Relative Rhythm cards are one my favourite tools for students of all ages. The idea is really very simple: all the note values are represented in relative size to each other. So, a crotchet (quarter note) is half the width of a minim (half note) and double the width of a quaver (eighth note). Use … Read more
Prepare for a lot of cutting out of little pumpkins…but prepare for it to be worth it when your students have this much fun practicing their note naming skills. This game is an awesome addition to any halloween group workshop or camp. How to Play Give each player a Pumpkin Patch gameboard. If playing with … Read more
This twist on the old classic “pig” familiarises students with pentatonic scales while having heaps of fun. While the pentatonics are not often practiced with the same regularity as major or minor scales, they are fantastic tools for improvising and composing and this game can act as a springboard for more creative projects. How to … Read more
Musical Meander can be used two ways, to review note values, or the names of the piano keys. This is a wonderful, simple and quick game to use with your pre-reading students and works great as an off-bench break for wriggly students. How to Play Keys Version Place the game counters on the start star. … Read more
Music maths is a great way to practice note values, especially as students advance and we get into more fractions of beats. But we don’t really want our students to think about note values in numbers, more in relative terms – which is why in this game they match music maths equations to larger note … Read more
Sometimes the very basics of note reading can trip students up. Make sure your beginner students can identify line and space notes using this game – bonus “leapfrogs” if they can name the notes too! How to Play Each player places a counter on “start”. Player 1 picks a card. If they pick a line … Read more
If you’re using the landmark note approach to reading, those notes need lots of review. Games like Landmark Xs and Os can provide that reinforcement – without your students even realising it. Switch out the flashcards and try this game instead! How to Play This is a two-player game. Choose 1 game board to play … Read more
Landmark Landmines is a super quick student favourite that you can play at any private or group lesson. Beginner students start at the bottom of the staff and step and skip their way up – getting bonus turns for naming landmark notes along the way. How to Play Each player places a counter on one … Read more
In Diatonic Dominoes, students are working to either match tied note values, or notes on the staff with their note names. This is a fun and unique way to practice these beginning skills and works particularly well in partner or overlapping lessons. How to Play Choose whether to play with blue or yellow side of … Read more
