An Introduction to music making, notation and rhythm, Animalease - (MP3 Audio Files Included)

Music making should be fun, irrespective of age and ability. The purpose of this guide is to provide the foundations of rhythm that can be used in a variety of learning environments. It will introduce a person to musical notation using animal names that will already be familiar to them. It works by chanting the animal names in time to a given pulse. Linking this then to a group of written musical notes to sing, tap, bang, shout, or whistle.

This is not a step by step guide and we encourage anyone who uses this book to develop their own ideas using the framework. No two Animalease sessions will be the same and nor should they be.

Children often see this method as a game (this is completely fine), and as it uses information that they already possess, the pupil has less to think about as the method uses syllabic breakdown of familiar animal names. This results in a more relaxed performance and learning environment. The focus should always be on active music making.

We have found over the years of using this method that the vast majority of pupils would be able to perform the following information in a short space of time. Before using this method, many pupils thought that making sense of written music would be very difficult. Pupils already familiar with the conventional counting method also found it useful and, in many cases, preferred it.

We feel that the use of the animal names not only helps the pupil but also makes it accessible for someone who may not be confident to deliver music lessons, making Animalease a great tool for many primary school teachers.

This resource comes with MP3 Files for demonstration purposes.

Enjoy!

Steve & Ben