Have You Seen These Music Education Resources?

I've been fielding readers' questions about music education this week. Tuesday, your questions about piano lessons were answered. Some readers also left some interesting comments on that post, so check them out!

Here's another question that really was all encompassing and I'll address it in today's post:

For music education in general - what do you think is important?

I know music can be intimidating if you aren't a musician. I've heard so many people say "I can't carry a tune in a bucket" or "I just don't sing!" , which makes me so sad. Music is actually one of the easiest things to bring into your homeschool because you don't have to DO anything except provide music for your children.

Exposure, in my opinion, is critical. Children are innately musical (in fact, all babies are born with perfect pitch, did you know that?) and if that musicianship isn't fostered they lose it over time. It is my belief that all children should be exposed to the great musicians of history, have an opportunity to learn a musical instrument, and respond to music in their own unique way (song, dance, ensemble playing, etc...)

Here are some low cost ways to do just that:

1. Have a composer of the week- go to Classics for Kids and listen to their radio shows. This site lays everything out for you (including listening to the music free online). Wouldn't it be great to keep a composer notebook with your kids? This site makes it so easy.
2. Keep a set of quality rhythm instruments at home for younger children. I recommend this set. Let them make their own music to accompany poetry, their favorite songs or just about anything. Music should be FUN.
3. Make sure you have a lot of music playing in your house. Classical music always soothes the soul, but highlight a different GENRE each week in your house. How about playing classical one week, then jazz the next? You can use Pandora to get lots of free music in your home! (for fun, go to the link I gave you and create a "Louis Armstrong" station. This is one of our favorites!) Other favorite recordings of ours include Beethoven's Wig, (classical music with funny lyrics that kids REMEMBER!) Raffi, Greg & Steve, and Veggi Tales.
4. Are you a member of a homeschool co-op? Is there someone willing to teach a music class for your child's age group? I teach a music and movement class to K-1 grade children once a week. We learn songs, play instruments, highlight a different composer each week, and recently started talking about different musical forms.
   
5. Have you checked to see if there are any homeschool choirs or bands in your area? I know there are several where we live! Exposing your child to music making in a large group is a gift. There is something special about working with a group towards a common goal.
   
6. I love the plan for composer study on Simply Charlotte Mason. It's all laid out for you. We follow this plan.
   

I wish I could speak more about packaged music education curriculums for homeschools, but I have never had experience with them. I have recently received a trial membership to an online music community for homeschoolers, so I'll keep you posted on what my thoughts are.

I hope this has been helpful.... if you have any other resources you can share with me, I'd love to hear about them. Or, if you have additional questions, ask away!!

I'm linking this post to Many Little Blessings today.... she is also reviewing a great music education resource, so click her button and check it out!

What's for Dinner? The St. Patrick's Day Edition

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. I come from an Irish family (my full maiden name was Mary Kathleen McLaughlin) and we always celebrated this holiday A LOT! This is my dad (we affectionately call him Jimmie Mac) and GMan a couple of years ago - when we all celebrated St. Pat's at my house.

We will be having Corned Beef and Cabbage for dinner and I'd like to share the recipe with you. It's a favorite in my house. (If you care to read about the history of the dish, click here -- I always like to get into the history of things!) Having corned beef and cabbage isn't really what true Irish folks prefer ~ but, I digress. You can read the article if you're interested!

If you are wondering where to get a corned beef briscuit, they are in the meat department... at our grocery store it was actually in a special display at the very front because it's close to St. Pat's day. Most of them come with their own spice packet, too. They are simple to make - and cost around $10.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
• 10 baby red potatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups water
• 1 (4 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet
• 6 ounces beer
• 1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped

1. Place the carrots, potatoes, and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker, pour in the water, and place the brisket on top of the vegetables. Pour the beer over the brisket. Sprinkle on the spices from the packet, cover, and set the cooker on High.
2. Cook the brisket for about 8 hours. An hour before serving, stir in the cabbage and cook for 1 more hour.

What about dessert? Well, you could get fancy and make this Grasshopper Pie from The Pioneer Woman, but alas ~ I probably will run out of time and just serve some Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream instead.

What are you having for dinner this week? Join the linky today and share your recipes with us! All I ask is that you grab my cute What's for Dinner? Button (located on my sidebar) and include it in your post or on your site, or mention you are joining Homegrown Learners for dinner tonight. Please try to keep your posts related to recipes only - thank you!