Beth's Music Classroom - Beth's Music Classroom

3 Proven Types of Music Assessments That Boost Student Learning: What You Need to Know

Why Music Assessments Are So Important Assessment is a key part of teaching elementary music. It helps teachers understand what students know, track progress, and guide instruction. While class is certainly creative and fun, music assessments still play a crucial role...

How to Make Easter Music Activities Exciting for Your Students

Easter is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to add some new ideas into your elementary music lessons. I love adding extra excitement to Easter music activities. I want to get students excited about learning and engaged during the lesson (during a very...

Bring Vivaldi’s Spring to Life! New and Exciting Ways to Teach The Four Seasons

If you’re looking for fun ways to bring classical music into your elementary music classroom, Vivaldi’s “Spring” from The Four Seasons is the perfect piece. It’s upbeat, colorful, and packed with chances to explore musical ideas while your students have lots of fun....

How to Make Melodic Contour Instantly Click for Your Students

As elementary music teachers, we know how important it is for students to develop a strong foundation in music theory. One of the fundamental concepts is reading melodies and understanding how it moves up and down through steps, skips, leaps, and repeats. While it can...

Black History Month Songs and Activities Your Students Will Love

February is Black History Month, and it's a great time to highlight the rich contributions of African-American musicians and composers. Music is a great way to help students connect with culture, history, and how people use music to express themselves and stand up for...

How to Make Virtual Music Classes Exciting This Winter

Teaching virtual music classes on a snow day doesn’t have to feel like herding cats through a blizzard—it can actually be fun and exciting with the right strategies. In this post, I’ll share specific activities and practical tips to help you create virtual lessons...

Transform Your Music Lessons with These Fun Movement Props

Looking to add more movement and excitement to your music lessons? Movement props are a game-changer! They’re an easy way to engage students, reinforce musical concepts, and encourage creativity. In this post, I’m highlighting three of my favorite props—scarves,...

Bring Books to Life! How to Use Sound Stories in PreK to 1st Grade Music Lessons

As elementary music teachers, we’re always looking for creative ways to engage our youngest students in meaningful music-making. A wonderful way to do this is through sound stories. This simple, yet effective, strategy not only keeps students entertained but also...

The Magic of Peter and the Wolf: Creative Activities for Elementary Music

Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev is a timeless classic that introduces students to orchestral instruments and musical storytelling. Each of the characters, represented by a different instrument, give options for creating exciting and engaging lessons for...

Exciting Music Bean Bag Activities for Your Classroom

In the world of elementary music, finding simple yet effective tools to engage students is key. One versatile, budget-friendly tool I love using in my classroom is the bean bag! These tactile objects may seem basic, but they offer a wide range of benefits for rhythm,...