Music Appreciation Book 2: for the Middle Grades from Zeezok Publishing: A TOS Crew Review

Music Appreciation Book 2: for the Middle Grades from Zeezok Publishing

I love it when we can combine subjects, teach and enjoy them together.  Lately, we have been using Music Appreciation Book 2: for the Middle Grades from Zeezok Publishing not only for some exciting music appreciation, but also some great read alouds that incorporate history and more into our days!

Music Appreciation Book 2: for the Middle Grades is a full multi-sensory program designed for your 5th-8th graders.  What makes this so unique is that it combines a couple of key components together to introduce us to the lives of several famous classical composers.

The key component to this curriculum is the The Great Musician Series Biographies:

• Frederick Chopin, the Early Years
• Frederick Chopin, the Later Years
• Robert Schumann and Mascot Ziff
• Adventures of Robert Wagner
• Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray
• The Young Brahms
• The Story of Peter Tchaikovsky
• Peter Tchaikovsky and the Nutcracker Ballet
• Edward MacDowell and His Cabin in the Pines

These are softcover books, written by Opal Wheeler and illustrated by Christine Price.  Each of these books are intended to be read while the student is completing the Student Activity Book.  They are very well-written stories, true living books to introduce us to these amazing composers.

The Student Activity Book is a 315 page, full-color consumable workbook for your student. Each composer is covered in 4 weeks of activities. (Chopin's life is covered in 2 books - Early Years & Later Years).

I love how well-designed this program is!  Each week focuses on several key components like Comprehension Questions and listening to music tracks on the Music Appreciation App. This is the coolest part of the program - simply scan a QR Code printed on the workbook page, and you are taken directly to the internet - to hear the music, see the sights, or dive deeper into history, geography, or music theory. WE LOVED it!

 

The Student Activity book is filled with QR codes.  The program also focuses on Vocabulary, Character Qualities, and Music Theory.  In addition, throughout you will find Tidbits of Interest to spark more learning, recipes, and journal prompts & writing ideas to record in a Journaling Notebook. They suggest a regular notebook, or 3-ring binder.  Lapbooks and Coloring pages to accompany the program are sold separately.

Each composer study ends with a quiz - which can be taken in the Student Activity Book, or by using the QR code - your student can take it online.  Answers are included at the end of each section, no need for an additional teacher's guide.

We loved the multiple ways to experience the music of these composers!  It truly fits all the varieties of learning styles I have under one roof.  We enjoyed the Biographies all together as family read alouds, and listened to the music together.  My hands-on learners loved getting to cook, and create in the kitchen together.  My visual learner loved working in the beautifully created workbook.

I loved that the program encouraged us to want to know more.  More about the history, geography and lives of these truly fascinating men.  The focus on their Character Qualities gave us plenty of family discussion topics as we studied together.

Looking ahead, we get to experience the orchestra (several of my children are part of orchestras), learn about American history, create our own music, experience The Nutcracker (my ballerinas are leaping for joy) and much more.  It's going to be a great year!

This program is sure to be a BIG hit!


Find Zeezok Publishing on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeezokpublishing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZeezokPub
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zeezok/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ZeezokPublishing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeezokpub/

Hashtags: #hsreviews #musicappreciation #homeschoolmusicprogram





See what other members of the Crew thought here

The Nutcracker from Maestro Classics: A TOS Crew Review

The Nutcracker from Maestro Classics Bentz Test Laboratory could not wait to get the newest edition to the award-winning lineup from Maestro Classics! They currently have 12 CD's available for a range of classical music and well-loved children's literature.  Each CD is just $16.98, and MP3 downloads are available for just $9.98.  We love being able to take them with us in the van!

The Nutcracker , recommended for ages 5 and up, couldn't have arrived at a better time!  Two of my testers are ballerinas, and they are performing in an upcoming Christmas performance of this very story with the San Antonio Ballet as a soldier and a mouse.


This CD features the music of Tchaikovsky - performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and adapted & conducted by Stephen Simon is narrated by Jim Weiss (a personal family favorite!).

The Nutcracker is a delightful story about young Clara, who gets a Nutcracker as a gift from her Uncle on Christmas Eve.  During the night, the handsome Nutcracker comes to life as a prince and takes Clara on a magical trip to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.  He valiantly battles the Mouse King, and sweeps Clara off her feet.  When morning comes, Clara awakes from her enchanted dream.

We LOVE this story, but the music is what blows us away, every time!

In addition to the hour long CD, which features the music from every section of the ballet, you get narration from the great Jim Weiss. (We have listened to his voice on audios for so long, we feel like he's a family friend!)   I just love how Maestro Classics brings these stories and music to life for my young listeners.  The narration takes place during the music, so that you know exactly what is happening in the story.

Each CD comes with a 24 page , full color booklet that gives more information about the story.

• A description of each track
• The History of Ballet  
• Music for the Overture
• An introduction to the Harp 
• A short biography of Tchaikovsky
• And some fun activities like a word scramble and crossword puzzle.

Maestro Classics also offers free downloadable curriculum guides that correspond with all of their CDs. For The Nutcracker, the curriculum guide included activities about ballet, history, geography, science, language arts, art, music, and math.  This is a really fun way to expand the learning potential!

This is the perfect time for you to introduce your children to The Nutcracker, and make it a new family holiday tradition. 

Several Special Deals are available right now that I want to tell you about... these are great stocking stuffers:

The complete 12 CD set is currently priced at $150 (the list price is $200), and they’re offering free shipping.  Enter the code PIANO for a limited time to get another $20 off.

Or, you can use the code FLUTE to receive 15% off your purchase.

Remember, CDs are $16.98, but if you order three, you will get them for $45.

Other members of the Crew got to listen to :Peter and the Wolf. You'll love this one too!

Find Maestro Classics on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaestroClassics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaestroClassics
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maestroclassics/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maestroclassics
See what other members of the Crew thought here

PianoWithWillie from JazzEdge: A TOS Crew Review

   

PianoWithWillie from JazzEdge

Willie Myette, Berklee College of Music graduate, created PianoWithWillie and JazzEdge. as a place to access all of his jazz education and performance ventures under one "roof." Today it has expanded its educational resources to encompass piano & drum lessons in jazz, funk, latin, rock, gospel and blues styles along with over 3500 lessons for homeschool families. 
  

PianoWithWillie  is an online subscription service for your budding pianist.  It is not designed for a beginning student, but rather a piano student that is wanting to develop their own personal skills and styles further.   You can pick and choose from over 3500 lesson chapters on various styles, techniques, concepts, or songs.  You need a keyboard with at least 61 keys, or an actual piano to work with PianoWithWillie, we used our standard piano.

 

The Bentz Test Laboratory has numerous musicians of numerous levels, our tester for this review has had several years of private lessons, and is well on his way to becoming his own musician.  We were given "Studio Access" for one year, priced at $49 per month, $99 per quarter, or $399 per year - this subscription is for a single student.

 

ShareThis Copy and Paste

PianoWithWillie  is built around two approaches:

• Foundational --These three elements (rhythm, technique, and reading) are essential for pianists of all levels. We encourage you to work on one or all of these elements to build a solid base as the piano.

• Fun'dational -Song, style, and concept elements are fun to practice and help you sound more professional. Pick one or more fun’dational elements to practice each week.

 Not quite sure where to start on this massive site, their  22 Point Assessment can help pinpoint a good place for your student.

 My tester started with the "30 Day Piano Success Playbook"  - 30 short video lessons, 5-11 minutes long, covering piano basics like note reading, technique, improvisation and chords.  Several songs are mastered as well.  My tester is 14 and has been taking private lessons, some of this was review for him, but much of it was very useful for reinforcement and practice. This would be an excellent way to keep skills strong over summer break!

 

The program's "dashboard" remembers where you left off so you can easily come and go with the program.  My tester found the site took a bit of practice finding his way around, but was able to master it after a couple of tries.  The website has plenty of helpful tips and practical advice for dealing with any unexpected technology issues.

 

After completing the lessons you want to in the "Playbook" - you can move into the "Foundations" section.  These 4 video lessons range in length, most are around 30 minutes. They cover basics such as Rythym, Technique, Reading Music and topics for Advanced players more in-depth.  The videos are profession and well done.  You can see Willie teaching the lesson, and an additional view of the keyboard only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our favorite section of PianoWithWillie is the Studio Lesson Library.  You can search from thousands of selections in a wide variety of genres (Beethoven to Billy Joel!) with your Studio membership, & you have unlimited access to all lessons in the Studio Lesson Library.  You can download the zip files that contain the sheet music and audios of the lessons, but not the videos - those you must stream online.  The video format is compatible with your mobile devices as well.  We used it with our laptop - for a bigger viewing screen, but it would be great with an iPad or iPhone too.  If you prefer to purchase individual lessons, they are available outside a subscription, individually as well.

 

These lessons are typically an hour or longer.  My tester is really into Jazz music right now and had fun exploring this section from jazz improvisation to jazz and gospel variations.  There is truly a treasure chest of lessons here (over 72 selections just in "jazz" alone!!) 

The Premier Course Library offers a great way to focus your piano practice. Each course focuses on a specific style, concept, or technique for 4-8 weeks. You can filter your search by your level and genre.  We didn't have access to this feature with our Studio membership, but - you may want to check it out if you have some serious piano students!  Live lessons are another feature you can find on JazzEdge's site.
 

The strength of this program is the variety.  If your pianist is ready to stretch their "wings" a bit, or just wanting to explore different options of music,  this is a great tool for them.  The online lessons can be replayed as many times as your student wants or needs them to be. 

 

I love the convenience of having this massive musical treasure chest right in my own home!  No dragging everyone out for a piano lesson, it's right in the next room.  Plus, my tester can search and explore to find exactly what he is interested in learning and playing at his own pace for his schedule.  Best of all, it's about 1/2 the cost of private piano lessons in our area.

 

We truly only scratched the surface of what this program offers.  We plan on having a summer of fun learning many more lessons with PianoWithWillie.

 

Some members of the Review Crew had access to DrumsWithWillie and Easy Piano Basics  (for beginners) -be sure to check them out too!

 

 

 

Find PianoWithWillie   on Social Media:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PianoWithWillie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PianoWithWillie
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jazzedge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JazzEDge
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/jazzedge

  See what other members of the Crew thought here    

Happy Kids Songs: A TOS Crew Review

Happy Kids Songs - & Happy Kids Songs Workbook: Hands-On Activities to Build Character, Social, and Emotional Skills.

Emotional Skills
Friends & Sharing (Set 1) - $4.95



The Friends & Sharing album contains 5 original songs:

- Sailing on the Seven Cs (about the “Ingredients” of friendship)
- Everybody Wants to Find a Friend
- Sharing Friends (Including others in play)
- Happy as Happy Can Be
- Together (Sharing time/saying goodbye) Happiness & Attitude (Set 5) $4.95

Volume 5, Happiness & Attitude starts out with -

Shake It Out and Dance, a modern pop tune about turning “I can’t” to “I can.” This album also includes: - Who Knows What’s a Kudo? (About Giving compliments)

 - I Don’t Understand (Handling limitations & asking for help)

 - Be Good to Yourself 

- Better Together 

Manners & Character (Set 6)- $4.95

Volume 6 topics included honesty, manners, quirks, the golden rule & how there is more than one way to view a situation.

Happy Kids Songs Workbook: Hands-On Activities to Build Character, Social, and Emotional Skills.  - $12.56

Geared for ages 3-8, but children ages 0-9 are likely to enjoy this too!


By signing up for their email newsletter, you can get access to all their PDF’s and get a free song each month.

Bentz Test Laboratory has a bunch of music loving littles around! Happy Kids Songs has created 8 albums of catchy tunes to help reinforce character lessons for your younger crowd.  We took a listen to 3:  Friends and Sharing (Set 1), Happiness and Attitude (Set 5), Manners and Character (Set 6).    We also got a peek at the Happy Kids Songs Workbook: Hands-On Activities to Build Character, Social, and Emotional Skills.  Check out Dr. Mac's introduction on this short video:    
    

We received downloads of these songs, and were easily able to enjoy them on my mobile device, or - you can burn a CD to take on the go with you.  We are logging a lot of hours in the van lately (anyone feel my pain...) so, it's a perfect time to share some music that has a message! 

 

The songs are professionally produced, and very catchy.  These little tunes tend to stick in your head - by design.  They focus on character issues common to many children this age.  Not specifically Christian, but strong moral messages. 

 

One of my tester's favorites was "Sailing on the Seven C's"  from Friends and Sharing - Consideration, commitment, communication, concern, curiosity, and cooperation.  It's a great message - and reinforces the message that we have been teaching our children at our Co-op! (we call it the 3 C's...)

Another song that was VERY meaningful for several of my daughters was "Together".  Since we just moved, we've been dealing with a lot of sadness about leaving friends behind.  Here's an excerpt:  

It's time to go, to say good-bye.

  But we know the reason why

 We can never end

Time that we spend together,

Because you're my friend.

  Happiness and Attitude has another family favorite - "Shake it Out and Dance" - about moving away from the "I can't".  Do you have a kiddo that struggles with this?  Feeling like they can't do something?  Well, you can just "Shake it Out and Dance!"  Works every time around here!  The discouragement turns into a dance party, and everyone feels better!  Even mom :-)

Happy Kids Songs Workbook: Hands-On Activities to Build Character, Social, and Emotional Skills is a handy 122 page workbook that contains all the lyrics to the songs, as well as hands-on activities and crafts that you can use to teach the character traits.  This would be the perfect companion to use the music in a Co-op or classroom setting. 


Find Happy Kids Songs on Facebook, Twitter, & YouTube Check out what other members of the Crew thought here

Maestro Classics: A TOS Crew Review

My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music  & Casey at the Bat  by Maestro Classics
Suited for ages 5-12 (but, you are sure to enjoy them too...)

Available on CD for $16.98 each (or downloadable mp3 for $9.98)
Bentz Test Academy is filled with music makers, and music lovers.  We have always listened to classical music (and others styles too...we aren't only classical!)  We love the stories of the composers and the history of the pieces.  Maestro Classics is certainly one of our favorite ways to listen.  With 11 different Stories in Music® CD's available that both introduce the music and tell the stories - you will find a selection to suit your taste.
My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music - tells the story of George Frederic Handel and his Water Music created for King George I.  On a side note, this is my personal favorite - since it was played at my wedding 19 years ago.  The  close to 50 minute CD includes musical and historical information.  This is much more than just a CD, it's a music education.   Learn about Handel's life, the Baroque Orchestra, important churches in London at that time, the Harpsichord and Organ, and even travel in Handel's Day.  Each CD also includes a 24 page activity booklet to go along with the story.  The London Philharmonic Orchestra will treat your listeners to a top quality orchestra performance while the Narrator and "Elcuidator" will enlighten your children on the composer, the orchestra, the instruments and the history.  
Casey at the Bat  was a home run hit, especially with my boys!  This classic American poem, set to music from the London Philharmonic Orchestra had them at the edge of their seats, holding their breath - until the final line.  Once again, this is much more than just "music".  It is a full blown dive into the story and the music.  The history of this poem, it's author and the music. Stephen Simon is the composer and conductor and will give your child a complete introduction to his work.   The Maestro teaches how the music tells a story, and we are treated to Casey - one more time.  This time, with our ears wide open to hear the tale.  The CD includes a 23 page activity booklet with games, puzzles and even a musical recipe. 

I absolutely love Maestro Classics!  These are a must have.  You and your children will be entertained, enlightened and enthralled with the world of music after these!  These CD's are created to expand your listening horizons - listening to music together is a wonderful way to share this brain building activity with your children, you'll enjoy these CD's with them.  They also develop listening skills and make musical memories.  Be sure to check out the Maestro Classics website - you will find more resources on their website to accompany any CD, including curriculum guides, sheet music, hands-on projects, lapbooks, and more.
With summer road trips right around the bend, these would be great entertainment!


Other members also reviewed: The Sorcerer's Apprentice & Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaestroClassics
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maestroclassics/

See what other members of the TOS Crew thought here 

Kinderbach: A TOS Crew Review

The KinderBach Online Piano Lesson Membership with Teacher Corner

Yeah!  My  first review of the 2014 TOS Review Crew!  I'm excited to be bringing you more new discoveries this year, thanks for joining me.

When’s the best time to start music instruction?  According to KinderBach,  3-7 years old is an ideal time to introduce your children to the joy of making music.  Research shows that learning to play the piano provides long-term benefits for your preschool age child.

KinderBach requires no previous piano experience from you to teach, and your child will be playing simple songs like “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Happy Birthday” within the first month.   The program includes online lesson access, available on DVD as well.  Additionally, printable worksheets, lesson plans and the all NEW Teacher’s Corner materials make this a painless introduction to the piano.  Want to take it on the go with you?  Check out KinderBach's App for iPad or iPhone . 

Instantly access Lesson Plans, Lessons Aides, Student Books, Goal Books, Teacher Guides, Certificates and even MP3’s in the all NEW Teacher's Corner.  Everything is printable, so you can print exactly what you need.  Story Books, Coloring Books and Song Books are all included as well.

The six levels of  interactive lessons with KinderBach use fun, colorful characters to teach your young child about note reading, rhythm, singing and music composition.  The short lessons are engaging and memorable.  You do not need to have an expensive piano, just a simple keyboard is all you will need to get your child started learning and developing a love for music.   

Online subscriptions begin at $7.99 per month, as much at 75% less than traditional lessons.  With a Free 2 Week Trial, and a 30 day money back guarantee – you don’t want to miss this opportunity.  Plus - through 2/28/14 - take 40% OFF with Coupon Code:  KBclear2014

My  youngest was so excited about a program designed just for her age!  We have lots of music in our house: violin, piano, and even flute.  But, along with all those musicians come all those lessons.

KinderBach was an ideal way for my younger children to begin music instruction - without the high cost of time and money for private lessons.  KinderBach is ideal for those of us with large families.

My daughter feel in love with Dodi the Donkey right away.  Printable coloring activities accompany most of the lessons, and she loved creating her own "Music Binder", with all her lessons.





Best of all - no loading everyone up in the van to go to yet another lesson.  We were able to access online at our convenience.  KinderBach has now introduced several of my children into the world of piano, and I'm happy to report that they have continued on with a love of music.  Give it a try and see for yourself!

See what the rest of the Review Crew thought here

MacPhail Center for Music: A TOS Crew Review

MacPhail Center for Music

From their website:
"At MacPhail Center for Music, we are enthusiastic about offering students of all backgrounds and abilities access to exceptional music learning. MacPhail Online helps you accomplish your unique musical goals, giving you new access to our extraordinary faculty and innovative programs through live Online Lessons (for individuals).

 Lessons are available for Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Harp, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, or Percussion, at Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced levels."



Cost:

Special Introductory Pricing - Individual Instruction - Four Online Lessons for $111
Receive four 30-minute individual online lessons from an outstanding teaching artist, from the convenience of your home. All K–12 homeschool students are eligible to participate in this package, a 25% discount from standard tuition rates.

Daytime Flex Packs for Live Online Lessons offer flexibility to accommodate your busy schedule and help you achieve your unique musical goals. Simply schedule 8 Live Online Lessons during the 18 week semester on any weekday from 9 am – 3 pm CST. Unexpected scheduling conflict? Our cancellation policy gives you the option of canceling your lesson up to 48-hours in advance, without forfeiting the lesson. Whether you travel for work or leisure, juggle kids' extracurricular activities, or live in an area where options for studying your instrument are limited, MacPhail's Daytime Flex Pack can help you experience the joy of music-making. Standard pricing will apply after introductory lessons at $37 per 30-minute lesson. 

BRAVO! A STANDING OVATION!

The Bentz Test Laboratory has a new favorite...MacPhail Center for Music!  Several of my testers play instruments, and were excited for the opportunity to do some live, on-line music lessons with a long-time family friend,  MacPhail Center for Music.  

While located in Minnesota (our home state)  MacPhail offers worldwide instruction.  "How?"...  With the use of technology, your music teacher can come to your house.  Using SKYPE (free program you can download), your computer & a webcam - your music teacher is right in your home. No more packing up everyone to head to lessons, or waiting during the lesson. I can't even begin to tell you what a huge benefit this is to a busy homeschool mom. We don't have to interrupt everyone else's school lessons, pack up, drive, etc.  We can head to the piano room, turn on the computer and the lesson can begin.  This is one of the best time-saving tips I can offer you - online music lessons!

But, this convenience is just one of the benefits to this style of instruction.  Your instructor will see your student in their own environment, with their own instrument.  This is very crucial information.  We have done online lessons with another child of ours for the past four years.  Right away, his instructor was able to see that our piano bench was far too low for proper hand position - and was able to correct that early on.  When you take your child to another environment to learn - your instructor will have no idea of your home set-up where your child spends most of their time playing and practicing.

For this review,  I choose a different tester than the first one I mentioned (he has had tons of online piano lessons, loves his teacher - Kristin Shoemaker, and would never want to take lessons any other way!).  Noah, my tester for this review, has taken 2 years of private piano lessons before this review.

In his first few moments online with Timothy DePrey, our MacPhail instructor, my tester was hooked!  Timothy really connected with Noah.  He asked some questions about what he has been working on to access his level, and then...  he asked Noah, "What do you want to learn?"  (OK, he had me here too... it's so much more fun to practice when it's something you WANT to play!)

Noah surprised us both with his answer...  "Phantom of the Opera".  Ok... he's had a couple of years of lessons, he's moving along, but he's still a beginner!  Not phased by this request, Timothy grinned, and told him - "I'll find you some music, you need to work on finding the mask and cape for your performance."  Noah loved his sense of humor.

 Timothy promised to find something at his level that they could begin working on.  He really impressed me, within a couple of days - he had sent over the music Noah could begin working on, and had collaborated with colleagues at MacPhail to simplify it more to Noah's level.

Lesson 2 - Timothy jumps right in teaching the right hand part of this piece.  Once again, I was impressed, he quickly he connected with Noah, it couldn't have been more personal if he had been actually sitting next to him in our piano room.  He taught him the right hand portion,  and could see that Noah really wanted to be able to play both hands together (even though is was WAY above Noah's ability level).  So, he spent the time teaching and encouraging Noah on this score.

Timothy was incorporating music theory throughout the lesson, working on note names and values while working on proper fingering and melody.  I was impressed by how much was going on, in such a short time.

Here's the best part,  these lessons lit the fire in Noah to practice!  He wanted very badly to impress his instructor, and practiced diligently - without any reminders from me.  Noah was determined to master this piece in time for his final lesson.  Remember - Noah has only had 3 lessons with his MacPhail Instructor...

 This is a video of the beginning of his final lesson (he designed his costume himself...) :



I can honestly say, I didn't think "Phantom of the Opera" would be something Noah could play in just a few lessons, he really hasn't played piano for very long.  The credit goes to a PHENOMENAL instructor!  We have done music lessons for a very long time and I can tell you - a great teacher makes all the difference. We will most certainly be doing more instruction with MacPhail Center of Music.

MacPhail Center for Music is filled with great instructors waiting to light up your student's musical talent!

Click to read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew