Archive

The September 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Let's Make A Plan!​

​

It’s the beginning of a new school year, so it’s the perfect time to start your students off with a studio challenge! Here are several different ways to run a studio challenge that are inclusive and provide that little fire that many students need to get them back on track!

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

Anatomy Class!​

​

Did you know that most students really have no clue what you mean when you ask them to take a “belly breath” or “extend your fingers from your palm?” Take the time to review essential parts of the body with students so they actually understand what you’re talking about. 

Bonding/Craft Activity

Make a Shape!​

​

This is a fun activity that will have students working together either in person or online! You can use this activity for team building as well as to review musical symbols. It’s easy and fun!

Printable

French Dance Music in the Court of King Louis XIV​

​

We’ve all heard, “Oh! A Gavotte! I think I’ve already played that solo!” Time to clear alllll of that up! This printable explains the French court dances and demystifies why multiple pieces are called “Gavottes.” Different French Court dances are explored with recordings and sheet music examples of each!

Want a copy of this edition?

The August 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Theory Review​

​

Have you ever noticed how even if you teach key signature identification and construction to students, they forget how to do it when you return to review it again? This is a great time of year to incorporate theory review into your lessons!

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

Write It Out​

​

Sometimes, it’s easier to just write out what you want the students to play instead of breaking apart a phrase and telling them what to do. Learn how to save tons of time in sectionals by doing 10 minutes of prep work.

Bonding/Craft Activity

Start of School Party​

​

If you don’t have group activities in your studio yet, this is a great time of year to try it out! Studio parties are a great way to get everyone excited about the next school year, review some important concepts, and have a little fun. I’ve included 4 of my go-to activities for studio parties.

Printable

Woodstock Music Festival, 1969​

​

Many kids have heard the word “Woodstock” before, but very few actually know what it was or why it was influential to music and American culture. Here’s a quick printable that you can share with students about the music festival that includes some specific songs that would influence music history. Plus, they can talk to their grandparents about it. ;-)

Want a copy of this edition?

The July 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Rhythm Wrangle​

​

It’s incredible HOW FAST a student’s skills can become rusty! This activity will help students keep their tempo, rhythm reading skills, and scales in tip top shape over the summer.

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

Follow the...Basketball?​

​

Yep. This activity is perfect for marching band camp. It’ll add some humor to your sectionals while working on fundamental skills for students. Plus, who doesn’t love bouncing a ball?

Bonding/Craft Activity

Painting Sound​

​

If you’re hosting a summer camp or workshop for your students, this is a nice and quiet activity that keeps kids moving, engaged and learning! Use this activity to teach an important piece in your instruments’ repertoire. Be sure to take lots of photos afterwards!

Printable

American Martial Music and the History of “Yankee Doodle”

​

We all know the tune "Yankee Doodle" but do you know the history behind it? Learn all about it here!

Want a copy of this edition?

The June 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Instrument Karaoke​

​

One of my favorite activities for students at the end of the year is to have them participate in Flute Karaoke!

It’s our way of celebrating a great year, practice sightreading, and have a little fun.

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

Call and Response, Add a Note, Who Played it Better?​

​

For this month, I’m sharing some of my go-to activities for sectionals. Instead of having everyone play the same thing over and over again, use these activities to keep them on their toes, get them more comfortable playing by themselves, and have that team spirit!

Bonding/Craft Activity

The Bowl Game​

​

This is a really easy game to play that is great for reviewing composers or prominent people from music history. It’s kind of like the game “Two Truths and a Lie,” but you get to pretend you’re someone else!

Printable

Celebrating Juneteenth & Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing

​

June is a fantastic opportunity for your students to learn abut Juneteenth! Explore the hymn "Lift Ev're Voice and Sing" known as "The Black National Anthem"

Want a copy of this edition?

The May 2022 edition includes...

Want a copy of this edition?

The April 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Family Tree

​

If you haven't shared with your students all of your teachers and their teacher and their teachers, now is the time! I include an easily editable family tree as well as worksheets that you can tailor to your own family tree.

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

Popcorn and Scales with Lizzo!​

​

Spring is a great time to "clean up" students' technique. For this month, I include 2 activities you can do during sectionals that are fun and get the job done. Editable Finale files included!

Bonding/Craft Activity

Flip the Tarp and Rain Storm!​

​

Looking for a great bonding activity? Look no further! This month I include TWO activities that I've recently done with my students that are big hits! 

Printable

Beethoven's 6th Symphony​

Here's a great printable complete with reflection activities that you can hand out to your students this month. Beethoven's 6th symphony is great to learn about this time of year. Students can hear how Beethoven wrote in a thunderstorm. Print this out, send it home with the students, and have them come back to the next lesson ready to discuss!

Want a copy of this edition?

The March 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Compound Meter Review!​

​

6/8 always seems to stump students. Since St. Patty's Day is right around the corner, it's a great time to review 6/8 and learn about Irish Dances!

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

Drone!
​

Since Uilleann Pipes are known for their drone, March is a great time to introduce students to what a drone is and how to improvise. Get them away from that paper and make them explore!

Bonding/Craft Activity

Pictionary!​

​

My students LOVE Pictionary. I thought it was a blast from the past when it came to board games, but they all knew what it was and how to play. It's a great activity to do online or in person.

Printable

Irish Investigations!​

​

I don't know why, but students typically LOVE playing Irish tunes. They're so sing-songy! Instead of just sightreading them, print out this explanation of the instruments used as well as how the music is written. Form, texture, and other musical elements are also included. A great time to review these important concepts!

Want a copy of this edition?

The February 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Valentine Sentiment Rhythmic Dictation!​

​

A "sweet" way to practice rhythmic dictation. Your students will especially love that they get to keep the candy!

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

Pass the Note!

​

One of my favorite ways to teach teamwork, analytical listening, and body language.

Bonding/Craft Activity

Pass the Bag​

​

This is a great way for students to practice their creativity, review musical topics, or just have fun!

Printable

Valentine Vignettes!

​

3 famous love stories about composers written in a student-friendly format. Listening examples included!

Want a copy of this edition?

The January 2022 edition includes...

Lesson Activity

Practice buddy clothespins! 

​

Learn 4 different ways to use these practice buddies to help students practice more effectively.

Sectional/
Ensemble Activity

2 great review games to play with small or large ensembles. Review important concepts from the first part of the school year to start the next semester strong!

Bonding/Craft Activity

Therapeutic Snowflakes!

​

This is a great winter group activity to take away some of the stress of the new year and preparing for auditions.

Printable

2 of my favorite practice charts! Great for starting the new year with new goals. Includes editable templates to make your own!

Want a copy of this edition?

The November 2022 edition includes...

Want a copy of this edition?