Art and music ideals

[topekaclark]

I admit it, I'm very challenged when it comes to art and music.

I would like to put the children into music lessons when we can afford it, right now is not the time.

As far as crafts/art, I use the internet but it's not the same.

All suggestions would be appreciated and very helpful.

God bless

[NewWorldOrder]

Topeka, it's possible there may be a homeschool co-op in your area that has fine arts classes. You may have to do some real investigative work to find out, because they don't advertise. I know here where I live, there is a homeschool fine arts academy that meets at a church and they offer music classes, for very reasonable prices. Something around $100 or less for the entire semester. I had my kids there for a while, one took an art class, the other was in the Ballet Ensemble class. A lot of times if you volunteer in some capacity you get classes for free, so make sure you check into that too.

[farmgirl]

Show your kids a Stomp video, then be ready to let them get out the pots, pans, spoons, and other "musical instruments". This video really inspired my kids to try to make music. Have inexpensive musical instruments to play with in the house. Harmonicas cost only 5-10 dollars. Play different kinds of music alot. Have lots of art materials and art books around. Check out some concerts and art museums. Have the kids illustrate their stories. Make cut paper or tissue paper Christmas cards or Valentines. There are also some great software programs for music and art, but the hands on stuff is the best. :thumb

[farmgirl]

BTW I just found a homeschool band that meets once a week in our area with a professional band teacher. They don't advertise so finding them can be difficult.

[FrankBeMe]

Show your kids a Stomp video, then be ready to let them get out the pots, pans, spoons, and other "musical instruments".

Those guys are awesome!

As far as music.....just expose the kids to classical, jazz, country, etc etc...they don't need to know how to play in order to enjoy a well rounded choice of music. I'm sure that there are music appreciation games and books and recordings one can get to use. Eventually, when they're ready to play, they already have a good start because they'll be familiar with whatever style is put in front of them.

[lisaann]

I've used these with my kids. They have a short book on the history of the artist and his style and then it gives supplies for you to do a project in that style. I've actually used these to teach a homeschool group as well. They easily adapt to several kids.

If you scroll to the bottom you will see that they have alot of different packs.
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Activity-Pack-Gogh-Packs/dp/0811813126/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195495999&sr=8-1

[lisaann]

I am using this book right now to tie art in with our history lessons. It starts with artists in the 1200's up to the modern era. Every project comes with a difficulty level and estimated time it will take to do it. :thumb
http://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Great-Artists-Hands-Learning/dp/0935607099/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195496792&sr=8-1

[Green Darner]

Homeschool in the Woods has a wonderful hands-on activity pak about Artists. It's $18.95 which seems reasonable to me.

http://homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/AP/Artists.htm

[Sing4Him]

Hi.. I didn't homeschool but Do have a degree in music!

If you could get a homeschooling book on Music Theory (Theory 1) your children would learn a TON and possible be ahead of most children in gradeschool and possible high school.

I found this:

http://www.hln-store.com/servlet/Detail?no=247

After going over what encompasses a symphony/band/ orchestra and learning about the instruments you might take a field trip to a concert

also.. right now.. there is a darling One Act Opera (about an hour in performance) that was composed by American composer Gian Carlo Menotti, called " Amahl and the Night Visitors"

It is our family tradition and favorite at Christmas time to go see or play in our home.

It is an OPERA that all children and adults wil love!

If you look around in your town, many choral groups perform this for Christmas Season.

It's a great, easy "opera experience" and exposes the children to all voice parts, chorale and of course this darling story!

[Sing4Him]

Here is the original performance of Amahl that was broadcasted on TV in the 1950's!

Oh my goodness our family loves this! (just a piece from this)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_03iA_QvfWw&feature=related