Category: Patriotic Music

Patriotic Teaching Resources

6/27/2017

Since next week marks the Fourth of July holiday here in the U.S., I thought it might be a good time to compile a list of all of the patriotic-themed teaching resources I have available for free here on my website!

Whether you are planning a summer group class, or just looking for fun activities for this laid-back time of the year, hopefully you can find some ideas that you can use with your students!

Patriotic Group Class Lesson Plan : I do some variation on this lesson plan with my students each summer, and it is always lots of fun! We learn about an American composer, listen to a famous patriotic piece for orchestra, and play an ensemble piece.

Patriotic Name That Tune : Great for group classes or as a private lesson activity! This packet contains 3 levels of patriotic song excerpts for sight-reading and ear training fun.

Patriotic Ear Training Challenge : This worksheet walks students through the process of playing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" by ear.

The Star-Spangled Banner : An elementary piano solo version of the American national anthem, including lyrics!

You can find all of my free teaching resources HERE. Wishing all of my American colleagues a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday!

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A Patriotic Group Class Lesson Plan

6/30/2016

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I talked a bit about my experience with group classes and how I incorporate them into my studio here and here.

I thought it might be helpful to share a lesson plan from one of my most recent group classes this summer. We did an American-themed group class, in honor of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Here were our activities:

Ice Breaker: Patriotic Name That Tune: Each student received a slip of paper with one line from a patriotic tune to sight-read for the class. Songs included “Star-Spangled Banner,” “Yankee Doodle,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” I was happy to find that students guessed every song correctly!
Listening/Composer Activity: Scott Joplin: We learned about ragtime, the life of Scott Joplin, and listened to excerpts from his most famous rags, “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.” Students were really surprised to learn the “Maple Leaf Rag” was the first piece of sheet music to sell more than one million copies. I asked them to guess how much Scott Joplin was paid for the sale of each copy. (Answer: 1 penny!)
Performance Practice: Each student came prepared to play three songs for the class. We reviewed recital etiquette, and students shared a little background information about each piece they played with the group.
Ensemble Playing: We worked on a duet version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” with students rotating so that each person had a chance to play both the primo and secondo parts.

Students really enjoyed this American-themed class. In past years, I have done other patriotic group classes with activities including watching a video of a performance of the “1812 Overture” (with real cannons!), learning about John Philip Sousa, and playing a trio arrangement of “Yankee Doodle.”

What do you think? Do you have any group classes planned for your students this summer?

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Patriotic Teaching Resources

A Patriotic Group Class Lesson Plan

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