Music Comparison

Music Comparisons

Music Comparisons

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- almost any kind of music that you or the 
  students choose can be compared

- compare types with or without lyrics  

Materials

- a variety of music 

- possibly the need for devices if music is on a tablet, 
  computer, speakers etc.

- enough room for movement if you intend to let the students respond by moving to the 
  music

- a variety of music (within two genres) and branch out from there
- examples - classical, country and western, rock, rap, jazz, blues, big band, traditional 
  children's music

Activity

- provide opportunities for the children to select music to sing/dance to and perform in 
  the classroom or at a school assembly- use technology as a tool to let them perform (older 
  children can produce and star in a musical video)
- younger children can record each other 

Extention 

- branch out and have them compose their own songs, perform, create a band with 

  a name etc.

- they can include musical instruments (manufactured or homemade) and produce their 

  own videos

- study Peter And The Wolf and compare the different instruments used

- there is an animated version that effectively tells a story highlighted with musical 

  instruments - an excellent resource

- related link 

More great comparison activities can be found at theses links!

Living and Nonliving Things
Urban and Rural Communities

Be creative! Check out Handmade Musical Instruments

Handmade Musical Instruments

Handmade Musical Instruments

Handmade Musical Instruments

Suitable for Kindergarten to Third Grade

- almost anything that makes some sort of noise can be used 
  as a musical instrument

- one specific instrument can be made at a time or supplies 
  can be made available allowing the children to be more 
  creative
- use the instruments for performances 

Materials

- elastics

- sticks

- plastic tubs with lids

- shaker materials (paper towel rolls, things that will make a 

  noise such as rice, beans or  beads)

- shakers or maracas can also be made using paper-mache

- have a variety of recyclable materials available (boxes, 

  paper towel rolls, bottles)

- instructions for specific instruments can be found under 

  Drums, Stringed Instruments, Maracas

Follow-Up

- provide opportunities for the children to play their instruments in the classroom setting or 

  at an assembly

- they could also be used at an assembly

- use technology to let them perform (older children can produce and star in a musical 

  video)

- younger children can record each other 

- branch out and have them compose their own songs, perform, create a band with 

  a name etc.
How do the instruments sound? Do some comparing with help at Comparing Musical Instruments