Music teachers teach new songs every day. Whether you are a new music teacher, or a classroom teacher trying to include music in your classroom, these tips on teaching new songs can work for you.
Auditory Methods for Learning a New Song
Auditory methods are those that involve listening to learn. Auditory learners will benefit the most from this type of learning, and other students can learn to improve their listening skills through these methods as well. One idea is to have students echo sing. You sing a phrase, and the students echo that same phrase back. Continue through the entire song, and then sing the whole song together. Another auditory method of teaching a song is through call and response. This method requires a song that has a repeating chorus or phrase that the students can sing together as you lead them through the song.
Having student join in as you sing through the song several times is a way to allow students to learn the song at their own pace, and join in as they feel comfortable singing it. Usually you will not have to repeat the song more than two or three times before every student has joined in. This method may not work for more difficult songs or for songs with many verses.
Visual Methods for Learning a New Song
Visual methods for learning are those requiring students to look at something to learn. This method of teaching a song can include simple pictures that illustrate parts of the song. Show the students the pictures to cue them through out the song. You can also have older students read notes and sing. This method only works if your students already know how to read music, and have a basic knowledge of sight singing.
Tactile Methods for Learning a New Song
Tactile methods for learning are those requiring students to learn through doing. If you have students who have trouble staying in their seats or who are constantly fiddling with something, this can be an effective teaching method. You can teach your students motions that go along with simple songs, or you can have them play a simple game that teaches the song. Think creatively as you get your students up and moving around while learning the new song.
Singing is a great method of teaching students new things, both in the music classroom and in the regular classroom. Knowing how to teach your students to sing new songs will be very helpful as you attempt to integrate more music into your teaching. Consider your students learning styles as you decide whether auditory, visual or tactile methods will work best in your class.
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