Frequently Asked Questions
How is Legends of the Staff of Musique unique?
How is music literacy approached with this curriculum?
The methods used in Legends of the Staff of Musique give a humble nod to several different educational models. While rooted very much in the wonderful world of a Kodaly-inspired music classroom and inspired by the gentle approach to literacy utilized in a Waldorf/Steiner education, the sequencing and methods are truly unique to this program.
So how does it work?
Take the beloved folk song, Bluebells, which is one that is enjoyed in several of the levels of curriculum. Click this link to see the evolution of that song through the entire program
So how does it work?
Take the beloved folk song, Bluebells, which is one that is enjoyed in several of the levels of curriculum. Click this link to see the evolution of that song through the entire program
Is Music Appreciation included in the lessons?
Yes! In each level of curriculum a different category of music is explored via listening examples.
It is worth noting, however, that while what is commonly referred to as "classical" music is indeed woven into the various listening examples, unlike most music curriculums, the focus of the music appreciation aspect of Legends of the Staff of Musique is not solely classical composers. In one year of music study with this program, the child and their caregiver could actively listen to classical, pop, reggae, folk, salsa rumba, musical theater, soca, opera, round dance, jazz, and so much more!
If you are curious, take a look at the Projected Scope and Sequence to get an idea of what categories of music are explored in this program
It is worth noting, however, that while what is commonly referred to as "classical" music is indeed woven into the various listening examples, unlike most music curriculums, the focus of the music appreciation aspect of Legends of the Staff of Musique is not solely classical composers. In one year of music study with this program, the child and their caregiver could actively listen to classical, pop, reggae, folk, salsa rumba, musical theater, soca, opera, round dance, jazz, and so much more!
If you are curious, take a look at the Projected Scope and Sequence to get an idea of what categories of music are explored in this program
What are the "extension projects?"
Every level of Legends of the Staff of Musique includes a unique extension project that is tied to the focus of that curriculum. These extension projects are the "hands" aspect of the "head, heart, hands" approach. They allow the child to experience the musical concepts in different ways that are not typical of traditional music study.
For instance, when discovering the notes in the diatonic solfege scale, children and their caregivers prepare recipes, each of which highlight a different color in the rainbow that is tied to each of the notes in the scale. And when exploring rhythmic ideas, the child and the caregiver create different traditional percussion instruments.
If you are curious, take a look at the Projected Scope and Sequence to see the various extension projects.
For instance, when discovering the notes in the diatonic solfege scale, children and their caregivers prepare recipes, each of which highlight a different color in the rainbow that is tied to each of the notes in the scale. And when exploring rhythmic ideas, the child and the caregiver create different traditional percussion instruments.
If you are curious, take a look at the Projected Scope and Sequence to see the various extension projects.
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.
Click here to view The evolution of a song using the music literacy approach of Legends of the Staff of Musique.
Click here to view The evolution of a song using the music literacy approach of Legends of the Staff of Musique.
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.
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 very much inspired by the beauty of the wonderful world of Waldorf. While great care is taken to keep the sequencing and holistic nature of the curriculum one that can be seamlessly incorporated into a Waldorf-inspired education, the curriculum itself is not rooted in anthroposophy, nor does it strictly adhere to Waldorf methods.
With that knowledge, families who use many different methodologies, pedagogies, and general homeschooling styles seamlessly incorporate Legends of the Staff of Musique into their homeschooling.
Outside of Waldorf, the most popular homeschool inspirations for families making music with Legends of the Staff of Musique are Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Wildschooling/Forest Schooling, Project-Based Learning, and we even have some Unschooling families!
With that knowledge, families who use many different methodologies, pedagogies, and general homeschooling styles seamlessly incorporate Legends of the Staff of Musique into their homeschooling.
Outside of Waldorf, the most popular homeschool inspirations for families making music with Legends of the Staff of Musique are Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Wildschooling/Forest Schooling, Project-Based Learning, 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 inspired by musical exploration with the elementary aged student. Most students will be between the ages of 6-12, however the latter levels can absolutely be engaging for middle school-aged students.
WHICH LEVEL SHOULD I START WITH?
Depending on your child's age, you would begin with either the Primer Level or Level 1.
The Primer Level is written with the early elementary-aged student in mind, and is a gentle introduction to the sounds of music.
Level 1 is where musical terminology is first introduced, and is a great starting point for students aged 8-11. The Primer Level is not a prerequisite for Level 1, so older children can jump right in!
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.
Every child is different, and these recommended ages are truly just that... recommendations. 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 [email protected], and we will help you figure it out!
The Primer Level is written with the early elementary-aged student in mind, and is a gentle introduction to the sounds of music.
Level 1 is where musical terminology is first introduced, and is a great starting point for students aged 8-11. The Primer Level is not a prerequisite for Level 1, so older children can jump right in!
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.
Every child is different, and these recommended ages are truly just that... recommendations. 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 [email protected], and we will help you figure it out!
WE'VE COMPLETED THE FIRST FEW LEVELS, AND NOW MY CHILD WANTS TO STUDY AN INSTRUMENT, SHOULD WE CONTINUE WITH LEGENDS OF THE STAFF OF MUSIQUE?
Legends of the Staff of Musique is designed to guide children to feel the language of music intrinsically. This is a wonderful support to traditional musical study, and would only enhance the experience of studying an instrument or voice lessons.
For some students, however, this approach can also serve as a foundation from which a student can then choose to focus entirely on a more traditional approach to music. While we hope students complete the entire journey through the kingdom of Solfeggio, realm of Ta, and all the the other magical places explored in this program, if at any point a student would prefer to focus solely on traditional musical study, the transition would be very smooth and seamless.
Whether on its own, or concurrently with a traditional approach to musical study, once students have completed their journey with Legends of the Staff of Musique, they will have a solid foundation in musicianship that has imaginatively prepared them for the more focused study of a specific instrument, private voice lessons, or participation in a musical ensemble.
For some students, however, this approach can also serve as a foundation from which a student can then choose to focus entirely on a more traditional approach to music. While we hope students complete the entire journey through the kingdom of Solfeggio, realm of Ta, and all the the other magical places explored in this program, if at any point a student would prefer to focus solely on traditional musical study, the transition would be very smooth and seamless.
Whether on its own, or concurrently with a traditional approach to musical study, once students have completed their journey with Legends of the Staff of Musique, they will have a solid foundation in musicianship that has imaginatively prepared them for the more focused study of a specific instrument, private voice lessons, or participation in a musical ensemble.
Ordering Information
I KNOW A FAMILY WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM, BUT DOES NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL MEANS. CAN I PURCHASE CURRICULUM AS A GIFT?
Absolutely! This is a wonderful gesture often carried out in the homeschooling community. When checking out, just click the box next to "Purchasing as a Gift," and enter the recipient's email address. You will then receive a receipt, and the recipient will receive an email with instructions on how to download their products.
DO YOU ACCEPT ORDERS FROM CHARTER SCHOOLS?
Yes! In fact, Legends of the Staff of Musique is a vendor for several schools in California. Please follow the link below to view our policies on orders from schools and institutions
Ordering Information for Schools and Institutions
If you do not see your school listed, please send an email to [email protected] with the necessary vendor information to begin the approval process!
Ordering Information for Schools and Institutions
If you do not see your school listed, please send an email to [email protected] with the necessary vendor information to begin the approval process!