Bates Family Combo
April 21st, 2007 by vincebates
We had our first family instrumental combo today. Our 7-year-old son, Landon, was on harmonica; he had just learned to play Hot Cross Buns (I wrote out the tablature for him). Our 5-year-old son, William, played the same tune on the piano and I played chords on the piano. We played it through about 3 times and then William said, “Let’s play it again.” That, in my book, means it was a successful experience. I wrote out 3 songs for Landon: Hot Cross Buns, Skip to My Lou, and Mary Had a Little Lamb. It took me back to when I first learned to play some simple tunes on harmonica. I was about his age . . .
That’s really what music education is about–making music with others. Too often, as general music teachers, we get caught up in “activities” based on “covering” parts of the curriculum at the expense of authentic music making.
Hi Vince,
I’m Lisa from Mama Lisa’s World Blog. Thanks for the link!
I’m enjoying reading your blog - your theories about music education and musicing are interesting. I’ve recommended your site to readers on my blog at http://www.mamalisa.com/blog/?p=495
I also wrote a post today, about making music more a part of your life, in which I mentioned your ideas - http://www.mamalisa.com/blog/?p=501
Your jamming sessions with your kids sound like fun! If you’d ever like to record a traditional song or two - I’d be happy to post them on Mama Lisa’s World!
I’m looking forward to reading more…
Best regards,
Mama Lisa
I love this.
Your family is a bit older than mine so I will want updates on how the band is doing.
My family sings together all the time and my 4 year old loves singing in my recording studio and is already making comments on how things are mixed.