a charlotte mason music lesson

A Charlotte Mason Music Lesson

nourishedchildren Curriculum, Resources, Uncategorized

A Charlotte Mason Music Lesson

a charlotte mason music lesson
a charlotte mason music lesson

Before we begin A Charlotte Mason Music Lesson …

First, I explain why I’m focusing subject by subject. Also, I include Charlotte Mason quotes because I find her original lectures on education to be awe inspiring and helpful.

Next, please keep reading to see the break down of implementing lessons, the schedule, and resources I’m using that fit our family. Finally, I share the wealth of quality Charlotte Mason resources I have found helpful, from those mothers who have gone before me.

PREPARING THE FEAST

“Our aim in education is to give a full life. We owe it to them to initiate an immense number of interests.” (Mason, vol. 3)

There are MANY subjects included in a Charlotte Mason education because she believed in spreading a wide feast. Sometimes, it feels a bit daunting for a new homeschooling mama.

Therefore, I’m attempting to learn, digest, and absorb how I’m going to be teaching each subject. I have decided to compose a blog post on each subject for Form 1B (roughly first grade). This will help me prepare to teach my oldest son in the Fall.

“The mind feeds on ideas, and therefore children should have a generous curriculum.” (Mason, vol. 1)

A Charlotte Mason Music Lesson

WHAT

First, Charlotte Mason does not devote much writing to the music lesson, nor can I find many resources elsewhere. However, she does include it as a significant part of the educational feast, therefore, we are trying our hand at it. It seems to me that most mamas choose to provide outsourced music lessons for their child. My husband is an accomplished guitar player, and is self-taught on many instruments, so we are beginning with him (hooray)!

I’m using Mrs. Curwen’s Teacher’s Guide to educate myself because Ms. Charlotte Mason references it as a great resource. However, I will only be supplementing this as my children are ready, and when my husband is unable to teach the lesson. For the most part, my husband will be teaching them their music lessons, because music is his passion. Ms. Mason says:

“Mrs. Curwen’s Child Pianist method is worked out, with minute care…the child’s knowledge of the theory of music and his ear training keep pace with his power of execution, and seem to do away with the deadly dreariness of ‘practicing’.” (Mason, vol. 1)

WHAT WE ARE USING

 

ANOTHER RESOURCE TO CONSIDER

The Suzuki Method also seems recommended, because it appears in line with Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. It has wonderful reviews, and seems to be pretty readily available.

WHY

Mrs. Curwen says, in a Parent’s Review Article on Music Teaching:

“…the piano is the best medium for teaching a child the theory of music easily, and that no time spent in learning the theory on the piano is really wasted, even if another instrument is later taken up.”

Therefore, even if the child moves onto another instrument eventually, piano serves as a strong foundation to begin his music lessons.

Perhaps most important, the benefit of introducing children to music is vast. The benefits range from: more language development, higher test scores in English and Math, increased brain activity, and appreciation for art, among others, according to this PBS article.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH MUSIC

I learned to play piano in upper elementary school. I played for about two years. Then, I stopped piano lessons, because I grew weary of practicing. However, I was quite good at playing piano, according to my parents.

Then, in middle school, I played the flute. I was able to learn to play the flute and read music fairly easily. This was directly related to my exposure to piano lessons.

As a result of my early piano lessons, I was able to excel playing the flute. I mostly tied for ‘first chair’ in eight grade band. Additionally, the high school marching band wanted me to play flute with them so greatly, they entertained the idea of me double dressing in a band uniform over my dance uniform. Ultimately, I decided to forego music so I could focus on dancing. However, I was surprised about 15 years later, when I picked up my flute, I was able to play a few songs and still read music.

 

WHEN

Charlotte Mason describes the Music Lesson as occurring every day, during the afternoons. They are not part of the morning lessons. Also, each lesson lasts about twenty minutes.

 

HOW

Mrs. Annie Jesse Curwen recommends beginning to expose your child to music in babyhood.

  • First, sing lullabies to your children, or sing nursery rhymes. These are an excellent start.
  • You can then begin playing and singing simple children songs several times a week to expose children to hearing music by ear.
  • She also recommends to introduce the Sol-Fa singing method to children because it will help build their vocal, instrumental, and theoretical education.

“If possible, let the children learn from the first under artists, lovers of their work: it is a serious mistake to let the child lay the foundation of whatever he may do in the future under ill-qualified mechanical teachers, who kindle in him none of the enthusiasm which is the life of art.” (Mason, vol. 1)

I’m very blessed because my husband is a recording engineer. He fluently plays guitar, and has taught himself how to play bass guitar, piano, drums, among others. Thankfully, he has agreed to teach music lessons to our boys. Also, I’m delighted because he has already begun. He has taught my oldest son Mary Had a Little Lamb, and a little about music notes, which my oldest son (almost six) has been able to understand.

Mrs. Curwen also says: “For the longer I live the more convinced I am that in music teaching the key to the whole situation is ear- training, ear-training, ear-training.” 

a charlotte mason music lesson
a charlotte mason music lesson

 

Therefore, I plan to begin learning more about the piano lesson by reading: The Teacher’s Guide by Annie Jesse Curwen (Child Pianist). Also, I will continue to spend time teaching singing in order to build a foundation for instrumental music lessons.

FAVORITE RESOURCES

Finally, I have come across some outstanding resources in learning about a Charlotte Mason education. I’m so happy to share them with you! Some of these are sources I return to daily because I’m preparing to teach my children. Additionally, I list specific resources for a Charlotte Mason Music Lesson.

GENERAL CHARLOTTE MASON RESOURCES

CHARLOTTE MASON MUSIC LESSON RESOURCES

OUR PICKS

Also, check out these previous blog posts in the series:

Thank you so much for checking in! Finally, please stay tuned for the next ‘A Charlotte Mason Subject Lesson’ post.

Homeschool Preschool Supplies List

All of the quotes mentioned in this blog post, come from Home Education by Charlotte Mason. The Living Press published my favorite version of her books. Finally, I TRULY recommend any parent read Charlotte Mason’s books! They are truly treasured words I believe I will be reading and re-reading for many years to come.

nourishedchildren

Hi, I'm Randi! I'm the blessed Mama of two amazing little boys, Hudson (age 4.5) and Jude (age 3). I'm honored to be able to homeschool my preschoolers and we are trying to be intentional with our children each day. I'm all about slowing down, leading as natural a life as we can, spending time outdoors, and enjoying the simple, ordinary moments of life. I have always had health and wellness as an intense passion. Now I get to share it with my children!

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