The Animal Note Method of Teaching Music Brings True Joy
One of the greatest feelings on earth comes over me when I have helped a child feel successful. It lifts their self-esteem and helps them realize that they are capable of “something” if it is presented to them in a manner they can comprehend, and they put effort into achieving the goal. The Animal Note teaching method for beginning music students, based on associative learning, has given me the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful feeling over and over again. The oval shape of standard music notes becomes the head, or body, of an animal. They are easily recognizable for any one beginning to learn music. Fun stories about their activities and other clues can help an individual learn the location of each animal on the Grand Staff. Overcoming the barriers of note reading is more than half the “battle” of learning how to play musical instruments. Yes, the individual must learn where each tone is located on the instrument and must conquer timing, but both of these challenges, in most cases, pale when placed beside the challenge of understanding the sequential actions required when looking at an overall piece of music in standard notation. A good understanding of note reading makes this task much less daunting.
Since creating and using animal notes, teaching music has become really fun and a great joy. I can now concentrate on how to help the individual overcome other challenges they are facing while learning to play their new instrument. For very young children it might be learning to identify their right hand from their left, or how to play on their finger tips. For a little older child it might be moving their hands easily over their chosen instrument.
Switching to standard music notation when the individual is ready is not a problem. Just use the Animal Note Flash Cards at every lesson, review old notes, and add new ones. Emphasize the story word clues that help identify the note and its location on the Grand Staff. With this practice, the standard note becomes as familiar as the Animal Note.
I am now working on a new book to be called “Moving On.” It will have a piece written in the Animal Notes and then in Standard Music notes. Each song will have different aspects of music theory to be discussed and practiced. I have listened to other music teachers whose ideas and suggestions have been very helpful.
|
|
