• Skip to main content

Chant And Play

Your Homeschool Music Tutor

  • About Chant and Play Music 🎶✨
    • New Lessons
    • Music for Homeschoolers
    • Music for Homeschool Groups
  • Handbells
    • Rhythm Flash Cards
    • Handbells Music Lesson 1
    • Handbells Music Lesson 2
    • Handbells Music Lesson 3
    • Handbells Music Lesson 4
    • Handbells Music Lesson 5
  • Xylophone
    • Xylophone Music Lesson 1
    • Xylophone Music Lesson 2
  • Rhythm Flash Cards
  • Beginning Chant
  • Vocal Warmups
  • Solfege

New Lessons

Handbells Music Lesson 2

February 12, 2025 by Ana Perez

Welcome to Handbells Music Lesson 2 for weeks 5 – 8. If you haven’t yet completed lesson 1 be sure to complete that lesson and the rhythm flash cards lesson before moving on to this lesson. See the Handbells Syllabus for an overview of all the lessons.

Handbells Lesson 2

🎶 Weeks 5-8: Playing Full Songs & Rhythm Practice

✅ Playing full songs:

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

“Mary Had a Little Lamb”

✅ Introducing rhythm:

Clapping beats before playing

Using simple 1-2 counting

✅ Fun activities:

“Freeze Play” (play when teacher says “Go,” stop when “Freeze!”)

“Bell Swap” (kids trade bells to play different notes)

Filed Under: Handbells, Instrument Lessons

Music for Homeschool Groups

February 8, 2025 by Ana Perez

Here’s a FREE music program tailored for homeschool groups, organizations, gatherings, and co-ops!

Music for Homeschool Groups

The Ultimate Music Guide for Homeschool Organizations and Co-Ops 🎶🏡

Music is more than just a fun activity—it’s a powerful educational tool that brings homeschool communities together while fostering creativity and personal growth. If your homeschool organization, gathering, or co-op is looking to enrich its curriculum, music education is a fantastic place to start! At Chant and Play Music, we’re committed to making music accessible, engaging, and free for homeschool groups everywhere. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of incorporating music into your co-op activities, how it enhances children’s academic and personal development, and practical ways to make it a part of your community’s learning experience.


Why Homeschool Organizations Should Prioritize Music Education 🎵

Music isn’t just for future musicians—it’s for every learner! Studies show that engaging in music education can lead to improved academic performance, better social skills, and increased self-esteem. Here’s why introducing music to your homeschool group can be transformative:

  • ✅ Boosts Brain Development – Musical activities stimulate the brain, leading to better memory, problem-solving abilities, and higher cognitive skills. Children who participate in music also tend to excel in math and reading.
  • ✅ Enhances Social and Emotional Growth – Group music activities foster a sense of community and teamwork, helping children develop empathy, cooperation, and confidence. Singing and playing together creates bonds and nurtures friendships.
  • ✅ Builds Focus and Discipline – Learning an instrument or practicing rhythms teaches patience, attention to detail, and perseverance—skills that are valuable across all areas of learning and life.
  • ✅ Encourages Creativity and Expression – Music allows children to express themselves freely, which can be especially valuable in a group setting where sharing and collaborating are key.
  • ✅ Strengthens Communication Skills – Singing, listening, and rhythm exercises enhance language development and listening skills, making children more effective communicators.

How to Incorporate Music into Your Homeschool Co-Op or Gathering 🎼

Adding music to your homeschool group doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some simple ways to weave it into your activities:

🎤 Start with Group Vocal Warm-Ups – Begin your sessions with fun vocal exercises or sing-alongs to build excitement and get everyone involved. Warm-ups help train the ear and strengthen the voice.

🥁 Explore Rhythm Through Group Activities – Use clapping games, rhythm sticks, or simple percussion instruments to introduce basic rhythmic patterns. Consider having a “rhythm circle,” where each child takes turns leading the beat.

🎹 Introduce Instruments – Offer a variety of easy-to-play instruments, like handbells, tambourines, or recorders. Rotate instruments so each child gets a chance to explore different sounds and techniques.

📖 Teach Music Theory Through Games – Make music theory interactive by playing musical games like “note matching” or “musical scavenger hunts.” This helps children learn through play while understanding key concepts.

🎧 Include Listening and Movement – Play different types of music and encourage kids to move, dance, or draw what they hear. This develops active listening and creative thinking.


Partner with Chant and Play Music – Free Resources for Homeschool Groups! 🎶

At Chant and Play Music, we provide free, structured music programs that can easily be adapted for homeschool organizations, gatherings, and co-ops. Our program includes:

  • ✔️ Music Theory Essentials – Notes, rhythm, and musical patterns
  • ✔️ Group Vocal Warm-Ups and Singing – Encouraging vocal development and teamwork
  • ✔️ Instrument Exploration – Engaging with various instruments for hands-on learning
  • ✔️ Fun, Collaborative Activities – Rhythm games, listening challenges, and group performances

Music brings people together, builds community, and enriches the educational experience. By incorporating music into your homeschool co-op or gathering, you’re creating an inclusive and joyful learning environment where every child can thrive.

🔔 Ready to bring the joy of music to your homeschool community? Join Chant and Play Music today and let’s make music together! 🎵✨

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Music for Homeschoolers

February 8, 2025 by Ana Perez

Welcome to Music for Homeschoolers, crafted by a homeschooling family. A music adventure await your family here at Chant and Play.

Music for Homeschoolers
Photo by PNW Production: Pexels

The Ultimate Music Guide for Homeschool Families: Why Learning Music Matters 🎶🏡

Music is more than just a fun activity—it’s a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and personal growth. If you’re a homeschool family looking to provide your child with a well-rounded education, music should be a key part of your curriculum.

At Chant and Play Music, we’re passionate about making music accessible, engaging, and free for homeschoolers everywhere! In this guide, we’ll explore why learning music is essential. How music benefits your child academically and beyond. Finally, how you can easily integrate it into your homeschool routine.


Why Homeschool Families Should Prioritize Music Education 🎵

Music isn’t just for kids who want to become musicians—it’s for every child! Research shows that learning music enhances brain development and boosts skills in math, reading, and memory. It also fosters discipline, patience, and creativity—all essential skills for life. Here’s why music is a game-changer for homeschool families:

Music for Homeschoolers
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: Pexels
  • ✅ Boosts Brain Development – Studies show that children who engage in music have stronger memory, problem-solving skills, and higher IQ scores. Music activates both the left and right sides of the brain, making learning more effective.
  • ✅ Improves Math and Language Skills – Rhythm and musical patterns strengthen early math concepts, while singing and listening to music enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and pronunciation.
  • ✅ Enhances Focus and Discipline – Learning an instrument teaches kids patience, concentration, and goal-setting, skills that translate to better study habits and overall academic performance.
  • ✅ Encourages Creativity and Self-Expression – Whether through singing, playing an instrument, or composing simple melodies, music allows kids to express their emotions and ideas in a unique way.
  • ✅ Promotes Social and Emotional Growth – Even in a homeschool setting, music provides opportunities for collaboration, teamwork, and emotional expression, helping children develop confidence and social skills.

How to Easily Incorporate Music Into Your Homeschool Routine 🎼

The best part about music education? It doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some simple ways to add music to your homeschool curriculum:

🎤 Start with Vocal Warm-Ups – Singing simple scales and songs helps train the ear, improve vocal control, and build confidence. Warm-ups can be as fun as singing along to favorite tunes or using silly vocal exercises.

🥁 Teach Rhythm with Everyday Objects – Rhythm is the foundation of music, and it can be practiced using clapping, tapping, or even kitchen utensils as drums! Try using rhythm flashcards to help children recognize and play basic beats.

🎹 Learn to Play an Instrument – Start with easy-to-learn instruments like handbells, recorders, or ukuleles. These instruments help children develop coordination and musical understanding without overwhelming them.

📖 Explore Music Theory Through Games – Instead of memorizing notes and symbols, turn learning into a game! Matching note values to colors, using flashcards, or playing “music bingo” are great ways to make music theory fun and engaging.

🎧 Listen to Different Styles of Music – Expose your child to classical, jazz, folk, and world music to help them appreciate different musical traditions. Encourage them to describe how each piece makes them feel to enhance their listening skills.

Mom and Daughter Playing Music
Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics: Pexels

Join Chant and Play Music – A Free Online Music Program for Homeschoolers! 🎶

At Chant and Play Music, we offer a free, easy-to-follow music program designed for homeschool families. Our lessons cover:

  • ✔️ Music Theory Basics – Learning notes, rhythm, and patterns
  • ✔️ Vocal Warm-Ups and Singing – Strengthening the voice and ear training
  • ✔️ Instrument Exploration – Handbells, percussion, and more!
  • ✔️ Fun, Interactive Music Activities – Rhythm games, listening exercises, and movement-based learning

Music isn’t just an extra—it’s a vital part of your child’s education! By integrating music into your homeschool routine, you’re helping your child grow academically, creatively, and emotionally. And best of all, you don’t need any prior musical experience—we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

🔔 Ready to start? Join Chant and Play Music today and bring the joy of music to your homeschool! 🎵✨


Music for Homeschoolers

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Handbells Music Lesson 1

February 7, 2025 by Ana Perez

Welcome to Handbells Music Lesson 1. This first lesson can be done at any pace for weeks 1 – 4 of lessons. See the Handbells Syllabus for an overview of all the lessons.

Handbells Music Lesson 1

Before getting started by sure to go through and master the Rhythm Flash Cards.

🎶 Weeks 1-4: Handbell Basics & First Notes

  • ✅ Learning how to hold and play handbells
  • ✅ Introducing color-coded notes (matching bells with a chart)
  • ✅ Fun activities:
  • “Find the Color” game
  • “Echo Play” (teacher plays a note, kids repeat)
  • ✅ First song: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” (first two lines only)

Filed Under: Handbells, Instrument Lessons

Rhythm Flash Cards

February 7, 2025 by Ana Perez

Rhythm Flash Cards are your first step into music, no matter what instrument you choose on the Chant and Play website.

Rhythm Flash cards from Chant and Play

Introduction to Rhythm Flash Cards

Rhythm is the heartbeat of music! That’s where our Rhythm Flashcards come in! These fun cards help young learners grasp basic rhythms. They explore quarter notes, eighth notes, and rests. Kids engage through clapping, tapping, and movement-based activities. Using visual and hands-on learning helps children develop timing and coordination. This makes it easier for them to play songs accurately and confidently.

Why Rhythm Comes First

Learning rhythm before melody is like learning to walk before you run. A strong rhythmic foundation helps children keep a steady beat. It also helps them follow musical patterns and play together in sync. These skills are essential for playing an instrument successfully. Without rhythm, even the most beautiful melodies can sound uneven or disconnected. Learning rhythm early builds children’s confidence, boosts coordination, and sharpens their musical ear. This foundation sets them up for long-term success in music.

Ready to start? Let’s clap, tap, and play our way to great rhythm! 🎶👏🔔

Rhythm FlashcardsDownload

How to Use the Rhythm Flashcards in Music Practice

Rhythm flashcards are a fun way to help kids learn a steady beat. They improve timing and coordination before playing handbells. To use them, start by clapping, tapping, or saying the rhythm aloud as you show each card. For example, a quarter note can be spoken as “ta,” while a pair of eighth notes can be “ti-ti.” Encourage children to march, stomp, or tap on their legs to physically feel the beat.

Rhythm Flash Cards for Classrooms

In class, use rhythm flashcards to warm up. Let students take turns leading the rhythm. Others will follow along. This makes it fun and engaging!

Rhythm Flash Cards at Home

At home, turn it into a daily game. Shuffle the cards and challenge your child to match the rhythm by clapping or playing their handbells. When they feel ready, combine different rhythm cards. Make short patterns or “rhythm sentences” first, then use them in songs. This fun method helps kids build a solid rhythm. It makes learning songs easier and more enjoyable! 🎶👏🔔

Understanding Basic Rhythms for Little Musicians 🎶👏🔔

Rhythm Flash Cards Basic Rhythms

Music has a special way of telling us how long to play or wait using different types of notes and rests. Let’s learn about them in a fun and easy way!

Quarter Note

Quarter Note (Ta) – This note is one beat long. Think of it like walking—each step is steady and even. Clap once and say “Ta”! 👏

Half Note

Half Note (Ta-ah) – This note is two beats long. Imagine taking a slow step or holding a sound a little longer. Clap and hold: “Ta-ah”! 👏—

Whole Note

Whole Note (Ta-a-a-ah) – This is the longest note, lasting four beats. Think of it like floating or gliding. Clap once and stretch it out: “Ta-a-a-ah!” 👏——

Eighth Note

Eighth Notes (Ti-Ti) – These notes are twice as fast as quarter notes. They move quickly, like running feet! Clap twice fast and say “Ti-Ti”! 👏👏

Rest

🤫 Rests (Shh!) – Sometimes, music wants us to be quiet for a beat! A quarter rest means one beat of silence. Think of it as taking a deep breath or pausing before the next note. Put a finger to your lips and whisper “Shh!” 🤫

🎶 Now, let’s play a rhythm game! Can you clap the rhythms as I say them? Ta, Ta, Ti-Ti, Ta! 👏👏👏👏

What’s Next after Rhythm Flash Cards?

Practice, Practice, Practice, because practice makes perfect!

This Chant and Play rhythm course was made possible by readers like you! Thank you and happy playing.

Filed Under: Music Theory

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2

Copyright © 2025 · Chant and Play· Log in