This is an interesting article for parents and carers who want to share the experience of listening to classical music which their child but maybe don’t know where to start. A top ten list of classical pieces, some of which I have mentioned in previous posts but neatly packaged here with a pretty bow on the top.
Through the medium of music, stories of major events and disasters are passed through the generations.
The purpose of such songs is to educate, provide a warning and offer a coping mechanism in recovery.
One of the most well-known nursery rhymes, said to be about the bubonic plague, is Ring a Ring o’ Roses.
See if you can research this song and other disaster songs. Look closely at the lyrics and try to unearth the historic stories that they narrate.
You could even write some lyrics of your own about the current pandemic that we are living through. Remember that you are living through unprecedented times that future historians will wish to know more about. Write them a message in song that will echo through time and will tell them what you are experiencing today.
Lots of music related literacy ideas in the music shed that are as interesting and engaging for the teacher as they are for the child. If you find something here that you really like then why not register and tell me in the comments section.
Brilliant! You have just made my day with this message. You are clearly making the most of this opportunity to get extra practise in. Well done, you seem to improve every time I hear you play. Keep up the great work and I’ll see you very soon.
Calling all choir members! I received this email this morning and thought I’d share it with you. I had secretly resigned myself to it being the first year that the St Bede Choir did not perform at the Victoria Hall in a very, very, very (you get the idea) long time. This email is that little ray of hope that I was praying for. Read it for yourself and then keep your fingers, toes, and everything else crossed that it can go ahead.
A Quick reminder that all the songs are available on the blog if you look through previous posts (go to the bottom of each page).
There are a few music based games on here that are worth a look. Let me know which are you favourites using the ‘leave a reply’ tab under this post.
Watch this short animation.
What is a metronome and why would a musician use on?
What does the musical term “Rubato” mean?
What instrument does the man play?
What family does this instrument belong to and how many other instruments are there in the family?
What is that stick called that he plays his instrument with?
Listen to some cello music, for example Bach (Cello Suite No. 1) or Brahms (Cello Sonata No. 1). How would you describe it? How does it make you feel?
Many musical terms come from the Italian language, like rubato. Can you find out about other musical terms and what they mean?
Something for older children and adults. If you, like many, have never been to the opera and dismissed it as ‘too expensive’ or ‘not your thing’ then now is the perfect time to peak through the curtains at another world. You don’t have to like it but you’ll never know unless you open your mind to the possibility of something new. Like many companies, musicians and others are lending their services and talents for free in an effort to help all of us make it through these strange times with a bit more ease.
Some good advise is to read about the opera before you watch it. The more you understand it the more you can enjoy it.
