“MUSIC MAKERS: AT THE KEYBOARD”
Taught by Christine Johannsen

CLASS ACTIVITIES

Singing Circle develops a familiar repertoire that will prepare the students for work at the keyboard. *Melodic Patterns introduced
Drumming develops rhythmic competence and understanding of meter. *Rhythmic Patterns introduced
Dancing also develops rhythmic competence and understanding of meter.
Aural Recognition Games and Echo Patterns train students to listen and identify what they hear. *Rhythmic and melodic language applied to musical patterns
Notation Games teach symbolic language for what students have aurally learned. *Written notation introduced
Keyboard Time to learn to play songs from the Singing Circle, to establish comfortable and proper hand position and posture, to perform for each other, and to improvise.
Keyboard Share: Just as it sounds, students share what they are comfortable playing from the week's assignment. They love to play for each other and are motivated by each other's progress.
Composing: Once students can aurally and visually identify rhythmic and melodic patterns, they manipulate them creating both written and improvised compositions.
Parent Time (the last 15-20 minutes of every class) gives parents an opportunity to become familiar with new material and to experience with their children the new activities. It provides parents with the tools they need to assist in the learning process at home.