My Teaching Methods: Making Music Fun, Focused, and Effective
Hey Parents,
As a homeschool music teacher, I’ve spent years developing my own unique way of teaching drums to kids. Every child learns differently, and I believe the key to successful music lessons is a blend of structure, creativity, and fun. I’m excited to share some of my favorite teaching methods that help kids not only learn to play drums but truly enjoy the process.
1. Word Association for Rhythm Understanding
One of the biggest challenges when kids start drumming is learning to read and understand rhythm patterns. I use my technique called the Word Association for Rhythm Understanding method, where we replace note values with easy-to-say words. For example, instead of saying “1-and-2-and-3-and-4,” we might say something fun like “Pie, Pie, Apple, Pie.” Each word represents a specific rhythm, making it super easy for kids to feel the beat before worrying about the technical side of notation.
Why It Works: This approach turns rhythm practice into a playful language game, making it easier for kids to remember patterns and stay engaged.
Try This at Home: Create your own rhythm phrases using your child’s favorite foods or characters. Want to learn triplets? Try saying, “Choco-late” three times fast!
2. Incorporating the Kodály Method
The Kodály Method is a time-tested music education approach that uses singing, movement, and visual aids to make learning music feel more natural. Even in drum lessons, I incorporate Kodály principles by using hand signs, rhythm syllables, and movement games. We might start a lesson with a rhythm clap-back game or practice singing out a beat pattern to internalize it before playing on the drum.
Why It Works: This method connects the mind and body to the music, making complex rhythms feel intuitive and easy to understand.
Movement Game Idea: Try a “Stepping Rhythm” game! Place flashcards with different rhythms on the floor and have your child step to the beat of each rhythm. It’s a great way to link the physical movement with the rhythm pattern.
3. Teaching with Movement and Dance
Learning music is so much more than just sitting still and following notes. I often introduce rhythmic concepts through simple dance movements and body percussion. For example, we might stomp our feet to a quarter note beat or tap our shoulders for eighth notes. Adding these movements helps kids internalize rhythms before playing them on the drum.
