Composition and Improvisation

When children become fluent in the language of music, such as echoing tonal and rhythm patterns, they enjoy creating their own music, e.g. composing. Using our notation games and cards, they will compose both melodic and rhythmic pieces. Their creations, or compositions, will be performed in my class - sometimes as a solo, and sometimes as individual sections in a class rondo. The practice CD is a big help in this regard, and so is the habit of echoing the patterns after the teacher says or sings them. These patterns also become the building blocks for improvisation. Usually, improvisation occurs at first in the Singing Circle, and then later at the keyboard. (thank you, Musikgarten/Music Matters)