Learning how to read music

[SJ.]

I would like to teach the boys how to read music (rhythm, notes, bass, treble) but I am at a loss as to where to start.  Are there any apps, programs, or workbooks that any of you can recommend?

 

Thanks!

SJ

[Laura Corin]

I learned to read music whilst learning an instrument - it gives the exercise a purpose.  You might like to consider teaching them recorder.

[SparklyUnicorn]

It is beyond dry and painful when learning it outside of using it.  For an affordable and somewhat easy approach you could look for something (audio disc, on-line whatever, book, etc) that teaches this within the context of singing.

 

Or as Laura suggested, the recorder.

 

 

[SJ.]

I figured as much.  I was hoping there was an app that someone could recommend that took the drudgery out of it.  I am about 3 years late in finding a piano teacher!

[PeterPan]

I didn't start piano lessons until I was around the age of your oldest, and I was fine.  Go for it!  :)

[Kiara.I]

Nope, not late! Just... Waiting for readiness, right?

 

If piano is something you want them to learn, start it now!

 

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[ElizabethB]

The air harp app is a fun way to learn note lengths. Not so much for notes, but might help a bit. My husband was really impressed with the kids until he found out he could do it too and that they were just touching the dots, lol. He is very unmusical, so was not convinced when I said they were learning a few things. They were 4 and 7 when we got it.

Edited March 24, 2016 by ElizabethB

[Arcadia]

How familiar are you with music theory?

 

This old thread for self teaching

http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/587758-music-theory-resources/

 

This one for if you can help

http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/465956-music-theory/

[Rachel]

Just start piano lessons, they will progress more quickly than a younger beginner.

[nobeatenpath]

My son has dropped learning an instrument but wanted to start music theory. He enjoys it more.

I am using Auralia and Musition - they are paid for but you use a trial version. Also they have ipad apps.

Admittedly I studied music at undergraduate level so I can help him out if things are too tricky but so far he is finding it easy and fun.

[GoFigure]

Do you have a piano? My children aren't old enough yet, but I plan on using Hoffman Academy. (I think they are launching an app soon?) I think the method there is to have a child learn a song by ear and then to come behind and teach them the music theory in the song. The videos are free, then you can pay extra for supplemental material. 

[FO4UR]

If you play piano at all, just start teaching them until you find another teacher.

 

I like to teach the note values first.  You can do a lot with a child who only knows the note values.  Jot down 4 beat measure patterns on 3x5 cards.  Have the kids pick a card and pick an "instrument" and see how long they can keep the pattern going together.  ("Instruments" = oatmeal container, spoons, squeeky toy, whatever...)  Lather, rinse, repeat with 3 beat measure patterns.

 

 

When I start teaching notes on the staff, I stick to quarter notes for a while until they gain some confidence.  Play it, sing it.  Can you sing it before playing it?

 

Once they start bonafide piano lessons, keep them singing what they play.  Can you sing the melody line?  Can you sing the harmony?

 

 

I have some sight-singing books that would work for teaching note reading, but they are as dry as bones.  Look for a book of real nursery songs instead.  For older kids who are too mature for such nursery nonense, encourage them to write parodies for the lyrics to keep it fun.  Look for Kodaly inspired material b/c those will build up in skill gradually using real songs.

 

 

 

[Loesje22000]

Ready to read music:

http://www.alfred.com/Products/Ready-to-Read-Music--00-21835.aspx

[Shifra]

Recently, I used a program called "Little Musician" from Brillkids.com. It is meant for children under the age of 5, but it is fun and I, for one, learned a lot of music theory.

 

There is also  ​Keyboard Capers: Music Theory for Children b​y Rebecca Doyle Stout which is available from Rainbow Resource. You need a keyboard, but a $100 one from a big box store will do for over 90% of the exercises. Other choices are Progressive Music Theory for Young Beginners by Peter Gelling and Voggy's ABC of Music by Martina Holtz, which uses well-known children's songs to teach music theory as well. 

 

There is also a series called Just the Facts which has workbooks from kindergarten until 12th grade.