Need a Quick and Easy Music Activity for a Sub? Part 2
Need a Quick and Easy Non-Tech Music Activity for a Sub?
Read MoreThankful-Themed Rhythm & Body Percussion Play-Along Activities 🍁🥁
What happens when gratitude, epic pop hits, and body percussion collide?
A rhythm and body percussion play-along your students won’t stop talking about!
Snag your free, fall-themed music manipulatives and Color-by-Note pages now — before they’re gone! 🎶🍁
Need a Quick and Easy Music Activity for a Sub? Part 1
Let’s be honest — planning for a sub in the music room isn’t easy. Most of the time, our substitute teacher walks in feeling a little nervous about teaching music. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a music sub on speed dial, you’ll want lessons that are simple, tech-friendly (or not!), and still keep students reviewing and engaging with music.
Read MoreHonoring Veterans Through Music: A Classroom Play-Along for November 11
Logos found on each of the branch’s websites.
Veterans Day, on November 11, honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Services. This day allows the nation to express gratitude for their sacrifices. Each military branch has its unique song, and an amazing recording of all six songs was found on YouTube without attribution. If anyone knows the performers, please share.
The play-along includes body percussion for younger elementary students, with actions like tapping knees and clapping. Older students can use non-pitched instruments for reading and performing the notated rhythm patterns. Teaching tips include discussing Veterans Day, practicing rhythm patterns, and using a "wheel of names" for demonstrations. The manipulatives are available for free on my Buy Me a Coffee Channel. Enjoy the play-along video for Veterans Day!
Read MoreIs there a tool that can tell me the key and tempo of a song, show me the lyrics, create a practice track, and work across multiple devices?
This is the 5th blog post highlighting a tool from Katie's The Ultimate Free Tech Resources Guide 2025-2026. This week, we are exploring moises.ai, a free+ tool found in the AI Stem Splitters Category.
You can create a free Moises account to explore many of its features, making it a great tool for the classroom. Here are five practical ways to use it in your teaching.
Read MoreWhat "Hello Songs" Do You Use for PS and K?
Recently, I was asked about my favorite “Hello” songs to welcome our youngest students to music class. These simple songs set a positive tone for the day, help students feel included, and make transitions smoother. Below are a few of my go-to favorites that always bring smiles and participation.
Read MoreIt's a "Wickedly" Piano Rhythm Play-Along Medley!
The musical Wicked, which debuted 21 years ago and continues to run at the Gershwin Theater, is now celebrated with the release of its film adaptation, Wicked Part 1. To mark this occasion, a rhythm play-along medley featuring three songs from the musical is introduced, performed on piano.
The medley includes Stephen Schwartz’s:
"Defying Gravity" performed by Master Keyz
"Popular" performed by Sheet Music Boss
"One Short Day" performed by Brennan Wieland
Rhythms for the play-along include:
Quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted rhythms, half notes, syncopation, dynamics, and accents.
Free manipulatives are available on the Buy Me a Coffee channel to assist with practice. Helpful tips for teaching include using manipulatives, adjusting video tempo, and splitting the class into groups for larger classes. Most importantly, the emphasis is on having fun while engaging with the music.
Read MoreBoomwhacker Play-Along: Spooky Scary Skeletons in A Minor
🎃 Bring Spooky Scary Skeletons to Your Classroom! 🎃
Perfect for upper elementary and middle school Halloween fun:
Catchy EDM Remix: Students love the fast tempo, pulsing beat, and energetic synths.
Play-Along to Level Up By Changing the Tempo: Practice tempo, dotted half notes, and strong beats with slide manipulatives.
Interactive Lessons: Explore remixing, production techniques, and social media’s impact on music.
Soundslice or YouTube: Currently, this video is found on both of my channels. In the Soundslice version, you can manipulate the appearance and playback more.
👻 Grab the manipulatives on my Buy Me a Coffee Channel for a spooky music class hit! 🎶
Read More🎃 Skin and Bones Play-Along for Multiple Instruments and Movement
This Play-Along video was part of my 2022 summer project, where I created videos that combine the best of the Kodály and Orff Schulwerk approaches — connecting traditional songs with modern classroom instruments and technology.
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorites:
👉 “Skin and Bones” — a seasonal Play-Along for Boomwhackers, Ukuleles, Barred Instruments, Recorder, Percussion, and Movement!
This lesson brings together singing, playing, and movement, helping your students internalize musical concepts in a joyful, hands-on way.
Read MoreColor By Notes: Fall Edition
Greetings from Nashville!
This week, I took some personal days from school to collaborate with the talented team at MusicFirst Elementary (https://www.musicfirstelementary.com/site/) to update and improve our elementary music curriculum. While I’m away, I wanted to share a fun resource I’ve created that you might find useful in your own classroom.
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I’ve put together a set of "Color by Note" pages designed specifically for your younger students. Each page features a key that tells students which note value corresponds to a specific color, and this key remains consistent throughout the packet. There are 10 coloring pages in total, each featuring a different fall theme. One page is Halloween-themed ("Purple People Eater"), so feel free to skip any pages that might not fit with your classroom needs.
Some of the pages are simple, with just two colors, while others are a bit more complex, using up to 7 colors. You can pick and choose the pages based on your available supplies and how much time you want to spend on each activity.
Musical Selections to Pair with the Activity
At the bottom of each coloring page, I’ve suggested a musical selection to pair with the activity. However, feel free to choose your own music based on your students’ preferences or what fits best with your teaching theme. I’ve included two versions of the coloring pages: one with the music suggestions and one without, giving you some flexibility.
Here are the musical suggestions to accompany the coloring pages:
Five Little Pumpkins from YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96NMvRMJTf0
Earth, Wind, and Fire's September: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqZxIL4YE2I&list=RDaqZxIL4YE2I&start_radio=1
Scarecrow from The Learning Station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geFvOfBQNbE&list=RDgeFvOfBQNbE&start_radio=1
Scarecrow from Music K8: https://www.musick8.com/html/current_tune.php?numbering=6&songorder=3
The Moon by Jack Hartmann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwdgFQMPEuA
Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiqbJ0Gtb44&list=RDuiqbJ0Gtb44&start_radio=1
It’s Corn! by Songify This ft. Tariq and Recess Therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_caMQpiwiaU&list=RD_caMQpiwiaU&start_radio=1
Brach’s Candy Corn sung by Michelle Williams: I could only find this on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellewilliams/video/7287228817909796139
Stephanie Leavell's Falling Leaf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-POL-IKaBQ&list=PLiJoIqmkWRPbSUFa2GGHNfG4b3Nk2Dr0D
Laurie Berkner’s What Falls in the Fall? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luj4bfyjahg&list=RDluj4bfyjahg&start_radio=1
Pueple People Eater by Sheb Wooley (I would end it before the last word): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XgiaD6L6yI&list=RD4XgiaD6L6yI&start_radio=1
The Donut Shop by Miss Nina (begin at 1:00 minute mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHlN7cKsviI&list=RDJHlN7cKsviI&start_radio=1
Music K8's Pumpkin Spice (love the bass clarinetist on this song!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EGoKq4Ea1o&list=RD4EGoKq4Ea1o&start_radio=1
Download the Free PDF File!
You can easily download the free PDF file from my Extras Page. These coloring pages are perfect for those days when you need a quick sub plan or when you want to give your students some time to listen to music while working on a fun, relaxing activity. I hope you find these resources helpful and that they add some extra joy to your fall lessons!
Beautiful Day Rhythm Play-Along
Looking for fresh, fun ways to teach rhythm to your elementary students? Check out my latest blog post, where I share a Beautiful Day rhythm play-along to U2's iconic song, complete with free downloadable manipulatives! Whether you’re working with younger students through body percussion or challenging older students with rhythm-reading activities, these resources are perfect for making learning interactive and exciting. Plus, there are five fun facts about U2 and scenic visuals from Ireland to keep your students engaged. Don’t miss out on this hands-on approach to music education—click to learn more!
Read More#techtiptuesday Using Canva's Magic (AI) Tools for Five Little Pumpkins - Song/Embellished Story/Play-Along
In the past, I researched Canva's AI tools and had it rewrite the song, Five Little Pumpkins, and turn it into a whimsical tale. It was amusing, to say the least. I had fun using Canva to illustrate and record that tale. Most of this video was produced in Canva, with the recording of the song done in Soundtrap, and the final edits to put the three videos together in Final Cut Pro.
Read MoreIntegrating Orff and Kodály into an Elementary Music Curriculum
When We Start Out...
When I first stepped into the world of elementary music 30 years ago, I was completely green, with just one methods class under my belt. Back then, the typical path for music ed majors was choir, orchestra, or band—and I was firmly on the band track. But little did I know that my journey would take me into the heart of elementary general music, sparking a passion that would shape my entire career. Along the way, I earned my Master of Science in Music Education, deepening my knowledge and fueling my dedication to the art of teaching music.
Starting out as a novice music teacher, I was thrust into 12 different preschools and elementary schools, teaching a piano program with no keyboards. It was an adventure—and a crash course in making the most of limited resources! Over the years, I discovered the transformative power of approaches like Orff, Kodály, and Dr. Feierabend’s methods, and began integrating technology to enhance music creation for every student. I also dove deep into Mind Brain Education, Design Thinking, and more.
How Do I Mix It All Together?
The question that so many music teachers face: how do I bring all these techniques and tools together to support my students? Should I choose one approach or combine them? Should I stick to a curriculum, or integrate others?
The answer is simpler than it seems: Do what works best for you and your students. Whether that means blending Orff with Kodály, adding tech tools to a set curriculum, or taking the best of both worlds, the key is flexibility. What matters most is creating an environment where your students can explore, create, and thrive as young musicians.
Your Pedagogy, Our Curriculum: Integrating Orff and Kodály with MusicFirst Elementary
If you're wondering how to bring it all together in your own classroom, join me and Eric Young on Wednesday, October 15, at 8 p.m. EDT for a special webinar. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas, a ready-to-use lesson, and a free trial of MusicFirst Elementary—a complete K-5 music curriculum packed with resources and tools that empower both you and your students.
Register Here!
Maximizing One Song: 15 Ideas for Your Elementary Music Classroom
As elementary music educators, we know repetition is key to building strong musical skills. One of my favorite methods is using a single song in multiple activities, allowing students to experience it in different ways. This approach reinforces rhythm, note reading, steady beat, and creativity while keeping students engaged and having fun.
In this post, we’ll dive into the folk song Four White Horses and explore 15 musical ideas for grades PS-5, including steady beat practice, ostinatos, rhythm stick patterns, and even a fun 4-person rhythm game. With activities that work across grade levels and integrate tech tools like MusicFirst Elementary, you can enhance the learning experience and keep students at the heart of the action.
Click the link below to read all 15 ways to bring Four White Horses to life in your classroom!
Read MoreNew This Year: A Decoding Activity using MusicFirst Elementary's Rhythm Grids!
🎵 Elementary music teachers—here’s an activity your students will beg for again and again!
After learning a favorite song, we take it a step further by decoding the rhythm—using popsicle sticks, note cards, and now… MusicFirst Elementary’s Rhythm Grids! 🙌
✨ With Rhythm Grids, students can:
✅ Decode and sightread rhythms
✅ Create their own patterns
✅ Perform with backing tracks they love
My students can’t get enough of this! 💙 Try it in your classroom with a free trial of MusicFirst Elementary 👉 musicfirstelementary.com
Read MoreTools to Help All of Your Students Feel Included in Elementary Music Class
The other day, I watched @ellsworthsings on TikTok speak about including all students in choir. He showcases the https://www.coughdrop.com/ website so that students who are non-verbal can participate in choir. This is beautiful and fantastic. It made me think about more tools that can help the elementary music class feel inclusive to all.
Here are some tools that can be used to assist with all students making, creating, and doing music in our music classes…
Read MoreThe Addams Family Scarf Play-Along
Check out this scarf play-along video inspired by the iconic cup routine to The Addams Family theme! Using visual cues, students follow along with body movements and scarf patterns to the rhythm. Plus, grab helpful manipulatives to guide your students through the movements and elevate their learning experience. Ready to get started? Click to learn more!
Read MoreUnlock MusicFirst Secrets: Free Virtual Training
🎶 Attention music educators! 🎶
✨ Looking to elevate your classroom? Join me for a FREE live virtual training on September 24th at 8 p.m. EDT! ✨
🚀 Whether you're a newbie or a pro, this 60-minute session will walk you through how to supercharge your lessons with MusicFirst Elementary.
What you’ll learn:
1️⃣ Plan lessons with confidence
2️⃣ Engage students with music & movement
3️⃣ Get your students creating their own music 🎶
4️⃣ Try hands-on activities (Boomwhackers, anyone?)
5️⃣ Classroom Management Strategies
🎓 Plus, get expert tips for maximizing the program in your classroom, no matter your grade level or instruments!
👩🏫 Seats are limited, so don’t wait! Click the link to register! 🔗
See you on the 24th at 8 p.m. EDT! 🎉
Elementary Music Class: Canva vs. Google Slides
🎶 Hey Music Educators! 🎶
We juggle SO many roles in the classroom—teacher, musician, manager, and sometimes… graphic designer! 😅
Canva vs Google Slides—which is better for your classroom? Both have perks, but combining them creates magic! ✨
🎨 Canva: Stunning designs, creative flexibility, AI tools & Music Ed-friendly features.
📊 Google Slides: Quick edits, built-in media, & great for organizing lessons.
💡 Hybrid workflow: Use Canva for design, then import to Google Slides for interactivity. 🚀
Want to know how to mix these tools for success? 👇👇👇
#MusicEd #EdTech #MusicTeachers #Canva #GoogleSlides #CreativeClassroom #ElementaryMusic
Read MoreWhere can I find the chords, meters, and keys to YouTube videos? #teachertiptuesday hooktheory.com/theorytab
Where can I find the chords, meters, and keys to YouTube videos?
✨ I first discovered this amazing free site (https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab) through Katie Argyle’s wonderful webinars on Midnight Music (https://www.midnightmusic.com). One of my favorite features is the ability to search a song title—it instantly pulls up the YouTube video and shows you the chords, key, and meter! Perfect for teaching chords, arranging music, or creating play-along videos. 🎶 Check it out today!
Read More