Intermediate Music: Sing and Learn!
In this ongoing, drop-in class, young learners will lean to sing and play their favorite songs. Each month, learners will choose a set of songs to focus on, and we will use those songs to discuss rhythm, melody, and song structure.
Eric Powell, MFA PhD
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(8)
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade Kindergarten - 3
Beginner - Intermediate Level
In this ongoing, drop-in class, we will learn and practice your learner’s favorite songs! Each month the students and I will choose a set of three songs. Then we will spend one week focusing on each song. To do this, we will work through the lyrics–understanding the story the song is telling, uncovering any repeating patterns and discussing how they inform the structure of the song as a whole. Next we will practice the melody using our voices, and I will demonstrate the relationship between notes using a keyboard or glockenspiel (students are encouraged to bring their own instruments to help with this process, but it is not required). In this class, students will learn about: - how to use their voices as musical instruments - pitch matching and musical intervals - internal beat and rhythmic patterns - the story (or stories) that each song tells - how to have fun making music Although the song we are learning about will change from week to week, the structure of the class will remain the same. First we’ll warm up our voices with some simple soundmaking exercises and tongue twisters, then we’ll start looking at the words of the song and how they shape the melody and rhythm. As we do this we will also sing our way through the song several times, giving learners plenty of chances to practice. For the final meeting of the month, we will bring together all three songs we’ve talked about, for an all out sing-along with a few short reminders about some of our key learning moments from the previous ‘deep dives’ into each song. This will also give learners who may not have been present for earlier classes the ability to participate fully and still gain an understanding of key topics. Since this is a new class, I have pre-selected songs for us to work on during the first few weeks: Week of 07/08: The Itsy-bitsy Spider Week of 07/15: One Sun, One Light Week 0f 07/22: Down By the Bay Week of 07/27: July Roundup (all the above songs) Week of 08/03: Mary's Garden Week of 08/10: Wheels on the Bus Week of 08/17: The Ants go Marching Week of 08/24: August Roundup
Learning Goals
This class will teach basic vocal techniques such as breathing, tone production, pitch matching.We will also cover the basic building blocks of music theory including rhythmic patterns, scales and melodic structures.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Ideally, students will have some prior musical knowledge or aptitude. If your learner is new to music, I recommend my Introduction to musical Instruments class. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about the course.
Supply List
If possible, it would be nice for learners to have access to a keyboard, glockenspiel, or some other instrument that can play a major scale so they can play as well as sing along. However, this is not required.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2023
5.0
8reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hi everyone!
My name is Eric Powell. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and all around sound nerd. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, a Master’s in Electronic Music, and a PhD in Communication Studies. My work focuses on the field of Acoustic Ecology, which seeks to understand the role that sounds play in our everyday lives.
I have been writing and recording my own music since age 12, and I love discovering new styles and developing techniques to create unique sounds. I am also an avid tinkerer who builds musical gizmos such as custom guitar pedals and interactive audio interfaces.
Classically trained as a bassoonist, bass/baritone (voice), and an actor, I have performed in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, choirs, and barbershop quartets. In addition to playing celtic mandolin in bar bands, post-rock bassoon at outdoor festivals, and folksy guitar on concert stages, I also create sound design for film and theatre.
I am excited to join the Outschool community and share my knowledge and passion for sound with you. I plan to teach a variety of music classes targeted at age groups from 6 years and up. Topics will include basic listening and soundmaking skills, ear training and music theory, as well as sound art and digital recording technology.
I will also offer more traditional 1-on-1 and small group instruction in bassoon, guitar, mandolin, and voice.
If there’s a class you’d like to see offered, send me a message–I’d love to hear from you!
All of my classes will combine directed instruction and demonstration with group participation, experimentation, and play. We learn best when we’re having fun, so my goal is that you have a great time at every class!Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
30 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-8
2-8 learners per class
