A COMPREHENSIVE AND FUN SURVEY OF MUSIC HISTORY
developed by a homeschooling mom and piano teacher.
Finally, an engaging and complete all-in-one music history course for students.
When I set out to put together curricula for my daughter’s homeschooling, I found so many wonderful resources for science, history, writing and language arts.
But I struggled to find a music course that covered important concepts while also being engaging and helping her understand the relevancy of music history today.
So…I created one myself.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS PROGRAM:
VIDEO LESSONS
Each unit contains videos that give students an opportunity to see and hear about the history of each period, musical forms and instruments, and influential composers.
DOWNLOADABLE STUDENT WORKBOOKS
These comprehensive workbooks contain written and coloring activities, end-of-unit review cards and quizzes
GUIDED LISTENING ACTIVITIES
Videos and questions to help students engage and experience the music as well as develop a vocabulary to discuss music
ACTIVITIES & PROJECTS
Hands-on learning to help students make connections between historical musical styles and present-day uses and interpretations.
PARENT GUIDE
Supportive tips, supply lists, answer keys and video transcripts are included in this detailed resource for parents.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
7 UNITS COVERING WESTERN MUSIC FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE PRESENT DAY
allowing your student to understand historical sequence and context.
UNIT 1: ANCIENT MUSIC
MATERIAL COVERED:
- Brief overview of what was happening during this time in history
- A look at ancient instruments, including drums, zithers, sistrums and digeridoos
- Study of how music was performed and used in ancient cultures.
UNIT 2: MEDIEVAL MUSIC
MATERIAL COVERED:
- Brief overview of what was happening during this time in history
- A look at medieval instruments, including portative and pipe organs, bagpipes, djembe, talking drums
- Study of how music was performed and used in Middle Ages
VOCABULARY LEARNED:
- Folk Music
- A Capella
- Secular music
- Percussion Family
- Gregorian Chant
UNIT 3: RENAISSANCE MUSIC
MATERIAL COVERED:
- Brief overview of what was happening during this time in history
- Look at Renaissance instruments, including violins, harpsichords, clavichords, tambourines and triangles
- Study of how music was performed and used in Renaissance Culture
VOCABULARY LEARNED:
- polyphony
- chorales
- string family of instruments
- brass family of instruments
- ballet
UNIT 4: BAROQUE MUSIC
MATERIAL COVERED:
- Brief overview of what was happening during this time in history
- Survey of Baroque art and musical style
- A look at Baroque musical forms and how music was used during this period
- Understanding the importance of patronage to Baroque art
- Kid-friendly overviews of composers Bach, Handel and Vivaldi
VOCABULARY LEARNED
- opera
- woodwind family of instruments
- concerto
- suite
UNIT 5: CLASSICAL MUSIC
MATERIAL COVERED:
- Brief overview of what was happening during this time in history
- A look at Classical style, musical forms and the growth of the orchestra
- Kid-friendly overviews of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven
VOCABULARY LEARNED:
- conductor
- string quartet
- chamber music
- sonata
- symphony
UNIT 6: ROMANTIC MUSIC
MATERIAL COVERED:
- Brief overview of what was happening during this time in history
- Survey of Romantic art and musical style
- A look at Romantic musical forms — especially opera and ballet
- Kid-friendly overviews of composers Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Brahms
VOCABULARY LEARNED:
- piano
- programme music
- leitmotif
UNIT 7: MODERN MUSIC
MATERIAL COVERED:
- Brief overview of what was/is happening during this time in history/present day
- Survey of Modern art and musical style
- A look at a few modern musical styles and ways in which modern music is used
- Kid-friendly overviews of composers Stravinsky, Williams, Kendall and Joplin
VOCABULARY LEARNED:
- ragtime
- jazz
- improvisation
- popular music
- music theatre
BONUS LESSON: MUSIC OF NATIVE AMERICANS
A brief overview and two samples of the music of Native Americans.
BONUS LESSON: MUSIC OF ENSLAVED PEOPLES
A brief overview and two samples of the music of enslaved people in the American South.
Carly has a passion for music that is impressive. Whether it’s working with students in her piano studio, playing in the pit for a musical, recording holiday music or playing in a worship service, Carly gets the most out of each opportunity. I’ve worked with Carly on many different occasions and I’m continually amazed at her level of musicianship. She is an accomplished musician and is always well prepared.
Carly’s students adore her. My two daughters benefited greatly from their instruction with Carly. She has a delightful personality and a very special knack for sharing the gift of music.
“SO…HOW EXACTLY DOES THIS WORK?”
Upon purchase, you are sent login credentials that will allow you to access this online course.
You can work through the course at your own pace. Your downloadable parent guide will assist you in planning for each lesson and give you helpful tips along the way. You’ll have lifetime access to the course, so no need to rush through the materials!
PRICING
BUSY KIDS DO MUSIC HISTORY
Online Course- +Full, Instant Access to 30 Lessons in 7 Units covering music history from antiquity to the present day
- Parent Guide
- Downloadable Student Guides with coloring activities, quizzes and more
- 2 Bonus Lessons
- +Unlimited Support
- Private, Members-Only Facebook Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child need additional supplies or books for this course?
There are some coloring activities and a few craft projects that include items you likely already have around your home. Lists of these supplies are in your parent guide, so you will be able to collect them before your student moves through the lesson.
The student workbooks for each unit as well as the parent guide are downloadable within the site.
Can I use this course for more than one child?
Absolutely! One course can be used for an entire household. Suggestions are made in the parent guide to help you modify activities for different age groups.
How long do I have access to the course?
Your purchase includes lifetime access.
Do I need Internet access?
Yes. The lesson videos in which I present new information are streamed through Vimeo. I also link to many musical performances on YouTube as well as articles and a few craft projects from other sites..
How long will it take to complete the course?
You can adjust the course to fit the age and interest of your child as well as your own homeschooling schedule.
There are a total of 30 lessons in the course, but each lesson contains 3-4 activities. If you focus on one lesson per week, you can make it through in one school year.
Alternatively, you could take 2 weeks to focus on each lesson and stretch out the course for two years.
It’s up to you, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it!
NOT READY TO COMMIT?
CHECK OUT THESE FREE MUSIC APPRECIATION RESOURCES!
Download my free e-Book, Composer for Kids, filled with beautiful and interactive music history resources.
Join my FREE 5-day camp for kids and learn all kinds of new things about music, piano and the orchestra.
