This quarantine is the perfect opportunity to dust off that instrument you were learning, that is now sitting in a dark corner of the house. Or get creative and improvise by using everyday objects all around you. Music calms, heals and is pure magic. Let’s make some music.
I picked up the guitar at a young age in Mexico. Still play every day because making music makes me happy.
Each day, several times a day I pick up one of my guitars as it feels good to spend time with an old friend while sheltering in place. Music has also been a big part of my art making.
Portrait of Chuck Berry
Drum Dream Girl
Tito Puente. Mambo King.
To stay connected while social distancing, neighbors in Italy are making music from their balconies and so are people in Spain and New York. It’s something that can make you instantly feel better. Now it’s your turn. Here are some ideas to get you started.
DIY Instruments: Get creative with upcycled fun by having an at home instrument making workshop using things laying around the house like popsicle sticks, plates, cartons or bottlecaps. There are lots of videos online to show you how.
Musical bedtime stories: Pick out some favorite children’s books but this time sing the words to a familiar tune.
Hand washing songs: Now that we are all washing our hands in warm, soapy water for 20 seconds teach kids to sing a tune to help them make the moments count. Here are videos to old favorites that can make clean up a musical activity.
Resources that will be music to your ears:
Classics for Kids-you can be your child’s music teacher at home
Music Lab-a great site where children can experiment with music
SFS Kids-play games with music and have some musical fun
Carnegie Hall Listening Adventures-a young person’s guide to the amazing orchestra
Word Synth-this is an engaging place where kids can play with speech and music