10 Strategies for Seamlessly Incorporating a Quality Music Education in Your Homeschool (E26)

Introduction

Hello everyone! Welcome to today’s workshop on “10 Simple Strategies for Seamlessly Incorporating a Quality Music Education in Your Homeschool.” I’m Gena Mayo, and I’m thrilled to be here with you today. For those who haven’t met me before, I’m a veteran homeschooler of eight children and a music teacher with over 30 years of experience. My oldest is 23 and my youngest is 12. Four kids have graduated and are either working or are in college. For the other four, I’m still homeschooling for middle and high school.

I started homeschooling over 20 years ago, and integrating music into our daily routine has always been a priority for me. Over the years, I’ve developed various strategies to make music education both effective and enjoyable. Today, I want to share some of these strategies with you.

Why Music Education?

Let’s start with reasons you’ll even want to take the time or effort to include music in your homeschool. Numerous studies have shown that music significantly enhances a child’s brain development, academic performance, and social skills. Music does something incredible to the brain and helps in various aspects of learning and personal development. Starting music education at an early age can be especially beneficial. Whether your children pursue music professionally or not, the skills gained through music exposure and education will serve them well in many areas of life.

Music education can help children develop fine motor skills, improve memory, and boost creativity. It also provides a means of self-expression and can be a wonderful way for children to relieve stress.

Additionally, music can enhance emotional intelligence. Playing an instrument or singing can be a powerful outlet for emotions. I’ve seen my children use music to express their feelings and connect with others. This emotional aspect of music is often overlooked but is incredibly important for overall development.

So, now, let’s turn our focus to 10 Simple Strategies for Seamlessly Incorporating a Quality Music Education in Your Homeschool

Strategy 1: Schedule Music Education into Your Homeschool Day

Think about how you’ll schedule your music lessons. Some families dedicate specific days to music, like Music Mondays or Fine Arts Fridays. Others use loop scheduling or block scheduling to ensure music is regularly included in their routine. Find a system that works best for your family and stick with it.

In our homeschool, we have a loop schedule where we rotate through different subjects, including music. This way, we ensure that we cover a variety of topics without feeling overwhelmed. On music days, we might focus on music appreciation or attend a performance or concert.

A block schedule is a technique for dedicating a full block of time to a subject. For example, maybe you’ll spend a couple of hours on music one day but then not get back to it for a couple of weeks.

Another scheduling tip is to integrate music with other subjects. For example, you can incorporate music into your history lessons by studying the music of different time periods or cultures. This makes learning more interdisciplinary and enriching.

Strategy 2: Set Up Your Music Space

Creating a dedicated music space in your home can make a significant difference. It doesn’t have to be a separate room; a corner in your living room or family room can work perfectly. Ensure it’s comfortable, organized, and inspiring. Think about storage for instruments and resources, and make sure everything is accessible. Safety is crucial, so consider the placement of instruments and electrical equipment, especially if you have younger children.

Here’s a plan you might choose: Use your living room for your homeschool music lessons. Have a cozy corner with a keyboard, some shelves for music books, and a basket for small instruments like maracas and tambourines. The key is to make the space inviting and functional. You might want to include a music stand, a comfortable chair, and some posters or artwork related to music to inspire your children.

One tip is to use multipurpose furniture. For example, we have a coffee table that doubles as a storage unit for music books and accessories. This helps keep the space tidy and organized. Also, consider lighting. Good lighting is essential for reading music and creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Organizing Your Materials

Keep your music materials organized and accessible. Use baskets, bins, or shelves to store instruments and resources. For example, when we were doing ukulele lessons, I found a long cardboard box that fit our three ukuleles perfectly. It kept them safe and handy.

Labeling your storage bins can also be helpful, especially if you have a lot of materials. This makes it easier for your children to find what they need and put things away when they’re done.

Personalize your music space with posters and decorations that inspire you and your children. Creating a beautiful and inviting space will make you more likely to spend time there and enjoy your music lessons. You can find music-themed posters online or even make your own. Little touches can make the space feel special.

Consider also including some of your children’s artwork or projects. This can make the space feel more personal and show your children that their efforts are valued. Another idea is to create a bulletin board where you can display sheet music, practice schedules, and other relevant materials.

Strategy 3: Choose the Curriculum or Resources that fit your needs the best

There are many online courses and resources available to support your music education efforts. For example, I offer a variety of courses for different ages and skill levels. My membership options provide structured lessons and resources, making it easy to incorporate music into your homeschool routine.

In addition to our courses, there are many other online resources available. Websites like Khan Academy and YouTube have countless free tutorials for virtually every instrument and music concept you’d ever want to learn.

Not everyone needs to include instrument instruction as part of a homeschool music education. However, if you do, selecting the right instrument for your child is essential. Here are some age-appropriate suggestions:

• Guitar: Suitable for ages 10 and up. Younger children may find it challenging to press down on the strings, but as they grow older and their hands strengthen, they can handle it better. Guitars also come in smaller sizes for smaller kids.
• Violin: Can start as young as age 3 with the Suzuki method. The Suzuki method is fantastic because it involves both the child and the parent in the learning process. Violins come in a wide variety of sizes.
• Recorder: Best for children ages 8 and up. It’s a simple, affordable, and durable instrument to start with and helps children learn to read music and train their ear.
• Piano: Great to start around age 7. The piano is a versatile instrument that provides a solid foundation for learning music theory. A shorter keyboard is ok, but don’t use one with miniature keys.
• Ukulele: Great for younger children due to its smaller size. It’s relatively easy to learn and fun to play. Comes in a variety of sizes.

• When choosing instruments, consider your child’s interests and physical abilities. For example, if your child is particularly drawn to a specific instrument, that’s a good indication that they will enjoy and stick with it. Also, be mindful of the size and weight of the instrument, especially for younger children.

Other Instruments:

For younger children, simple rhythm instruments like maracas, tambourines, hand drums, and rhythm sticks are excellent. They help children develop a sense of steady beat and rhythm, as well as coordination.

Exploring Different Music Genres

• Expose your children to a wide variety of music genres. This can broaden their musical horizons and help them appreciate different cultures and styles. Use resources like YouTube or Spotify to explore classical, jazz, folk, big band, opera, and world music.
• You can create themed playlists for different months or seasons. This can keep your music lessons fresh and exciting. For instance, in December, you might focus on holiday music from around the world, while in the summer, you could explore tropical and Caribbean music.

Utilizing Audio Equipment

• Investing in good audio equipment can enhance your music lessons. A Bluetooth speaker paired with your phone, tablet, or smart TV can provide a better listening experience.
• In our homeschool, we often use a smart TV to watch music lessons or performances. It’s wonderful to have a large screen where everyone can see clearly, and the sound quality is much better than using a phone or tablet alone. For example, when we study different composers, we watch documentaries or concert performances together, which makes the learning experience more engaging.
• Consider also using headphones for individual practice sessions. This can help minimize distractions and allow your child to focus on their music. If you have multiple children practicing at the same time, headphones can be a lifesaver.
• Finally, leverage technology by using music apps and online resources that offer interactive and engaging ways to learn music theory, composition, and performance. Apps for ear training, rhythm practice, and virtual instruments can complement traditional methods and add variety to your child’s music education.

Strategy 4: Budget for Music Education

Music education can be affordable with some creative budgeting. Consider asking grandparents to contribute to music lessons or instruments as gifts. Bartering services with music teachers or finding second-hand instruments are other great ways to manage costs.

Music teachers can be expensive, but we found some more affordable options by hiring high school students. Homeschooled high schoolers have more flexibility during the day, and you’re helping them gain valuable experience in music teaching.

An additional option is to find a teacher to teach a group of students at a homeschool co-op. That way the cost is split between many.

Strategy 5: Create Goals and Plans for the Year and Track Progress

Creating goals and plans for the year and tracking progress is a fundamental strategy to ensure a successful music education in your homeschool. Establishing clear, achievable goals for music learning and practice sets a roadmap for the year, providing direction and motivation. Start by setting specific objectives for each term or semester, such as mastering a particular piece, improving technical skills, being able to recognize 3 Bach concertos by sound, or understanding a particular music theory concept. These goals should be realistic and tailored to the student’s current level and interests to maintain engagement and a sense of accomplishment.

To effectively track progress, maintaining a music journal or portfolio is highly beneficial. This journal can include practice logs, lesson notes, and reflections on personal experiences and challenges. Recording daily or weekly practice sessions helps in identifying patterns, areas that need improvement, and the effectiveness of practice strategies. Over time, the journal becomes a tangible record of growth and development, offering insights into how far the student has come.

Additionally, a portfolio can be used to collect recordings of performances, compositions, and other significant milestones. These recordings serve as a motivational tool, showcasing the student’s progress and providing a sense of pride and achievement. Regularly reviewing the journal and portfolio allows for the celebration of successes and the adjustment of goals and plans as needed. It also encourages a growth mindset, where students learn to view challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than setbacks.

Setting goals and tracking progress not only enhances the structure of music education but also fosters a sense of responsibility and self-discipline in students. By clearly defining what needs to be achieved and regularly monitoring advancements, students can stay focused and motivated, making their music education more rewarding and effective. This approach ensures that the music learning experience is purposeful, reflective, and continuously evolving.

Strategy 6: Integrate Music with Other Subjects:

Integrating music with other subjects in a homeschool setting is a dynamic strategy that enriches the learning experience and creates interdisciplinary connections. Music can be a powerful tool to enhance lessons in history, providing a deeper understanding of different historical periods through their music. For example, studying the Baroque era alongside the works of composers like Bach and Handel can offer insights into the cultural and societal contexts of the time. This approach makes history come alive, as students can hear and feel the emotions and stories conveyed through the music of each era.

Incorporating math into music lessons is another effective way to bridge subjects. Exploring rhythms, patterns, and musical scales introduces mathematical concepts in a practical and engaging manner. Rhythmic patterns can teach fractions and ratios, while scales and intervals can explain numerical relationships and sequences. This not only reinforces math skills but also demonstrates the inherent connection between math and music, showing students how mathematical principles underpin the structure of music.

Combining literature and music by analyzing lyrics and storytelling in songs enhances both subjects. Songs often tell stories, convey emotions, and use literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and narrative. Analyzing these elements helps students develop a deeper appreciation for literature and poetry. It also encourages creative thinking and interpretation as they explore how music can enhance the meaning and impact of words. This multidisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking and helps students make connections across different areas of study.

Overall, integrating music with history, math, and literature not only makes learning more enjoyable and engaging but also promotes a holistic educational experience. It encourages students to see the interconnectedness of knowledge and develop a well-rounded understanding of the world. By blending these subjects, homeschoolers can create a rich, immersive learning environment that nurtures curiosity and a lifelong love for learning.

Strategy 7: Encourage Practice and Performance

Encourage your children to practice and perform regularly. This could be informal performances at home or more structured recitals. Practicing regularly helps them improve their skills and gain confidence. Make practice sessions fun and engaging to keep their interest alive.

One great idea is to hold mini-recitals at home where the kids perform for the family. Invite the grandparents over if they’re close-by. It’s a low-pressure way for kids to get used to playing in front of an audience and it gives them something to work towards.

Definitely record your children’s performances. This is a great way to track their progress and create lasting memories. You can even share these recordings with grandparents or other family members who might not be able to attend in person.

Strategy 8: Research State Laws and Homeschool Graduation Requirements

Researching state laws about homeschooling, music education, and fine arts, as well as understanding homeschool graduation requirements, is a crucial strategy for ensuring a comprehensive and compliant educational experience. Each state in the U.S. has its own set of regulations governing homeschooling, and it’s essential to be well-informed about these laws to avoid potential legal issues and ensure that your child’s education meets state standards.

Begin by reviewing the HSLDA website which always has the most up-to-date information for homeschoolers. It will tell you the homeschooling requirements, including notification procedures, record-keeping, and subjects that must be taught. Some states have stringent requirements, such as annual assessments or submission of curricula for approval, while others offer more flexibility. Understanding these regulations will help you design a curriculum that is both compliant and tailored to your child’s educational needs.

Music education and fine arts are integral components of a well-rounded curriculum. Researching specific requirements for these subjects can help you incorporate them effectively into your homeschool plan. Some states may mandate a certain number of hours or credits in fine arts, which includes music. Ensuring you meet these requirements is vital for your child’s holistic development and can enrich their educational experience by fostering creativity and cultural appreciation.

Understanding homeschool graduation requirements is equally important. States often have specific criteria for awarding a high school diploma, including the number of credits needed in core subjects such as English, math, science, social studies, and electives like music and arts. Familiarizing yourself with these criteria allows you to plan a four-year high school curriculum that fulfills all necessary credits and prepares your child for post-secondary education or career paths.

Keeping records of your child’s coursework, achievements, and extracurricular activities is essential for demonstrating compliance with state laws, fulfilling graduation requirements, and being prepared for college applications. By thoroughly researching state laws and graduation requirements, you can ensure that your homeschool program is legally sound and academically rigorous, providing a strong foundation for your child’s future success.

Strategy 9: Incorporate Music Education into Your Daily Life:

Incorporating music education into your daily homeschool life is a powerful strategy to enhance learning and foster a love for music. Integrating music into everyday activities makes it a natural and enjoyable part of your child’s routine, rather than a separate or burdensome task. One effective approach is to use music as a background element during various parts of the day. For instance, playing classical music during morning activities can create a calm and focused atmosphere, while upbeat tunes during breaks can boost energy and mood.

Incorporate music into academic lessons by using songs and rhythms to teach concepts. For example, use musical mnemonics to help with memorization in subjects like math and language arts. Songs about multiplication tables or historical events can make learning more engaging and memorable. Encourage your children to create their own songs or raps about what they are learning, which reinforces their understanding and allows for creative expression.

Daily practice of musical instruments can be seamlessly woven into the homeschool schedule. Designate specific times for practice and ensure these sessions are consistent. Even short, regular practice periods can lead to significant improvement over time. Create a dedicated music space in your home with instruments, sheet music, and other resources readily accessible. This makes it easy for children to engage with music spontaneously and fosters a sense of ownership over their musical education.

Incorporate music into family activities to make it a shared experience. Singing together, listening to music, and discussing different genres can be enjoyable and educational. Attend live music events, whether they are local concerts, online performances, or community music festivals. These experiences can deepen your child’s appreciation for music and provide inspiration.

By integrating music into your daily homeschool life, you create a rich, immersive environment that nurtures musical skills and appreciation, making music a joyful and integral part of your child’s education.

Strategy 10: Make Music Education a Joyful Part of Your Homeschool

Making music education joyful in a homeschool setting is essential for fostering a lifelong love and appreciation for music. The key to achieving this is to create a positive and engaging environment where learning music feels like a delightful and fulfilling experience rather than a chore. Start by incorporating a variety of musical activities that cater to different interests and learning styles. This could include singing, playing instruments, dancing, composing, and even music-related games and apps.

Personalize the music curriculum to match your child’s interests and preferences. Allow them to choose the songs they want to learn and the instruments they want to play. When children have a say in their musical journey, they are more likely to stay motivated and enthusiastic. Incorporate contemporary music alongside classical pieces to keep the repertoire fresh and exciting. Introducing diverse genres such as jazz, rock, pop, and world music can broaden their musical horizons and keep lessons interesting.

Celebrate small achievements to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s mastering a new piece, performing in front of family members, or composing a simple melody, recognize and praise these milestones. This positive reinforcement can significantly boost their motivation and enjoyment.

Create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where mistakes are viewed as part of the learning process. Encourage experimentation and improvisation, allowing children to explore their creativity without the fear of judgment. This approach helps them develop a deeper connection with music and enjoy the freedom of expression it offers.

Incorporate play and fun into music lessons. Use rhythm games, musical storytelling, and interactive apps to make learning engaging and enjoyable. Activities like these can make complex musical concepts more accessible and entertaining.

Lastly, make music a communal activity. Encourage family members to join in musical activities, whether it’s a family sing-along, a mini-concert, or playing instruments together. Shared musical experiences can create joyful memories and strengthen family bonds.

By making music education joyful, you not only enhance your child’s learning experience but also instill a deep, lasting passion for music that can enrich their lives in countless ways.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope these strategies inspire you to incorporate music into your homeschool in a way that works for your family. Remember, music education doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. With a little planning and the right resources, you can create a rich, musical environment in your home.

Music in Our Homeschool Resources

Over at Music in Our Homeschool, I have a wide range of options for all ages, preschool through high school. For the littest ones we have 10 Songs All Preschoolers Should Know and KinderBach in six levels.

The elementary ages a filled with a variety of music appreciation courses such as Learn Classical Music with Cartoons, as well as “Recorder Time with Mr. Jerry,” suitable for children aged 8 and up and “Guitar Time with Ben,” designed for ages 10 and up. These beginning instrument instruction courses are self-paced and allow children to learn at their own speed.

If you’re looking for a variety of options for high school Fine Arts, we have you covered there, too. Music History in 3 levels, Music Theory in 2 levels, and much more.

Definitely take a look at the Music in Our Homeschool Plus membership since it provides the most cost-effective way to incorporate a quality music education for all your children.

Get a set of free music lesson at MusicinOurHomeschool.com/FreeMusicLessons or a free 25-lesson music education sampler course at MusicinOurHomeschool.com/sampler.

Which strategy are you ready to start with first? Leave a comment below to get the discussion started!

See the YouTube Video “10 Strategies for Seamlessly Incorporating a Quality Music Education in Your Homeschool” here:

https://youtu.be/cYH_ymBNK8E

Listen to the Podcast Episode about “10 Strategies for Seamlessly Incorporating a Quality Music Education in Your Homeschool”:

Listen here or subscribe and follow The Music in Our Homeschool Podcast through your favorite podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Read the Podcast Transcript here.

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• How to Choose the Best Homeschool Music Curriculum (E2)