The Surprise Anne Results

Last week I challenged each of my students to think up a music project and surprise me. I thought this would be a great way to highlight the value of creative independence.

The "Surprise Anne Projects" all came in and I have proudly displayed them on my studio door. You probably can't read the print on my photo, so here is a list of my musical gifts:

• Cameron learned how to draw a grand piano and showed me how to do it.
• Ella videotaped her "Distant Chimes" and I got to see her piano room at home.
• Katie started learning "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.
• Avery wrote me a thoughtful letter.
• Sebastian brought a guitar and sang "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" by Blue Rodeo.
• Raphaelia learned all of "Happy Birthday" off by heart.
• Bridget started learning "Clair de lune" on her own.
• Kenzie drew a picture of us at her piano.
• Nicola videotaped "Arabesque" using her iPad.
• Brogan recorded "Manx Lullaby" and emailed the mp3 to me.
• Sarah figured out how to play "Paradise" by Coldplay and performed it for me.
• Sarah drew a fun piano picture for me.
• Madison performed a mini-concert for her family.
• Noah finished learning and memorized "L'Orage"
• Stephen worked on balance in his Sonatina.
• Abby figured out the chords for "Hallelujah" with Katie.
• Victoria did extra theory pages.
• Bridgett learned "Angel of Music" from Phantom of the Opera.
• Abby made a beautiful photo collage that spells MUSIC.
• Andrée memorized all of "The Little Shepherd" by Debussy.
• Lexie memorized her "Study in D Minor".
• Emma learned "Kite in the Sky" by herself and videotaped it for me to see.

I think this is an impressive display of independent learning. Being able to dream up projects and think of ideas that push your skills and talents is a wonderful gift. Great job everyone, that made me so happy!

Dr. Seuss Band Rocks!

Have you been looking for a great music app with a touch of silly for your iPhone or iPad? Quick, scoot to the app store and download this fun musical instrument game. Your students will love it and I bet you might get a giggle out of it too.

Hurry! Dr. Seuss Band is free for a limited time!

The Quiz Quiz Trade Game

This is the week that my students are supposed to arrive with their "Surprise Anne Plan" projects. As it turns out my day got started with a wonderful surprise all the way from Iowa!

Remember the Quirky Birds from a few weeks ago? Well, an elementary school teacher from Hartley, Iowa put her own spin on this activity with her grade 2 music class. I love the Quiz-Quiz-Trade game idea and the photos made my day.

And this is why it's so much fun to share.

Hi Anne,

Thanks for sharing your "puppy dog / quirky bird" idea and cards. My 2nd graders finally consistently put the stems on the correct side of the notes. I printed two copies of your flash cards, laminated them and use them to play Quiz-Quiz-Trade. In this activity, every child gets a flash card and they are set loose to find a partner to "quiz". They show the note side to their partner, the partner says "puppy dog" or "quirky bird", and if they get it right, they hi-five and the other partner does the same. If they get it wrong, they say "sorry! better luck next time". Then they exchange cards and go find another partner to repeat the process. It does not take long for everyone to become proficient in recognizing "puppy dogs" and "quirky birds"!

I've attached some pics of the kids playing QQT with your cards.

Thanks!
Sue Archibald

The Surprise Anne Plan

Nothing makes me happier than a student arriving at a my studio with an extra something they have accomplished on their own. Maybe she turned the page and learned a new piece, surprised me with hands together, composed a song or performed at school. It makes no difference to me how big or small the achievement, I am always happy to celebrate independent learning.

Ninety percent of the time my students will wait to be told what to do and how to do it. Not that I am complaining about following through with instructions, but I am eager for my students to discover the joy of thinking up projects for themselves and just doing it... because it's fun!

So this week I have announced "The Surprise Anne Plan".

I have encouraged all of my students to go home and think of a fun little music project this week. They are preparing to knock my socks off with musical surprises at their next lesson. Oh yes, I have a wishlist... I am hoping for new pieces figured out, lead sheets organized, performance videos, original compositions, songs figured out by ear, creative art work, extra theory pages done or any other bright idea.

I can hardly wait to see and hear what they do. Why not take some time to encourage and celebrate creative independence in your studios this week.

Please No Quirky Birds

One of my students inspired this new set of activities for reviewing stem placement on notes. On his theory homework I noticed quite a few stems placed on the wrong side, so I reminded him that stems should look like the letter p or d for puppy dog, not q or b for quirky birds. We had a good laugh as we corrected all of the quirky bird notes.

So I put together a group of related activities to tidy up those quirky birds. The first is a set of flashcards that you may download and print for yourself. The student simply sorts the notes as right (puppy dog) or wrong (quirky bird) stem placement. Print back-to-back on two sheets of heavy card stock.

>> Download the Quirky Bird Flashcard Activity 

I also made an image which you may download to your iPad and use in a whiteboard app. Students will place stems correctly on each valentine note, then name all of the notes. More advanced students could make either single or paired eighth notes. Don't forget to buy a stylus for your iPad!

>> Download the Heart Stems iPad Image

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, here is a sweet little activity. Use treats like these chocolate hearts on a large staff and have students add the stems. My staff board is made with sticky craft foam and the staff lines are about 1 inch apart. I used black pipe cleaners for my stems.