Over the past 13 months, I have heard of almost every conceivable form of Primary Music time activity I thought possible. I admire the Ward Primary song leaders who have worked so creatively to come up with ideas to teach music virtually. They really know the value of teaching the Primary Songs and Hymns although so much has been shifted to the shoulders of the parents.
I have seen everything from interesting word charts, to virtual games, to giving out bags of rhythm props, to playing sing-along videos.
I have even heard complaints that these valiant song leaders are supposed to teach music SILENTLY. (What is that exactly?!!!)
I suppose that some wards are beginning to have in-person Primary Music Time, but are not yet allowed to sing. I guess the only choices have been to play rhythmic games or to teach sign language to the songs on video. NOT REALLY SINGING TIME, is it.
I have even heard complaints that these valiant song leaders are supposed to teach music SILENTLY. (What is that exactly?!!!)
I suppose that some wards are beginning to have in-person Primary Music Time, but are not yet allowed to sing. I guess the only choices have been to play rhythmic games or to teach sign language to the songs on video. NOT REALLY SINGING TIME, is it.
These valiant song leaders have been scrambling to share ideas with each other. They say they are hoping that their efforts are helping the kids learn the songs. I sure hope so!
My experience tells me, though, that only a small percentage of children actually gain the ability to LISTEN and MATCH PITCHES without learning from someone who will give them FEEDBACK. Usually, parents are the first and best teachers. But when the parents don't or won't sing, the children lose out on their earliest instruction. I admit that some children are just born with musical ears, but most need close-up and personal training.
My experience tells me, though, that only a small percentage of children actually gain the ability to LISTEN and MATCH PITCHES without learning from someone who will give them FEEDBACK. Usually, parents are the first and best teachers. But when the parents don't or won't sing, the children lose out on their earliest instruction. I admit that some children are just born with musical ears, but most need close-up and personal training.
Movies, virtual presentation videos, and recordings may not be the best instructors. They are too impersonal and cannot give FEEDBACK. Most young children are not aware of their own sounds. Most need help learning to listen to and match the model. Also, when they are left to follow an adult voice singing in a range much bigger than the child can produce or has "affected" timbres, they get confused about pitch and appropriate vocal quality.
As a voice teacher, I have had first hand experience trying to help struggling singers overcome issues begun in their youth.
Primary Song Leaders get it. They want desperately to sing in person with the children. They want to help them learn the melodies and words properly. Most of all they want to inspire the children to feel the Spirit by internalizing the simple Gospel truths taught in the Primary Songs.
In-Person Primary Music Time can't come soon enough for me!
As a voice teacher, I have had first hand experience trying to help struggling singers overcome issues begun in their youth.
Primary Song Leaders get it. They want desperately to sing in person with the children. They want to help them learn the melodies and words properly. Most of all they want to inspire the children to feel the Spirit by internalizing the simple Gospel truths taught in the Primary Songs.
In-Person Primary Music Time can't come soon enough for me!
RSS Feed