Parent Tips for Music at Home

Creativity, self-expression, and confidence are important skills that benefit students both in the classroom and beyond. As many families will be spending time together at home over the coming weeks, this is a great opportunity to explore some new, fun ways to develop these skills at home with inspiration from our Stamford Arts Team.  

Over the coming weeks, our faculty specialists will be sharing some tips and suggestions on ways to engage with your children through music, visual arts and drama.  

First, Ms. Tina Bachelder-Schwab, Head of Arts at Stamford will share two activities requiring nothing more than a positive attitude and some household items.  Get ready for some fun!

Using kitchen utensils or other items from around your home, why not create your own family band?

This fun ‘found sound’ activity will develop rhythm and coordination skills, as well as creativity, using objects for a new or different purpose.  

Look for items that have a unique sound when played together:

A plastic bowl and wooden or metal spoon (hand drum)

Two wooden or metal spoons to hit together (rhythm sticks)

Plastic or metal bucket turned over and played with hands (African drum)

Small food container with a cover and some coins rice or beans inside (maraca or shaker)

Plastic bottle with a little rice or beans inside (maraca or shaker)

You can play along with the tunes below, or choose your own family favorite songs:

“Jazz Pizzicato” by Leroy Anderson (Recommended for Pre-Primary to Grade 3 students)

“Can’t Stop This Feeling” by Justin Timberlake (Recommended for Grades 2-5)

For a fun challenge, try trading instruments with your bandmates each minute.  

Get the Wiggles Out – Movement Activities

For this activity, all you will need is a little bit of space. Get your family together for some wiggles and jiggles but make sure you move safely and be aware of objects around you! These activities are suitable for Pre-Primary to Grade 5 students, their friends and families.

“The Hokey Pokey” stand up for some singing and movement 

“Walking Song” walk in place trying all different kinds of “walks” 

We hope you are all enjoying our online home learning activities!

The Arts Program at Stamford American School Hong Kong delivers weekly music, visual art and drama lessons to students from Pre-Primary to Grade 10.  Students are also encouraged to pursue their passions, and try something new through the many offerings in our Co-Curricular Activities after-school as well as private one-to-one instrumental music lessons.  To find out more about our engaging Arts program, please visit our website or contact our Admissions Team.