Frequently Asked Questions
Is Legends of the Staff of Musique
the right fit for our family/classroom?
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE OR RENT ANY INSTRUMENTS TO COMPLETE THIS CURRICULUM?
Not at all! This curriculum is designed to make the most out of the amazing instrument with which we are born... our voice! There are some activities in the guides where your children can take pride in creating their own musical instruments to accompany their singing, but there is no need to purchase any instruments before beginning this curriculum.
WILL MY CHILD BE CONFUSED IF they DECIDE TO STUDY AN INSTRUMENT AFTER USING THIS CURRICULUM?
The beauty of the techniques taught in this curriculum is that they are complimentary, rather than contradictory to the theory and pedagogy your child may use when reading traditional music notation. The use of space in the Curwen hand signs and the vocalization of rhythm only enhance comprehension of traditional music theory.
does this curriculum follow a traditional Kodály sequence?
This is a brand new approach to music literacy, pulling from many different pedagogies. While the author is indeed first and second level certified in Kodály , she has incorporated many different methodologies into her over 15 years of classroom experience, including Dalcroze, Orff, and Gordon. Kodály, however, has always been her main inspiration and is the strongest influence in this curriculum.
How might my previous musical experience come into play?
Do i need to know how to READ MUSIC to use this curriculum?
Not at all! The lessons are very easy to follow, and all of the material is designed to provide you with the confidence to bring the information to your child, while possibly learning to read music yourself at the same time!
I AM A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN. WOULD THIS CURRICuLUM BE TOO SIMPLISTIC FOR ME?
Doubtful. In fact, you may find yourself finding new inspiration behind concepts you have known for years! Teaching a child music as a professional musician is like a mathematician trying to teach a child basic addition! Professional musicians who have used our curriculum have expressed appreciation for the guidance in how to present concepts that at that point have become second nature for themselves.
I AM A CLASSROOM MUSIC TEACHER. CAN THIS CURRICULUM BE ADAPTED FOR THE CLASSROOM?
Absolutely! A companion guide to our picture book or novels, the Classroom Teacher's Guides are ideal for a classroom or homeschool co-op. These guides are a condensed version of the curriculum, and provide lessons based on the stories from the books. Certain aspects of the homeschooling curriculum that are not conducive to the classroom environment are omitted (such as recipes and extra art projects) to make these guides easy to incorporate into your classroom as you prepare for your concerts with your students.
Will Legends of the Staff of Musique work with our educational style?
WE HOMESCHOOL IN A DIFFERENT STYLE THAN WALDORF, WILL THIS CURRICULUM CONFLICT WITH OUR STYLE OF HOMESCHOOLING?
This curriculum is inspired by the beauty of Waldorf education, but is not rooted in anthroposophy, nor does it strictly adhere to Waldorf methods. Families who use many different methodologies seamlessly incorporate Legends of the Staff of Musique into their homeschooling.
Outside of Waldorf, the most popular methodologies used by families making music with Legends of the Staff of Musique are Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Classical Conversations, and we even have some Unschooling families!
Outside of Waldorf, the most popular methodologies used by families making music with Legends of the Staff of Musique are Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Classical Conversations, and we even have some Unschooling families!
IS THIS CURRICULUM SECULAR?
This is a common question from schoolteachers, families who homeschool under the guidance of a charter school, or those who are using the curriculum as part of a homeschool co-op.
Yes! While it is holistic and gentle, and honoring of all faiths and cultures, this curriculum is indeed secular. You can absolutely use it as part of the public school system.
Yes! While it is holistic and gentle, and honoring of all faiths and cultures, this curriculum is indeed secular. You can absolutely use it as part of the public school system.
MY CHILD IS ENROLLED IN A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL, AND WE ARE NOT HOMESCHOOLING. COULD WE SUPPLEMENT WITH THIS CURRICULUM EVEN IF WE ARE NOT HOMESCHOOLING?
Yes! Home Education is not solely "homeschooling." You could absolutely enjoy this curriculum as an activity to complete together after school or on the weekends. Have fun with it!
I feel like Legends of the Staff of Musique is
the right fit for our family/classroom!
Where do we begin?
WHAT AGE IS THIS CURRICULUM BEST SUITED FOR?
Legends of the Staff of Musique is designed to explore music with the elementary aged student. Most students will be between the ages of 6-12, however Level 1 and on can absolutely be engaging for middle school students. Once students have completed the program, the students have a solid foundation in musicianship that has prepared them for the more focused study of a specific instrument, private voice lessons, or participation in an ensemble.
Which level should I start with?
See the question below if you are beginning the curriculum with a child 9 or older.
If starting with a child under the age of 9, ideally this would be the order in which each of the levels is introduced:
Early Childhood (Cantiamo Tutti): Preschool/Kindergarten age student(s)
Primer Level (Foundations of Music): 6/7-years-old , ideally navigating first grade level material.
Level 1 (Soulful Solfège) 7/8-years old, ideally navigating second grade level material
And so on...
The Early Childhood Guide (Cantiamo Tutti) can absolutely be used simultaneously with any of the other curricula if you also have wee ones in the house, but it is not a prerequisite to the subsequent levels.
If your child is between the ages of 8-9, it is up to your discretion whether to begin with the Primer Level or Level 1. Take a look at the samples from each level and see which one speaks to you. If you are still feeling unsure, please feel free to send an email to staffofmusique@gmail.com, and we will help you figure it out!
If starting with a child under the age of 9, ideally this would be the order in which each of the levels is introduced:
Early Childhood (Cantiamo Tutti): Preschool/Kindergarten age student(s)
Primer Level (Foundations of Music): 6/7-years-old , ideally navigating first grade level material.
Level 1 (Soulful Solfège) 7/8-years old, ideally navigating second grade level material
And so on...
The Early Childhood Guide (Cantiamo Tutti) can absolutely be used simultaneously with any of the other curricula if you also have wee ones in the house, but it is not a prerequisite to the subsequent levels.
If your child is between the ages of 8-9, it is up to your discretion whether to begin with the Primer Level or Level 1. Take a look at the samples from each level and see which one speaks to you. If you are still feeling unsure, please feel free to send an email to staffofmusique@gmail.com, and we will help you figure it out!
I am beginning this curriculum with an older child. which level should I start with?
Older children are more than ready to jump in with the solfa introduced in Level 1 - Soulful Solfège .
Although Level 1 was written with a 2nd grade child (8-years-old or approaching 8) in mind, the curriculum is progressive, building upon previous concepts, and the storyline moves forward starting with the first book. Don't worry, your child won't find it "babyish!" These lessons were tested out on children of various ages, and all of the children very much enjoyed the lessons (not to mention the recipes!)
Although Level 1 was written with a 2nd grade child (8-years-old or approaching 8) in mind, the curriculum is progressive, building upon previous concepts, and the storyline moves forward starting with the first book. Don't worry, your child won't find it "babyish!" These lessons were tested out on children of various ages, and all of the children very much enjoyed the lessons (not to mention the recipes!)
