Feast of Ideas Homeschool Music Class 2021-2022
Are you interested in a music class for your elementary child next year?
Are you looking for all the benefits of a co-op without the time commitment of a half-day or a full-day co-op?
Are you in or near the Rosedale (21237) area?
Next year I am offering an outdoor music class “mini-co-op” that will hopefully meet all your co-op needs (music instruction, socialization opportunities for kids, drop off options for parents, encouragement and social time for home school parents).
Here are the basics.
22 classes for the year, 11 in the fall (stopping right before Thanksgiving), 11 in the spring (starting in March)
Kindergarten through 2nd grade: 11:15-12:00 (class)/ 12:00 - 12:45 (lunch & recess)
3rd through 5th grade: 12:00 - 12:45 (lunch & recess)/12:45 - 1:30 (class)
Basic Class Description - music instruction in singing, learning note names and rhythms, beat, and pitch; a composer study through time and place; world music through games. (See a more detailed description of class down below)
Classes will be held outdoors on my driveway (inclement weather - my living room and zoom links optional). Masks are not required.
45 minute music class plus a 45 minute lunch and recess option. Students will bring their own lunches and can all eat together in my backyard and on the driveway. After lunch, they can play together for a time of unstructured (but supervised) recess (counts as socialization and gym class!). The lunch time is optional but there are no discounts if a student chooses not to stay.
Parents have several options
Student drop off to give parents an hour and a half to run errands, take a nap, etc. :-)
Parents can choose to hang out with other parents, in my living room or backyard; providing an opportunity to socialize, motivate, encourage, and share ideas with one another
1 - 2 parents a week can sign up to be the class helper in order to earn a $5 discount on their tuition. Class helpers attend class, helping take kids to the bathroom, passing out and picking up materials, and then serve as “Lunch and Recess Monitors” during the lunch break.
Course Description
Music Instruction - the first part of the music class will be a Kodaly inspired time of musical instruction. Through a variety of games and activities, students will engage their vocal instrument (pitch and timbre), learn the names of notes (both on the staff and solfege), practice a variety of rhythms and beats, and build strong audio and visual connections (connect what they hear with what they see on the staff and visa versa).
Feast of Ideas Composer Study - the second part of the class is to build a synthetic approach to musical history. I want students to not only recognize famous pieces of music and know the composer’s name, but I also want students to build a big picture of that composer. When did that composer live? Where did they live? What influences did he or she have on their life that might have effected they way they composed or the type of music they created? Using a variety of activities including maps, book of centuries, read aloud literature and food, students will be immersed in the composer’s life.
*Food will be an integral part of this section, so please make sure all food allergies are clearly listed on the registration forms.
*Each child must have the required Activity Book for class. It will be available for purchase in my TPT store, coming soon.
*There will be additional optional resources for purchase as well.
*We will cover composers from a variety of time periods: medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, modern, and postmodern and a variety of geographical locations: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, England, Austria, Hungary, Russia, Norway, Czechoslovakia, Brazil, Washington D. C., St. Louis, Arkansas, Iowa, and New York City.
World Cultures Folksongs - folk songs and games are a wonderful way to provide instructions in pitch and rhythm while learning about a variety of world music. Through different games, we will experience the music and culture of Asia (Philippines and Japan), Africa (Ghana, Morocco, and Zimbabwe), the Pacific Island (New Zealand and Polynesia), and the Middle East (Afghanistan, Israel)
Cost
$220 for the first child (for the entire year)
$215 for second child (from same household)
$210 for third child (from same household)
$205 for fourth child (from same household)
There will be a required activity book for each child ($10)
Tuition is for the entire year. Payment will be due by the 2nd week of class.
A refund is available if, after the first class, you decide to withdrawal. By the second week, all payments are final.
Installment payment options can be made available.
I accept cash, check, or PayPal.
**Discount Available
A parent can sign up to be a class helper (helps teacher with materials during class time and acts as lunch/recess monitor during lunch break).
There can be 1 to 2 helpers per week.
Helpers must be available during their child’s class and lunch break.
$5 discount on tuition for each class period a parent is a helper
We will limit parents to 2 volunteer time slots in the beginning to give everyone a chance to sign up. Once everyone has received a chance to sign up, the remainder of Helper slots will be opened up to first come, first serve.
The Class Helper sign up will be opened closer to the start of the class.
Calendar
Classes begin Tuesday, August 31st
Fall Semester
Quarter 1 (6 classes): 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/4
Fall Break (10/11)
Quarter 2 (5 classes): 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16
Winter Break (in order to not have to be outside during the winter, we will take three months off)
Spring Semester
Quarter 3 (5 classes): 3/8, 315, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5
Spring Break (4/12)
Quarter 4 (6 classes): 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24
Recommendations
I taught a prototype of this class during the 2020-2021 school year. Here are some recommendations from current students.
“The music class led by Ms. Beth was just what I needed to add to my son’s homeschool experience. Ms. Beth was organized, welcoming, and made class engaging and a great learning experience. The age groups were carefully selected to allow for good group size and age appropriate activities. My son leaves music class and asks when does he get to go again.” - Spring Lee
“The Homeschool music class was a great experience for my daughter! Beth makes music approachable, fun, and exciting for all her students. This class provides a thorough introduction to music in an upbeat group setting. It is sure to spark your students’ love of music!” - Kim Wisler
Coming Soon
Sign up for Class Helper Slots will open in August
Required & Optional Materials for Purchase will be made available no later than August (hopefully sooner)
Documents
Registration (contact, health, emergency contacts, photo release)
Liability Forms
Studio Policy Page
Parent Information Sheets - topics covered, foods & recipes, additional at home resources)
If you are interested in signing up for this music class or would just like more information, click on the Contact Me button.
To be added to the “Interested” list: please include your name, kids ages & grade level (as of August 2021), and your email address. I will add you to the list and you will be given the opportunity to register prior to open enrollment.