Amy M. Burns

Elementary Music Technology and Integration

Amy M. Burns has taught PreK-grade 4 general music for over 25 years at Far Hills Country Day School (FH) (https://www.fhcds.org/). She also teaches grade 5 instrument class, directs the FH Philharmonic, is the Performing Arts Department Manager, and teaches privately in the after-school conservatory after being the director for over 20 years. She has authored four books and numerous articles on how to integrate tech into the elementary music classroom. She has presented many sessions on the topic, including four keynote addresses in TX, IN, St. Maarten, and AU. She is the recipient of the 2005 Technology in Music Education (TI:ME) Teacher of the Year, the 2016 New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) Master Music Teacher, the 2016 Governor’s Leader in Arts Education, and the 2017 NJ Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Awards. Her most recent publication, Using Technology with Elementary Music Approaches (2020), published by Oxford University Press (OUP) is available from OUP and Amazon. Burns is also the Community Coordinator for Midnight Music (MMC) at https://midnightmusic.com/, the General Music Chair for NJMEA Board of Directors, and the Elementary Music Consultant for MusicFirst (https://www.musicfirst.com/), a company built by music educators for music educators, dedicated to helping music teachers and their students make the most of technology in the classroom.

Looking for my YouTube Channel, or the manipulatives for my Play-Along Videos, click on the social feed buttons below!

Countdown to 2026: 10 short activities that you can use immediately - #4 Auld Lang Syne Steady Beat Play-Along

December 29, 2025  /  Amy M. Burns

#4 Auld Lang Syne Steady Beat Play-Along

As we continue the Countdown to 2026, we’re officially in the stretch where quick, engaging wins matter most. Activities #4, #3, and #2 all feature Auld Lang Syne play-along videos—perfect for easing students back into music class after a holiday or seasonal break while still keeping learning purposeful and joyful.

Today’s spotlight is #4: Auld Lang Syne Steady Beat Play-Along, an easy-to-implement activity that gets your young students moving, listening, and feeling successful from the very first minutes of class.

🎵 Steady Beat Play-Along for Preschool & Kindergarten

This play-along is designed with your youngest musicians in mind. With bright, engaging visuals and a clear, consistent pulse, students are guided to feel and maintain a steady beat while listening to Auld Lang Syne—a meaningful piece often associated with new beginnings.

Use this activity to:

  • Reinforce a steady beat in a developmentally appropriate way

  • Support gross motor skill development through movement

  • Build confidence with low-pressure, high-success participation

Rhythm sticks work beautifully here, but clapping, tapping, patting, or even gentle marching all make this activity accessible and inclusive for every learner.

🧰 Classroom Manipulatives Included

To help your students feel confident before pressing play, this activity includes printable manipulatives that allow you to teach and practice the movements ahead of time. These are especially helpful for Preschool and Kindergarten students who benefit from visual and kinesthetic preparation.

You can find the manipulatives here:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/elmusedtech/extras

We’re moving through the Countdown to 2026!
Be sure to come back tomorrow for #3 as we continue sharing short, meaningful activities you can use right away to start the year strong.

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