Playing for Change Day 2012

Just come across this organisation - it looks fantastic. They have picked 22 September to be a creative day of musical action to create positive social action. Will have a little think about how I can get my schools involved. Have a look at their website. Some fantastic videos to show classes. Play for Change.

The joy of wordle

HMI guidance for anyone observing music lessons

Guidance From HMI Observing Music Lessons I was very pleased to find this document! It can be quite traumatic having a music lesson observed by a member of the senior leadership team that has a template approach to what makes a successful lesson. Music teaching needs to deviate from the set piece lesson formula which may (or may not!) work for other subject. The document above makes clear that we DON"T have to start with sharing objectives or put unnecessary stress on literacy objectives. It gives real clear guidance for staff who may not be familiar with teaching music about what makes a successful music lesson. I found this document on the Teaching Music website. I would heartily recommend signing up if you are a music teacher. Lots of interesting discussion forums and some brilliant teaching resources to be found there.

Does good music teaching make kids better at maths?

This year one of my schools is focusing on raising attainment in maths. It has got me thinking about how music lessons can contribute to children's mathematical development. I can see immediately how a number of the activities we do in lessons are very mathematical but the challenge is how to make it transferable to other situations other than music games. I am going to go in search of some maths experts and see if I can get some ideas. I plan to create a corridor display for the children showing how many mathematical concepts we explore during our music making. Plan to get in touch with Nrich - and get some advice from them Watch this space!

The Simpsons theme tune by Nick McKaig

Found this via pinterest. Plan to use it with year 6. Nick McKaig is definitely worth looking up on YouTube. He has done lots of vocal arrangements of well loved shows and films. His Star Wars is awesome!

BBC music clips library

I'm impressed with this library of short musical clips the BBC have put together. They have chosen pieces to illustrate the different elements of music. Nothing earth shattering but its great to have someone else do the legwork for you! Now I just need to remember to use it! BBC music clips library

Take five

I cant way to give this a try!I think I will need the slowest version of "Take five" that I can find. Plan to have a go with year 4. What would I do without youtube for inspiration? Am still staggered that there are schools who block it.