teach your child to play piano, today.

Yes, in as little as 30 minutes I can show you how to teach your child to play the piano, for FREE.

What are you waiting for?

Click Here

This program reminded me (and allowed me to teach my son) how to read music. To me, that was the most important thing that we learned together. Of course, it was very rewarding for me to watch my son play the piano with both hands at the same time, while reading sheet music. His favorite parts of the course were actually playing the songs and doing the worksheets provided.

Carrie M.

Stay At Home Mom

FREE POETRY, PROSE & DRAMATIC ARTS COURSES

Sign up for FREE courses in British, European and American Literature courses for kids aged 4 and up.

Sign Up!

Download the FREE Music Analaysis Printables

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Top 12 Musicals ALL Pre-Schoolers ‘Must’ Watch Before They Start School

Top 12 Musicals ALL Pre-Schoolers ‘Must’ Watch Before They Start School

by | Apr 21, 2020

Top 12 Musicals ALL Pre-Schoolers ‘Must’ Watch Before They Start School

See below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.

This post contains affiliate links.

If you click a link and purchase something, I may earn a small fee from the said company/manufacturer/seller or individual, from who you make the purchase.

Did you know that one of the best ways to introduce your pre-schooler to music and music appreciation is through movie musicals?

Taking them to live performances and broadways are an even better way, but who are we kidding? That can become very expensive very fast. 

So if you are on a budget, just like many of us, then movie musicals are the next best thing. 

In this post not only have I provided you with a list of 12 musicals your pre-schooler should watch, but also printables that will help you take her learning further, and have her appreciating music in no time. 

So here’s the MUST watch list of Musicals for your pre-schooler. 

– The many adventures of Winnie the Pooh

– Jungle Book 

– Alice in Wonderland

– Cinderella

– Frozen

– Lady and the Tramp

– The Muppets

– Doctor Doolittle

– Finding Nemo

– Beauty and the Beast

– Dr. Seuss – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

– Sleeping Beauty

 

If you can’t find these movies on Netflix, or would like to build your own library of Musicals, then my post 7 ‘Genius’ Ways To Add Movie Musicals To Your Homeschool Library, will definitely help. 

Want to take your kids’ learning to the next level? Then download these printables and help them learn to appreciate music through these musicals.

Karen Cadera

Karen Cadera

Founder/Creator

Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.

Play Piano Today!

Teach your child to play piano, today.

Yes, in as little as 30 minutes I can show you how to teach your child to play the piano, for FREE.

What are you waiting for?

Click Here

Download the FREE Movie Musical Watching Guide

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9 ‘No Fail’ Ways To Get Kids Into Music

9 ‘No Fail’ Ways To Get Kids Into Music

by | Mar 31, 2020

9 ‘No Fail’ Ways To Get Kids Into Music

See below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.

I know that one of the greatest contentions with parents is that music lessons can be so expensive, and when you have many kids with multiple interests, it can get very costly very fast. 

So in today’s post I thought that I should give you some ideas on how you can get your kids into music at no cost at all. 

While some of these strategies that I have suggested may in fact cost a few dollars, I’ve done my best to ensure that they are as cheap as possible, and I’ve also tried my best to provide you with FREE alternatives wherever possible. 

So let’s start with one fo the easiest and cheapest strategies to implement.

 

Have Music Playing In the Background

While it is possible to use an online radio station for this strategy, I would like to suggest something like classical music. 

If you have the CDs lying around, then you can play them or simply borrow the CDs from the library. 

Alternatively, you can also create a playlist on Apple Music, YouTube, Spotify or Amazon. 

No Classical Music CDs at home, but would like to have your own library? You can read my post 7 ‘Genius’ Ways To Add Movie Musicals To Your Homeschool Library and use the ideas to source CDs on the cheap. 

 

Watch Musicals

Another good strategy is to borrow a Musical DVD or Blu-ray from the local library and watch it. 

Make a family movie night of it. 

Don’t know which musicals to watch? 

Read my post on 12 ‘Must See’ Movie Musical Categorized By Age.

 

Expose Kids To A Variety Of Genres Of Music

This is an expansion of the first strategy that I suggested. 

Pick a specific genre of music, like rock, pop, jazz, or something else that you like and expose the kids to the same genre over a period of time, like a week or a fortnight. 

Want an age appropriate printable and listening guide, so your kids can get the most of this? 

Then don’t forget to download the musical genres printable I have included at the bottom of this post.

 

Keep A Variety Of Musical Instruments Around The House

Research indicates that in homes where there are a variety of musical instruments available, the kids are more likely to take an interest in music. 

So, what better way to add music to the homeschool than to have a variety of musical instruments around the house? 

Worried that implementing this strategy can cost you a pretty penny? 

Just read my post 9 ‘No Fail’ Ways To Fill Your Homeschool With Instruments, and you will be adding instruments to your homeschool in no time. 

 

Read Books About Music And Composers

This is another very important strategy, because it often picks the curiosity of children and they often want to learn more. 

Composer biographies and books on the history of music and eras in music are some of books that can help you implement this strategy. 

Want to know how to find and select composer biographies that are age appropriate? Check out my post about it, Composer Biographies For All Ages.

 

Sing And Dance At Every Opportunity

Yes, it is as simple as that. 

You can sing and dance at every opportunity. Allocate 10 – 15 minutes a day for singing together. Whether you sing something as simple as nursery rhymes with a toddler or the latest rock single with your teenager, just pick something you like and sing. 

Can’t sing in tune? 

No worries, you can use your playlists for dancing and clapping. 

 

Incorporate Music Into Creative Activities Like Crafting

This is something you can do with young kids and even older kids. You can vary the challenge according to their age. 

Some of the activities you can encourage them to do are to create DIY musical instruments, or create an Instrument Scrapbook. 

 

Attend Live Performances

Yes, this is a big one. However, don’t worry it doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Always be on the look out for discounted tickets, and look for events in your local community and take your kids to it. 

Target local events as much as possible, say once a month, and attempt to attend a broadway once a year, if possible. 

Discuss Music Always

Make music analysis and discussions a part of your daily routine. 

This can be done while listening to one of the playlists. 

Want ideas on how to do this? Then read my post 5 Ways To Use A Musical Playlist To Learn Music Appreciation.

So, what do you think? 

Over to you, do you think the strategies are implementable? Which one are you going to implement first?

Karen Cadera

Karen Cadera

Founder/Creator

Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.

My daughter loved the games, but there were also worksheets and videos. The weekly lesson plans were complete, and I never questioned what I should be doing next.

Lisa Tanner

Homeschool Mom

Play Piano Today!

Teach your child to play piano, today.

Yes, in as little as 30 minutes I can show you how to teach your child to play the piano, for FREE.

What are you waiting for?

Click Here

This program reminded me (and allowed me to teach my son) how to read music. To me, that was the most important thing that we learned together. Of course, it was very rewarding for me to watch my son play the piano with both hands at the same time, while reading sheet music. His favorite parts of the course were actually playing the songs and doing the worksheets provided.

Carrie M.

Stay At Home Mom

FREE POETRY, PROSE & DRAMATIC ARTS COURSES

Sign up for FREE courses in British, European and American Literature courses for kids aged 4 and up.

Sign Up!

Download the FREE Music Genre Printable Set

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6 ‘Unbelievably’ Simple Ways To Teach Your Kids Music Analysis

6 ‘Unbelievably’ Simple Ways To Teach Your Kids Music Analysis

by | Mar 10, 2020

6 ‘Unbelievably’ Simple Ways To Teach Your Kids Music Analysis

See below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.

If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, then you know how important it is to incorporate music into your daily homeschool routine. And, if you have already made music a part of the daily routine, then you may also know that I tell you to take every possible opportunity to have your kids analyze music. 

One question that I have heard over and over again, from many of my regular readers is, ‘how do I teach them music analysis, when I don’t know the first thing about music?’

So, in this blog post, I thought I should share six ways in which, you can easily have them analyze music. 

When you are done reading this post, you are going to say how ‘unbelievably’ simple they are and wonder, why you didn’t think of them yourself. 

Ready to get started?

Then let’s go. 

 

Listening To Dynamics

This is one of the easiest ways in which, to teach your kids to analyze and appreciate music. 

So what are dynamics? They are the volume, pitch, tempo and beat of the music. 

Is the song starting soft and becoming louder, or vice versa? How does that affect the song? Does the song end by fading or coming to a crescendo? 

How about the pitch (high, low sounds), how does that affect the emotions in the song? What about the tempo (pace, fast, slow)?

Isn’t dynamics one of the easiest ways to start off analyzing?

 

Reflect

This can be done as a stand alone activity or as a part of the previous activity. 

Listen to the song and the dynamics and reflect on how it feels. Ask your kids, ‘does it make you happy, sad, excited, etc?’

This same activity can also be done without first listening to the dynamics. 

Thus, reflecting on the emotions the song portrays, and then listening to the dynamics to see how they contribute to making the song feel the way it does. 

 

Compare And Contrast

Yes, just that. 

Compare two songs. They can be songs from the same genre of music (rock, pop, jazz) or songs by the same group, singer or composer, or songs from the same era (medieval, classical etc). 

You can also do cross comparisons by choosing songs of two different groups, singers, composers, genres, eras etc. 

So what do you compare? Things like volume, pitch, tempo, beat, instruments used, how it makes your child etc. 

See how each activity can include elements of other activities?

 

What I Like And Dislike?

Simple, isn’t it?

Again this can be done as a stand alone activity or as part of one of the previous activities.

Just ask the kids to list out what they like and dislike about the piece, that they are listening to? For extra points, ask them to explain why they feel that way?

That’s it. 

On to the next simple music analysis activity. 

 

How Will I Change The Music/Melody/Dynamics, Etc, If I Could?

This is an activity best done for a song where at least one of the previous activities listed here have been completed. 

Once your child has completed at least one of the activities, he will then be ready to discuss how and what he would change in the composition if he could. 

It would be something as simple as use a different instrument, or make a specific part of the melody faster. 

There are no right or wrong answers here, because it is all the matter of opinion in the end. 

 

Why Or Why Not?

Here’s the last activity, it is an expansion of the previous activity. 

Also this is an activity that requires even more thought, as here, you should have your child explaining why he will make changes, or thinks that changes are unnecessary. 

Simply saying that he doesn’t think that changes are unnecessary because the piece is perfect, isn’t good enough. 

Therefore, as you can see, this activity does require more thought and rigour and hence, had to be classified as a separate activity rather than be combined with the previous activity. 

So what do you think? Are these ‘Unbelievably’ Simple Ways To Teach Your Kids Music Analysis or not?

Want some age specific printables to guide your kids through the music analysis process? Then don’t forget to download them from below. 

Karen Cadera

Karen Cadera

Founder/Creator

Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.

My daughter loved the games, but there were also worksheets and videos. The weekly lesson plans were complete, and I never questioned what I should be doing next.

Lisa Tanner

Homeschool Mom

Play Piano Today!

Teach your child to play piano, today.

Yes, in as little as 30 minutes I can show you how to teach your child to play the piano, for FREE.

What are you waiting for?

Click Here

This program reminded me (and allowed me to teach my son) how to read music. To me, that was the most important thing that we learned together. Of course, it was very rewarding for me to watch my son play the piano with both hands at the same time, while reading sheet music. His favorite parts of the course were actually playing the songs and doing the worksheets provided.

Carrie M.

Stay At Home Mom

FREE POETRY, PROSE & DRAMATIC ARTS COURSES

Sign up for FREE courses in British, European and American Literature courses for kids aged 4 and up.

Sign Up!

Download the FREE Music Analysis Worksheets

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5 Best Elementary Music Courses For Kids

5 Best Elementary Music Courses For Kids

by | Feb 25, 2020

5 Best Elementary Music Courses For Kids

This post contains affiliate links.

If you click a link and purchase something, I may earn a small fee from the said company/manufacturer/seller or individual, from who you make the purchase.

In this blog post, I want to share with you 5 elementary music courses that are ideal for kids of all ages and cover a range of different musical themes, such learning to play a specific instrument, making music, singing and much more. 

Not all of these recommendations have free or trial courses, so please know your budget before you go out and purchase any of these recommendations. 

Also, please note that I do receive an affiliate commission if and when you do purchase through my link. 

Without further ado, let’s get started, shall we?

Music At Home

This is a program that offers a low monthly membership plan and is ideal to introduce your baby and toddlers to music. It is a program that is geared for all your kids ages 0 to 7 and has so many mixed age activities that will have you filling your home with music like never before. 

Elementary Music

This is another program that offers monthly memberships and has been created by my dear friend and veteran homeschool mom of 8, Gena Mayo. With Gena’s course your kids will have access to all elementary music courses created by Gena, access to the printable music packs and so much more. It is such a fantastic course, that I simply cannot say enough good things about. 

Teach Your Child Piano

This is my flagship course, where I teach you (even though you may have never touched a piano in your life), how to teach your kids to play the piano. While I have a full one year premium Homeschool Piano Curriculum for ages 4 – 14,  you can sign up right now for my and have your kids reading music notes and playing the piano in less than 5 days. 

 

Ukulele Course For Kids

This course by Amanda from Raising DaVinci, will have your kids begging for ukulele practice every day. Not only will your kids learn a variety of easy and yet very popular melodies, but they will also learn basic music theory and have tons of fun through the entire process. 

 

Gentle Guitar

This is a very comprehensive 4 year music curriculum with seven levels and each lesson is broken into bite sized 30 minute slots. In my opinion there is nothing better than long term learning through very  consistent, short bursts of learning. So for me this course really ticks all the boxes. 

 

Which one of these programs are you going to try out today?

Karen Cadera

Karen Cadera

Founder/Creator

Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.

My daughter loved the games, but there were also worksheets and videos. The weekly lesson plans were complete, and I never questioned what I should be doing next.

Lisa Tanner

Homeschool Mom

Play Piano Today!

Teach your child to play piano, today.

Yes, in as little as 30 minutes I can show you how to teach your child to play the piano, for FREE.

What are you waiting for?

Click Here

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Pelicans, Dolphins & Writing Music Notes With Technical Precision

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facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramyoutubeSee below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.That is a very unusual post title don’t you think? What do pelicans and dolphins have to do with writing music notes?  Well, today I thought that I should address one of...

4 Ways To Incorporate Music In The Homeschool

4 Ways To Incorporate Music In The Homeschool

by | Feb 18, 2020

4 Ways To Incorporate Music In The Homeschool

See below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.

Many homeschool moms often say to me that they would really like to include music in the homeschool curriculum but have no idea where to start. 

Of course, they know that they can always find online courses or have a private music instructor teach their kids an instrument, however, the homeschool budget doesn’t always allow for it. 

So, in this article I want to give you some ideas on how you can add music to the homeschool with little or no expense to you. 

 

Play Classical Music In The Background

One of the simplest ways to ensure music appreciation in your homeschool is to create a playlist of classical music and have it playing in the background. 

With so many different platforms like Amazon, Spotify and even YouTube, it is possible to find some amazing playlists for FREE. 

Alternatively if you already have classical music CDs at home, you can use them. 

Another great idea is to borrow CDs from your local library, that way you can have an endless supply of classical music CDs and introduce your kids to different composers and eras in music. 

Want more ideas on how to use a playlist to bring musical joy to your home and teach your kids music appreciation at the same time? Read these posts 9 ‘Shockingly’ Simple Ways To Use Your Amazon Prime/Apple Music/Spotify To Add More Musical Joy To Your Home and 5 Ways To Use A Music Playlist To Learn Music Appreciation.

 

Learn About A Different Instrument Each Month

This is another cost effective method to add music to your homeschool. 

You can take your kids to an instrument store to touch and feel the instrument, you can also create an instrumental playlist for the chosen instrument and listen to it in the background. 

If you are learning about a brass instrument for instance take your children to watch a brass band play in the local community. 

For more ideas on how you can include instrument studies in your homeschool curriculum, you can check out my blog post 6 ‘Innovative’ Ways To Incorporate Instrument Studies Into Your Homeschool.

 

Pick Music Of A Specific Era And Learn About It

This is a phenomenal and really fun way to add music to your homeschool music curriculum.

Decide to immerse yourself and your kids in music by picking a single era in music such as the Baroque Era for instance. Now learn all about the Baroque Era in terms of major historic events, the music, the literature, the architecture, rulers during the era and so on. 

You can also create a playlist of pieces by composers of that era and listen to it in the background throughout the month. 

Just imagine, by the end of the month, your kids will not only be able to appreciate music, but they will also be able to talk about historic events and the contributions made to music by composers of that era. 

Don’t forget to download my printable on the Baroque Era in Music and get started right now. 

 

Learn About A Different Composer Each Month

Again, you can incorporate bits and pieces of the other three ideas I have shared here, and have your kids learn to appreciate music in the comfort of your homeschool. 

You can start off by borrowing books from the local library and studying the life story of composers. 

Here are some age appropriate composer biographies you can look for Composer Biographies For All Ages.

You can create a playlist of pieces by a specific composer that they can listen to in the background while homeschooling. 

You can do an immersion month, where you learn about the composer like Mozart, his country of birth (Austria), the era and everything relevant to Mozart in terms of geography, history, literature and music. 

Want to know how to blend music studies with other subjects? Then read my post 5 ‘Innovative’ Ways To Blend Music With Other Subjects Learned In The Homeschool. 

 

Now that you have 4 great ways on how to incorporate music in your homeschool. I would love to hear which one is your favourite. If you have a least favourite idea, I would like to hear about that too. So please comment below. 

Karen Cadera

Karen Cadera

Founder/Creator

Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.

My daughter loved the games, but there were also worksheets and videos. The weekly lesson plans were complete, and I never questioned what I should be doing next.

Lisa Tanner

Homeschool Mom

Play Piano Today!

Teach your child to play piano, today.

Yes, in as little as 30 minutes I can show you how to teach your child to play the piano, for FREE.

What are you waiting for?

Click Here

This program reminded me (and allowed me to teach my son) how to read music. To me, that was the most important thing that we learned together. Of course, it was very rewarding for me to watch my son play the piano with both hands at the same time, while reading sheet music. His favorite parts of the course were actually playing the songs and doing the worksheets provided.

Carrie M.

Stay At Home Mom

Download the FREE Baroque Era Printable Set

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Pelicans, Dolphins & Writing Music Notes With Technical Precision

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facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramyoutubeSee below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.That is a very unusual post title don’t you think? What do pelicans and dolphins have to do with writing music notes?  Well, today I thought that I should address one of...