Tips for Getting Started

I like to do some sort of theory game at the end of most lessons.  These games are also useful for those times that a student may not have practiced much or they left a book at home!  I occasionally will do group theory parties and my students love to play these games together!!!

There are so many printable games on the internet!  You will use a lot of ink if you're not careful!  I tried to list here my favorites to start with that I use the most with my students.  It is worth it to laminate most of the games that you print.  This can get expensive and time consuming so choose your games carefully!  When I started I did three sessions where I printed up several games, cut them out, had them laminated, cut them out and then organized them.  I did this 2 -3 times - it took a few hours each time but was TOTALLY worth it!!!  I try really hard to print on fun colored paper!!!   This helps me keep different games organized and it makes it fun!  I found that usually if I'm going to laminate them then I don't have to use cardstock.  It is hard to see the ink on the dark colors.

I also found that there were a lot of useful supplies/toys especially at the dollar store and the dollar sections of Target/Walmart.  It is especially fun to find seasonal items there.  I would start with a trip and look for:

• Fun markers to mark their place on game boards.  I've used little sports erasers, squinkies, green army men, etc.  Anything to make it fun!  These markers can also be used to mark a note on the piano (show them a flashcard and have them put an army man on the piano key)
• Mini anything you write on like mini dominoes that wrote chords on. Other mini markers can be used as canons, or fit on a big staff or cover up spots for bingo).  
• Anything they can make noise with to practice rhythms - my students favorites include jingle bells, wood blocks, egg shakers, castanets and boomwhackers.  

Reviewing Notes:
I use my note review games more than anything else.  It is worth it to have a little variety!  Flashcards are super effective but boring - if you look under the "notes" label on the side of the blog you will find several games to help review notes many of them using flash cards.  


I HIGHLY recommend printing off a set of flashcards.  I use these flashcards by Susan Paradis the most.  I love that she has beginning notes on the first page and then adds more.

I print extra copies of the first two pages to send home with students to practice.  

I also send students home with these character card friends to make their flashcard practice fun   :)   You can find them here to print along with a few other characters.  

                   

My other favorite is the racetracks.  Again I use the flashcards.  I often have them name the note AND find it on the piano before they can move their marker.  There is another racetrack and instructions here.

Rhythm
I also use a lot of different ways to teach and review rhythm.  For beginners my favorite is this track by Susan Paradis found here.  I added a twist using legos that my students love you can read about that here under rhythm review. 

Another one worth printing if you're getting started are rhythm cards.  I use these great ones from Layton Music you can find here.  I use for them to practice counting outloud while playing the rhythm.  Check out my Rhythm Cards page for more links to other rhythm cards and instruments.  

My students all time favorite way to practice rhythm values is with the game of WAR!  You can find the links and my twists on the war instructions.

I know there are a lot of rhythm ones but MY all time favorite is where they have to build their own rhythm.  They have to know their rhythm values and they learn a lot building their own rhythms and then playing it.  You can find links and how I use the printables here under Build a Rhythm.

Intervals
My students favorite way to review intervals is with my soccer intervals game - just print, laminate and cut and you're ready to review intervals!

Musical Terms:
I like this Bingo game by Susan Paradis to help you review lots of different musical terms!  You can read my post on how I do it on my Musical Terms page.  

As you look around my blog you will see lots of other games especially for more advanced levels.  I listed here a few favorites that I use the most with beginners although I use them as review for all levels.   If I was just starting I would print the ones listed here.  Once you have some basic games read check out my "Favorites" label on the right to see which ones my students and I like the most.  Then check out the other labels as you find students struggling with different concepts to see if there is a game that you can use to teach while you have a PARTY AT THE PIANO!!!!