Updates from Andrea Orem

Establishing Consistent Practice

Cultivating Confidence Through Singing

Exploring "Living Songtales" and Hymn Study

Additional Ideas for Musical Exploration

1. Music Appreciation: Delve into various musical genres and styles through listening sessions and discussions, cultivating an appreciation for diverse forms of artistic expression.
2. DIY Instrument Projects: Engage in hands-on learning by constructing homemade instruments using household materials, fostering creativity and resourcefulness.
3. Musical Games and Activities: Infuse playfulness into daily life with interactive games and activities designed to reinforce musical concepts and skills. Here's many ideas!
4. Family Music Making: Foster a sense of unity and collaboration by organizing family jam sessions or family sing alongs, providing an opportunity for each member to showcase their musical talents in a supportive environment. Even if family members do not feel they have talents in this area, the goal is communal music-making, not the skill level of the music-making itself. We do value excellence! But we value community and shared experience more here (just like we do with corporate worship... more on that later!).

Becoming Tuneful:

Becoming Beatful:

Becoming Artful:

1. Cognitive Development: Music's Impact on Learning Music education is integral to classical homeschooling for its role in enhancing cognitive abilities. From improving memory and attention span to sharpening auditory discrimination skills, studying music provides a well-rounded cognitive workout, supporting critical thinking and analytical skills as well as literacy and poetic understanding especially in the early years. Dr. John Feierabend says this is why learning to create music, not just learning about music, is so important especially in ages birth-age 8. Gaining knowledge about music, like memorizing Bach's birth year or mnemonic devices for note names, primarily utilizes one's linguistic intelligence. While this information is certainly useful, it doesn't necessarily lead to a deep understanding of music. True musical intelligence involves the development of neural pathways for musical thinking early in life. This foundational understanding is crucial for later learning to have genuine musical significance. Once our minds establish pathways for understanding, it becomes difficult to alter our perception. Individuals who immerse themselves in music, learning songs and moving artfully to the steady beat, are better positioned to grasp musical notation and instrument playing later. Learning an instrument initially by ear, and then transitioning to reading notation, effectively enhances both skills. On the other hand, those who exclusively learn through notation without prior musical readiness may struggle to develop ear-playing abilities because they learned from a mathematical/linguistic lens first.
2. Cultural Literacy: Embracing Musical Traditions Classical homeschooling values cultural literacy and historical understanding. Through exploring a wide variety of musical traditions, students gain insights into different cultures and time periods as well as various life experiences and perspectives. As Charlotte Mason said, "The child should be made familiar with and should be made to appreciate good music." This exposure enriches their educational journey and broadens their horizons.
3. Emotional Intelligence: Music as a Tool for Growth Music plays a vital role in developing emotional intelligence within classical homeschooling. By engaging musically, students learn to recognize and manage their emotions. They learn and remember through stories set to music what they may not as easily otherwise. And instrumental music without words has a key role to play as well. As Charlotte Mason believed, "Music is one of the most forcible instruments for refining the feelings." This aspect of education fosters empathy, social-emotional growth, and self-awareness.
4. Discipline and Perseverance: Building Habits through Music Learning to play a musical instrument requires discipline and perseverance, values cherished by Charlotte Mason homeschoolers. Through regular practice and overcoming challenges, students develop habits of diligence and self-mastery that extend beyond music into all areas of their lives.
5. Creative Expression: Nurturing Individuality through Music In Charlotte Mason classical homeschooling, students are encouraged to express their creativity in learning. Music provides a platform for this expression, allowing students to compose, improvise, and interpret music in unique ways. By embracing their musical instincts, students become active participants in their artistic development.
6. Community and Collaboration: Music's Role in Connection Music fosters community and collaboration, whether a child is singing with a group of people, learning turn-taking while playing instruments, or listening as a part of an audience to a collective performance. Students bond over their shared love of music. This sense of camaraderie strengthens relationships and promotes cooperation among peers.
   
   In classical homeschooling, music education plays a pivotal role in enriching the educational experience. From cognitive development to emotional intelligence, music offers practical benefits and meaningful engagement with the world around them both present and past. By integrating music into the curriculum, educators empower students to excel academically and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts. As Charlotte Mason believed, "The musical education of the child should be begun early; that is, the child should have begun to play and sing almost as soon as he can speak." Let us embrace the transformative power of music in classical education, guiding children on a journey of discovery and growth.

1. The Language of Emotion: Literature and music serve as languages of emotion, each possessing the ability to evoke profound feelings and experiences. Just as a well-crafted novel transports readers to different realms of emotion, a beautifully composed piece of music has the power to stir the soul. Take, for instance, Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, whose triumphant finale, featuring Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy," transcends language barriers to convey a universal message of joy and unity.
2. Musical Storytelling: Music has a narrative quality that complements the storytelling prowess of literature. Composers often draw inspiration from literary works to create musical narratives that captivate audiences. An exemplary illustration is Sergei Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet," a ballet score that brings Shakespeare's timeless tale to life through emotive melodies and evocative orchestration.
3. Inspired Creations: Literary masterpieces have long inspired composers to create enduring works of music. One such example is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," which commemorates Russia's victory over Napoleon's army and draws inspiration from Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace." Conversely, authors have also drawn inspiration from music, as seen in Virginia Woolf's novel "To the Lighthouse," where classical music serves as a central motif, shaping the characters' emotions and experiences.
4. Shared Themes and Motifs: Themes such as love, loss, and redemption resonate deeply across both literature and music. Consider Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5, which navigates themes of love and mortality with poignant intensity, mirroring the emotional depth found in literary classics like Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina." These shared themes serve as a bridge between the two art forms, enriching the human experience through their universal resonance.
5. Collaborative Projects: Collaborative ventures between writers and musicians offer innovative ways to explore the intersection of literature and music. One notable example is Philip Glass's opera "Einstein on the Beach," a groundbreaking collaboration with playwright Robert Wilson that pushes the boundaries of traditional opera by incorporating minimalist music and non-linear storytelling.

1. Embrace Your Role as a Guide: Your musical journey with your children begins by understanding that you don't need to be a virtuoso. Think of yourself as a guide, introducing your children to the world of music, helping them explore different genres and exposing them to new songs, providing support and encouragement and showing them you are learning along the way with them.
2. Start with the Basics: Begin by laying a solid foundation in music theory, covering essential elements such as rhythm, melody, and harmony. Engage your children with interactive games, fun songs, and hands-on activities to make learning enjoyable and effective. Don't know where to begin with that? Check out the Classical Collective Membership for resources.
3. Make Use of Resources: Leverage the wealth of resources available online to support music education at home. From interactive tutorials and educational apps to lessons and community music groups, there's something for every age and skill level. These resources can enrich your children's learning experience and provide valuable support for you as a parent-teacher.
4. Encourage Creativity: Nurture your children's creative expression through music by encouraging them to compose their own songs, experiment with different instruments, and even craft homemade musical instruments from household items. Emphasize the joy of exploration and self-expression, fostering a love for music that goes beyond rote learning.
5. Lead by Example: Set a positive example for your children by actively engaging with music in your daily life, showing them you are also a lifelong learner! Listen to a variety of musical genres together, sing and dance, read them songtales, attend live performances, and demonstrate that music is something to be enjoyed and celebrated as a family together.
6. Be Patient and Persistent: Above all, remember that learning music is a journey that requires patience and persistence. Celebrate your children's progress, no matter how small, and encourage them to persevere through challenges. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, you can inspire a lifelong passion for music in your children.
   
   Teaching music at home can be a rewarding experience for both you and your children, regardless of your musical background. By embracing your role as a guide, starting with the basics, utilizing resources, encouraging creativity, leading by example, and maintaining patience and persistence, you can instill a lifelong love of music in your children and grow your own skill and confidence along the way. So, don't hesitate to start this musical adventure together and discover the joy of making music at home!

1. Establish Clear Boundaries: One of the first steps in managing your time effectively is to establish clear boundaries between your work and family life. Set designated work hours for your music teaching and office hours, and communicate these hours to your students and family members. Similarly, carve out dedicated family time where work-related distractions are minimized. By delineating boundaries, you create space for both professional and personal commitments without letting them overlap excessively.
2. Prioritize Tasks: Prioritization is key when balancing multiple responsibilities. Identify the most important tasks for both your music freelance teaching and family responsibilities, and tackle them accordingly. Time block to get those one-time or weekly tasks done. Consider using productivity techniques such as Eisenhower's Urgent/Important Principle to manage your time efficiently. By focusing on high-priority tasks first, you can make significant progress in both areas of your life without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Embrace Flexibility: Flexibility is essential when navigating the unpredictable nature of freelance work and family life. Recognize that plans may need to be adjusted at times, and be willing to adapt accordingly. Utilize tools such as scheduling apps or digital calendars to keep track of appointments, deadlines, and family events. Additionally, communicate openly with both your students and family members about any changes or adjustments to your schedule. By embracing flexibility, you can navigate unforeseen challenges with greater ease and minimize stress.
4. Delegate and Outsource: Don't hesitate to delegate tasks or outsource certain responsibilities to others when necessary. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks related to your teaching business or enlisting family members to help with household chores, delegating can free up valuable time and mental energy. Remember that you don't have to do everything yourself, and seeking support from others can lighten your workload and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
5. Practice Self-Care: Amidst the hustle and bustle of balancing work and family life, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Carve out time for activities that recharge you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Whether it's taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby, self-care is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Remember that by taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to fulfill your commitments to both your music freelance teaching and your family.

1. The song is too low: One of the most frequent reasons I hear people struggle to sing a song is because the recording they are singing with (or they themselves) start singing the song too low. This leads to them not being able to sing the notes accurately because their voice cannot hit those low notes -- this is especially true for children whose voices have not changed yet. I see this allll the time in church kids choirs where the director has picked music that is for adults without taking into account the melody's range for the children's singing needs.
   Solution: If you find yourself struggling with a song that feels too low, consider transposing it to a higher key that better suits your voice (aka start singing higher! I gave an audio example here). Experiment with different keys until you find one that allows you to sing comfortably without strain. Additionally you can work with a voice teacher (like me!) to increase your range and work on other techniques that will help you sing lower notes if that's a desired skill.
   
   
2. You aren't using enough air/breath: Breath support is the foundation of good singing technique, yet many beginners underestimate its importance. Insufficient breath support can lead to weak, airy vocals, pitch instability, and an inability to sustain notes effectively. Without proper breath control, even the most talented singers can struggle to reach their full potential.
   Solution: Focus on developing strong breath support by practicing diaphragmatic breathing exercises regularly. Imagine filling your lower lungs with air as you inhale deeply like through a straw, allowing your lungs to descend and expand. Practice exhaling slowly and steadily (like on an "s" sound), maintaining control over your airflow throughout each phrase. Incorporate breath support exercises into your daily vocal warm-up routine to strengthen your diaphragm and improve your vocal stamina.
   
   
3. You need to use your ears just as much as your voice: Singing isn't just about producing sound; it's also about listening and adjusting in real-time to stay on pitch and maintain vocal consistency, especially if you're singing with a recording or track or other singers. Many aspiring singers neglect the importance of active listening and rely solely on muscle memory or visual cues, leading to inaccuracies and inconsistencies in their performances.
   Solution: Train your ear by practicing pitch-matching exercises and listening to a variety of music genres attentively. Pay close attention to pitch, tone, and phrasing, and strive to replicate what you hear accurately. Sing along with recordings of professional singers, focusing on matching their pitch and expression. Over time, your ear will become more attuned to nuances in pitch and tone, allowing you to sing with greater accuracy and confidence.