There’s a reason why flashcards are so popular in most teaching subjects … because they are highly effective as a learning tool! Add a game in there too and they become motivational and fun. In the online game, Hot Chilli, students practice naming notes in either treble or bass clefs using the inbuilt flashcards. Ask…
An invisible tune
“Everything in the universe has rhythm, everything dances” Maya Angelou I found this quote today and thought how beautiful it is. It got me curious so I did a search to find out what Maya Angelou originally meant by it. I drew a blank, but that’s the great thing about quotes. It doesn’t really matter…
Monster Mash: a mystery adventure for beginner musicians
Can you help Max the detective find the mashed potato eating monster?! The monsters in Max’s town love to spend their days making music games and eating their favourite foods. But one of them eats so much mashed potato that the town keeps running out! Play the games to practice all kinds of beginner theory…
An idea for teaching in person during COVID-19
I had a brainwave that I’d like to share with other music teachers who have gone back to in person teaching. I have been wondering about how we can share music safely with our students as it’s not possible to clean sheet music – not unless you want it to go all crinkly! The issue…
Discovering new music
There is always more to explore It’s lovely to be back teaching again after the long summer break and this week I have been enjoying searching out new music for my returning students. It made me realise that, even though I have been teaching for more than 20 years (and playing for even longer –…
Secret Letter: a music game of hide and seek for two players
I used to love playing hide and seek as a kid! This classic game is in the inspiration behind ‘Secret Letter’; an online music theory game for two players (may also work as two teams). The scene is an apartment building with lots of post boxes. Each round, one player hides the secret letter for…
Teachers open the door
Teachers open the door but you must enter by yourself Chinese Proverb A quote to ponder as the new academic year starts in the UK. How much of a student’s musical journey do you believe lies with the teacher and how much with the student? How much responsibility for their learning is in our hands…
Treasure in the Desert: making online music teaching fun!
One of the most popular games in my music studio whilst I have been teaching online is ‘Treasure in the Desert’. It has been great for practising note reading, particularly with those students who can get overwhelmed with sight-reading. Sometimes they find there is just too much to think about – notes, rhythm, expression, keeping…
Fearless Fred: a bass clef game
It’s summer time in the Stone Age and the cave dwellers are playing their favourite game. Every year they play chicken with the falling rocks to see who will be the champion. Every year there is one winner ….. Fearless Fred! But will he win again? This music theory game is part of a collection…
My heart is full of music
The new school year is starting here in the UK and I’m looking forward to seeing all my students again after a long summer break. It has been a lovely summer and I have spent a lot of it playing the piano and making music theory games. The new ABRSM syllabus came out in July…
Honey Bee: note naming game for music teachers
I am excited to let you know about my new music game for teachers available in Tim Topham’s new Marketplace! This customisable game downloads to your computer so you can play it with your students in lessons (both online or in person!). Drag the music notes up or down the stave into any position you…
Piranha Peril: naming treble clef notes
Are you looking for music games to help practice note naming? Your submarine glides gracefully through the murky waters of the river – BUT lurking nearby … is a giant piranha fish! Keep your ship away from him to score points and top the game leaderboard. The game is split into six levels and helps…
