Joyful Songs ~ Music Education Blog

“And then I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea- all living beings in the universe – and they were singing: ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour, glory and might, forever and ever’.” ~ Revelation 5:13

I’ve wanted to write out lesson plans I created several years ago for the entire Carnival of the Animals musical suite by Camille St.-Saens. When my youngest son wanted to learn about elephants a couple years ago, I created a music lapbook here at this blog and a science one that I posted at Homeschool Share. I intended to type out the others for you … but it never happened because of all the children’s busy activities.

Monsieur Camille Saint – Saens: Composer

Since I was asked to teach general music classes at a local homeschool co-op this year, I thought it would be a good time as I was reviewing my lessons for them to also work on sharing them. I will be teaching the unit throughout the school year and adding materials as I do them. As usual, I hope that these music lessons make it fun and easy to teach music to children whether you are a music teacher, parent, or someone who enjoys learning more about music!

If you have read any of my lessons before, you know that I love to tie in every subject with music, so here are some sites to get you started! These looks great for accompanying Bible and science lessons with animals!

Animals of the Bible from WebBible Encyclopedia! ~ The Bible and Animals

Animals of the Bible from ChristianUnite Kids! ~ Animals of the Bible from Wikipedia

Lesson Plans of the Unit

Carnival of the Animals! ~ An introduction page to the forthcoming unit; information about the carnival, Camille Saint-Saens, and other unit details.

Lions, Chickens, & Horses? Oh My! ~ An unpublished page at the moment, but done soon. 

Musical Dancing Elephants? ~ This is the same lesson I have here except it is updated, easier to access the videos, and contains more details.

Public Domain Photo from Wikipedia

If all goes well, more lessons will be added throughout the coming school year.

Hope you enjoy them! Peace and happy music studies!

Besides for sheer enjoyment, are there any benefits to listening to classical music? As I have heard many theories in this area, the topic is one that has highly intrigued me. I know that listening to a variety of musical styles makes a different impact on myself. Even though classical music is the area I am most comfortable, I do enjoy music of many genres. I find that when I am in certain moods, I prefer to listen to one style or piece over others. The music itself can also alter my emotions which can in turn alter my physical being. I started to write down some of my thoughts about this music phenomena that you will find in the article “Can Music Alter Physical & Mental Health?” I think it can in numerous ways! How about you?

A few excellent related articles that you may find helpful and interesting:
~ Effect of Classical Music on the Brain.
~ Classical Music Can Improve Your Life
~ Music And How It Affects Our Thoughts, Feelings… Ultimately Our Actions!
~ Can Classical Music make a Baby Smarter?
~ The Mozart Effect: The Power of Music

Special thanks to Mr. Petr Kratochvil for his lovely summer photo, What kind of music do you think of during the summertime? Are there certain songs that you fondly remember every summer? Or, are there songs that if you hear anytime of the year, it mentally brings you back to the warm months? Well, I have a few that I remember in conjunction with summer events from different years. One of the warm days a few weeks back, I went searching on the web for them. I found most that were on my mind plus many new ones to me that I thought sounded rather interesting. I put together a collection for anyone else who may enjoy listening to them. There are some really old classic pieces all the way through modern day, plus I tried to find a large range of styles to "chill out" with!

You may find videos for these fun songs at Summertime Music! You will also enjoy listening to “Waxing-Lyrical’s” lens entitled “My Top 10 Favourite Summer Songs”.

If you are a fan of classical flute music, you may be familiar with the German – Danish composer Friedrich Kuhlau. Although not as well known as many other composers of his time, he has been referred to as “the Beethoven of the flute” although he was a pianist. I’ve written a small biography of him, placed videos of his music, and found some sites where you may download his music for free at the above link.

Have you ever wondered what classical musicians would have thought of modern sounds and instruments? Although the saxophone has been around for over a century, it came after the time of many of the “masters” of classical music such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Saxophones are not generally a part of orchestras. Nor may they be found in most symphonies. The only time I’ve seen them being used with a full orchestra are when the orchestra is performing a “pop” piece of music.

Clarinetists, flautists, and other woodwind players frequently double on the saxophone. I know that’s how I started to play the instrument. Although I dearly love playing classical flute, let’s face it, there are not jobs begging for the style except for orchestras, weddings, and churches. So, in trying to make a living, it was suggested to me to double on sax. After I stopped laughing, I said I’d give it a try. It was a very different concept for me at first, but I have grown to love the instrument immensely!! Sax players are definitely more in demand for rock and jazz music.

I have found that classical and jazz musicians have a very different way of thinking of things ~ not just as far as music, but in many other aspects in thought and behavior. Although I practiced until I could play the right notes at the right time, I felt very awkward with a saxophone in my hands. I suppose I stuck out like a sore thumb trying to play jazz sax like a classical flautist! My comrades have taught me to “chill out a little” and to feel more free to experiment with my playing. That’s a good thing I suppose, but now when playing my classical gigs I have gotten into trouble improvising with a few blue notes in my classic solos. (I have to let you know that not all orchestra conductors have quite the same sense of humor as members in a band!)

Saxophone is one of the instruments that I teach in my music school. Since I have been working on creating resources for all my students to learn more about instruments, to hear a variety of examples, to find free and economical sheet music, and to join in instrument communities of musicians, my latest website is dedicated to my energetic saxophone students, and written to share with anyone who has an interest in the instrument. If you would like to read it, you may check it out at Saxophones are Sensational!

How about some of Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca” for Saxophone Quartet from YouTube? ~ Mozart on Saxophone!

What do you think Mozart would have thought of the instrument? Or any other of the most famous composers? I have often wondered how their music may have been different if they had access to electric guitars, synthesizers, … and saxophones. Do you think they would have liked them and incorporated them into their music, or would they have gone off running and screaming?