How It Works - An Introduction Some Instruments Comparison Chart - Music House vs. Traditional Lessons Meet Some Students
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Physical Environment Music House replicates an environment one might experience growing up in a musical household. Instruments representing each of the families – keyboard, strings, wind and percussion - are everywhere. Glockenspiels, xylophones, drums, tambourines and other assorted percussion, recorders and some exotic instruments line shelves around the room. Mixed in with these are pots, pans and various cooking utensils. Hearing a great performer at just the right moment can kindle a lifelong passion; therefore, a stereo and CD’s are handy. The child is encouraged to sing, dance, create, orchestrate, conduct and feel comfortable going where her muse takes her. The personality of a Music House reflects the personality of the teacher. Mine replicates the physical environment in which I had my earliest musical experiences: oriental rugs, wooden floors and art prints on the walls. Other visual and tactile stimuli include puppets, pots and pans, bowls and spoons and a mysterious contraption with intriguing musical possibilities, taken from the inside of a clock. There are sachets, candles and incense, just in case we pay a musical visit to some exotic place and need the ambience. I encourage children to open “secret” drawers filled with kitchen utensils – Is music hiding in there? I think that when children discover music making opportunities in every corner of the environment, it parallels the idea that music is not relegated to a particular area, but is part of the fabric of life. As one student exclaimed, “This really is a Music House!” |
© Meryl Danziger 2004