Free Resources for Teaching Music to Your Children

The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy. 

My oldest daughter sings like a dream. She did NOT get that talent from me, since I have no rhythm and can’t carry a tune.

I love music and want to make sure that my younger children learn music theory along with music appreciation.

Since we’re watching our budget, I researched ways to help my children learn more about music without spending a lot of money.

1. Lapbooks

Lapbooks are such a fun way to explore a topic. We’ve just recently started using them in our homeschool. Homeschool Share has a wonderful section devoted to music for elementary students.

2. Composer Studies

When your students study music selections, why not delve deeper into the man (or woman) behind the music?  My friend Mary Prather helps us tremendously with her Ultimate Guide to a Composer Study.

3. Have a Repertoire

My kids will tell you that I tend to sing the same songs over and over.

Ahem.

I need a new repertoire.

I use Pandora, Spotify, Fun Songs to Sing in the Car, and You Tube to find songs to sing to my kids.

If you stop by Homegrown Learners, you’ll find more resources for expanding your vocal playlist.

4. Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources

Susan is a music teacher in the South who graciously hosts free resources for teaching music on her site. You’ll find fun ways to teach rhythm and scales, along with some fun seasonal games for reinforcement.

5. Ricci Adams Music Theory

If you stop by Ricci Adams‘ site, you’ll find a treasury of lessons for teaching music theory. There are even iPad apps available!

6. Classics for Kids 

Over at Classics for Kids, you’ll find audio shows about various composers along with lesson plans.

7. Free Children’s Music

Looking for songs to add into your homeschool routine? Need a tune for a holiday or unit study?  Free Children’s Music is a giant resource of children’s songs. You can find lyrics and listen to tunes here.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdRZl9g_5tw]
8. Beethoven’s Wig

Ever wonder how classic symphony pieces would sound with lyrics? Don’t miss Beethoven’s Wig, where you can sing along with 11 symphony pieces.  It’s guaranteed to make you and your children laugh while learning.

9. YouTube

If I’m looking for a particular piece of music, I search it out on You Tube. You’ll often find orchestra performances, like this one in Berlin, which are  helpful if your children are too small or rambunctious to take to live music events.

As always, be wary about using You Tube. Create your own playlist and monitor your children closely while they watch.

10. San Francisco Symphony for Kids

This fun site geared for kids takes you through all the different instruments in the symphony and even lets you create your own composition.

Be sure to check out the orchestra or symphony in your own area. Some may have performances centered around children or even tours to see and hear the instruments up close.

11. Ambleside Online

If you’re looking for ideas for composer studies, AO has lessons plans and links for free downloadable music.

12. Maestro Classics

Maestro Classics are beautifully produced CDs of classic pieces such as Peter and the Wolf, Casey at the Bat and the Carnival of the Animals. Free resources on the site include homeschool curriculum guides that tie in geography, history, math and science into the symphony you’re studying. I’m adding these to my wishlist!

13. Music with Dr Page

I’m blessed to have a musical resource (and my daughter’s godmother) in Dr. Carrie Page. Dr Page teaches at a classical academy in Arizona and publishes her lesson plans for kindergarten and first grade on her site.

14. Making Music, Praying Twice 

Making Music, Praying Twice is not a free curriculum, but there are free resources available on the website. We’ve used the free coloring pages, as well as the information about world music

Looking for more ideas? Don’t miss Free Resources for Teachers, Mary Prather’s series 10 Day of Teaching Music or the Free Music Resources for Kids Pinterest Board.

Do you have a favorite music resource I failed to mention? Stop in the comment box and share your tips!

Dianna is the Catholic Queen Bee over at The Kennedy Adventures. When she’s not singing off key, you’ll find her training for her second half marathon. You can find her on Facebook, talk to her on Twitter, get to know her on Google+, or peruse her favorites on Pinterest.

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