| Playing a musical instrument is a skill that is often | | | | other classes. While students are quietly working |
| looked at as being reserved for only a select few. | | | | on math problems or reading, I'll play the song in |
| From my experience of teaching years of | | | | the background. It is important that they listen to |
| elementary music I have found that the number | | | | the song played as perfectly as possible which |
| of students who can be successful with an | | | | means a digital or professional track of the song |
| instrument is far greater than most people | | | | is much better that listening to someone who is |
| believe. In fact, I have yet to find a student who | | | | only still learning to play the song. If listened to |
| couldn't make an instrument sound good. | | | | enough, the song will become familiar and easily |
| My results may be biased, however, for two | | | | recognized. |
| reasons. First of all, I teach elementary aged | | | | The second step is to read the music. At first a |
| students who don't have the hang-ups or mental | | | | student will have to look up notes on a note |
| obstacles that many adults have. They give music | | | | guide, but with practice this will become automatic. |
| an honest try and believe they have the potential | | | | Finding the notes can be easy if note guides are |
| to be able to play well. Secondly, I am passionate | | | | clear and easy to use. Any music shop will offer a |
| about what I do. I truly believe that anyone who | | | | variety of choices. |
| wants to learn music can, if they are taught the | | | | The third step is the most obvious one; playing |
| right way. | | | | the instrument. When an instrument is played, it |
| Learning a song can be broken down into three | | | | should be played along with an accompanying CD |
| easy steps: listen, read and play. If these steps | | | | or experienced player. This will help the student |
| are down properly and patiently, the songs will | | | | play in tune and in rhythm. Repeated playing along |
| flow. | | | | with a model version of the song will encourage a |
| Listening to music is an important step that is | | | | high level of skill. |
| often skipped over. To play a song properly a | | | | These steps will take a student down the path to |
| student needs to be familiar with the notes. The | | | | being a skilled musician. As many parents already |
| song should be listened to a minimum of 4 times. | | | | know, the gift of music will last a lifetime. |
| I often play a song that we will be learning in | | | | |