Classroom Music & Posture Ideas
Music is a central part of our lives. Its elements, including lyrics, instrumentation and tempo, are used to convey emotions and particular messages. Because of the value of music, many schools have some sort of structure for students to learn an instrument, improve their singing or simply appreciate these elements. Besides teaching students to play and sing, you can also teach students about proper posture in various musical setting.
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Singing Posture Lesson
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Singers must maintain proper posture in order to best propel their voices and hit the right notes. Posture is also important for breathing. When singers breath properly, they are better able to hold notes. The lesson teaches students correct posture for singing alone and in a group. In order to teach singing posture, you will need to convey various aspects of posture, such as feet placement, how much to bend knees, chest raising, along with shoulder, arm and chin placement. After having students correct their posture, have them practice singing alone and with a group.
Instrument Posture Lesson
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Students and professional players utilize many instruments, including the piano, guitar, drums and percussion. Proper posture is important in properly playing these instruments. Consider teaching posture before getting into the technical nature of the instrument. For example, if you are teaching guitar, make sure that your students sit or stand without slouching. Make sure that they keep their thumbs in the back of the guitar's neck, use the tips of their fingers on the strings and hold their hands and wrists perpendicular to the fret board.
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Music Appreciation
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Music has a history and culture attached to it. For example, spirituals and their modern successors, gospel music, are commonly associated with the African American experience living in the United States. Similarly, folk music is commonly associated with various cultural movements in the United States, such as the "anti-war" movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Each element of the music matters, from the lyrics, to phrasing, to mood and tempo, among others. Increase students listening and comprehension skills, along with cultural understanding by playing music from the different eras of the United States. In this respect, music is a creative way to teach students about their histories.
Instrumentation
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When you think of teaching music in school, you are likely to think of learning to play an instrument, such as the piano, horn, harp, drums, violin or various percussion instruments. Many schools have orchestra, where students practice their particular instrument and display their proficiency in class and in public performances. If your school already teaches students instruments or voice, consider starting a jazz band, orchestra or choir in order to enhance students expertise and public performance skills. You can even put on free, or low-cost concerts where students get the chance to show off their musical ability.
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References
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