PARENTS

What does a classroom music lesson look like?

• Lessons take place in the music room and we will normally work in a circle on the floor (except in recorder lessons or when using the whiteboard)

• Music begins the moment children enter the room as they sit down, clapping back a 4-beat drum pattern

• Once seated, we always start with a rhythmic exercise of some kind to get children playing together, keeping a steady pulse and giving them all the chance to contribute (often by just saying their name in rhythm!)

• The lesson will often have a listening element where children are encouraged to use the Elements of Music vocabulary

• There is often a strong 'movement' element to the lesson as children explore all aspects of music

• More often than not, children will work in small groups during the lesson

• Appraisal of work is an important part of the lesson: children give feedback on each other's work, discuss 'what went well' (WWW) and 'even better if' (EBI) and decide which ‘music skills’ (concentration, being ready, working with others, coordination, listening, leading etc.) they used in the lesson

• There is always a strong element of play and fun!

How playing an instrument benefits the brain

How can I help my child to make progress with their instrument?

Practice, practice, practice

Research shows that one of the main factors in children's progress is the support they receive at home. This is particularly true with learning an instrument. Get involved with your child's music making as much as you can - by encouraging them to practise every day for a minimum of 10 minutes, for starters. Get them to play a few bars to you after every practice session. Even after a few days, you and your child will see the progress. Check out the notes and video below.