Sing, Say, Dance, and Play!
musicaclass@overturema.org
The lead teacher for Musica! class is Maureen Anderson.
Just as a visual artist might have several mediums to use, our Musica! students will have the opportunity to try different types of instruments and music-making in this very hands-on class. Students’ learning experiences will include physical movement activities, singing, listening, and introduction to symbols of music notation. Students will begin to learn the basic elements of music – rhythm, melody, and harmony.
Three specific vehicles of instruction will be utilized:
- Orff instruments – glockenspiels & xylophones & floor percussion
- Nuvo instruments (2nd semester) – beginner innovative wind instruments modeled on formal band instruments
- Choral activities – Curwen hand signs for Solfeggio, folk songs & partner songs, “sound before sight” singing, TaKaDiMi rhythms, and proper vocal technique for the young voice
Music shapes the way students understand themselves and the world around them (“Broader Minded,” 2015).
If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart. —Shin’ichi Suzuki
After a year of Musica! class, students will be prepared to pursue learning a band instrument, joining a choral ensemble, or both! They can also repeat the year of Musica! class since it will be tailored to the students’ abilities and aptitude each year. This class provides a foundation for future years of music making and ensemble participation. The greatest aim we have as musicians is to glorify God with our unique instruments through His incredible gift of music. Students will begin to learn more about their God-given talents in this foundation class.
To many of our ancient philosophers, music was considered a fundamental part of life and education. Plato believed that music was good for children physically, intellectually, and morally. Aristotle believed that music assists humans in learning about themselves, growing themselves, and esteeming themselves.
(Mark & Madura, Music Education in Your Hands, 2010)
During second semester, Musica! students will additionally explore music-making on a special line of pre-band instruments called Nuvo instruments. This will bring the children together to learn and perform fun music that builds on all the skills they’ve been working on during fall semester. (Instruments are loaned from OMA to the student for the semester.)
KHS America is partnering with Overture Music Academy to provide the premiere opportunity for middle Tennessee homeschool students to access this innovative product lineup, and our Overture staff are fully trained by the developers of the Nuvo instruments and Windstars programs. They are committed to providing OMA with all the instruments we need for our first year of Musica! class!
Eventually, Overture will have a full Windstars 2 and 3 program that will be a dedicated pre-band year of instrument instruction to complement our Amabile training choir (which will lead to Viva Voce choral ensemble at 6th grade). Nuvo instruments are an affordable up-front investment into instrumental education for students in elementary school. www.westmusic.com retails them for between $100-140, depending on the instrument.
Click on each instrument to learn more about the Nuvo Instruments line and see why we’re excited to be bringing this innovative instrument class to middle Tennessee!
Watch a series of videos explaining the educational philosophy and pedagogical value of the Nuvo instrument lineup!
©2022 Overture Music Academy