In my beginner groups this week, we did a quick activity focused on pattern recognition. I created large-type, one measure signs of the melody to “This Old Man” and scattered them throughout my studio. To start the activity, I had each student run to stand by a sign and clap it’s rhythm to the group. Next, we diagrammed the melodic shape of each pattern … Continue reading
It’s group lesson week again in my studio, and since it’s our last group lesson week before Christmas break, I’ve been incorporating Christmas tunes and themes into many of our activities. I used the following activity with groups of first-year students this week: In previous groups, we had been learning to recognize simple melodic patterns (up, down, repeat) both aurally and visually. For this activity, I made signs … Continue reading