Starting to use instruments - Video

General Behaviour Management in Music

Music, obviously, is all about making sounds, not about keeping quiet, so things could get a bit too noisy if we don't establish some music-specific rules. I expect everyone to join in eventually but I try to be sensitive to the fact that not all children are confident with their voices - after all, they are still 'growing' them! Moving to music is also a relatively new skill for children. In terms of talking, we do need to talk about music. With a large group, I like discussion but I explain that's it's not polite to speak when anyone else is talking, and I ask for 'hands up'. In a small group, I mostly tell the children they are free to ask and answer questions without putting hands up - I prefer a conversational working atmosphere.

Starting to Use Instruments

It's possible that some of the children may not have used musical instruments before and they will be very excited when you first let them loose with them! You'll need to establish, in particular, a rule for when to stop playing and put the instrument down. My rule is very simple - when I put my hands in the air, the children put their instruments down and copy me.