Plucky Pianos

Pianos are a fairly new instrument: just a little over 400 years old. However, pianos are one of the most popular musical instruments. Key up here – and explore their superpowers.

CONNECT:

• Watch and listen to this brief history of the piano at https://youtu.be/63snnLQqBLQ
• Go into depth about its history at https://www.piano-keyboard-guide.com/history-of-the-piano.html
• Find out how the piano works at https://www.ducksters.com/musicforkids/how_the_piano_works.php
• Watch how a piano is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAInt7hIZlU

CREATE:

• Try these piano inspired music activities including crafts, motor activities and play: https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2016/02/piano-inspired-music-activities-for-kids.html
• These piano games help get kids excited about piano lessons: https://fireinsidemusic.com/kid-piano-games/
• Play these online games to learn how to read piano notes: https://takelessons.com/blog/learning-piano-notes
• Learn how to write a song on the piano in 5 minutes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54n0kaKOJNY

CARE:

• A piano can be an expensive investment, so here are some factors to consider when buying one: http://www.ptg.org/document//36/
• The piano teacher makes a real difference in helping you to learn how to play. Here are tips of the Piano Teachers Federation on choosing the right teacher: http://pianoteachersfederation.org/Choosing_the_Right_Teacher
• A piano needs care just like any other musical instrument. Here are tasks you can do at home to keep your piano in good condition: https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/piano/maintenance/

CAREERS:

Think of all the steps in involved in piano performance: making and selling and fixing pianos; writing and publishing piano compositions; learning and teaching how to play the piano; performing for competitions and at a workplace; recording and producing piano performances; incorporating piano music in education and health. Any of these careers could be the (piano) key to success.

https://www.careersinmusic.com/

Piano technology careers: http://www.ptg.org/document//27/

How to succeed in a piano career: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CZCygTANW8

Toot Your Horn!

It’s New Year’s time, and you may hear lots of horns. Do you know why? Horns are usually associated with celebrating. It’s time to toot your own horn as you engage in these rootin’ tootin’ activities!

CONNECT:

• Horns were created more than 2500 years ago. Discover their history at http://www.hornplanet.com/hornpage/museum/history/horn_history1.html
•  Car horns have been needed since the start of cars in order to warn others of their coming; it’s a lot simpler than the other warning suggesting: having a man walk in front of each car and wave a red flag. Read more about car horn history at http://www.cogapa.com/history.htm
• Animals have natural horns ; look at the top ten amazing horns in the animal kingdom at https://themysteriousworld.com/10-amazing-horns-in-the-animal-kingdom/
• Watch and hear the shofar being blown for Rosh Hashana at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRpwei1Qs88

CREATE:

• Make your own French horn by following these visual directions: https://www.savvyhomemade.com/homemade-french-horn-for-kids/
• Watch this video to create unicorn horns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM9udMbTfbk
• Have your horn and eat it too with these edible party horns that you can make: http://cookingwithmykid.com/2010/12/28/countdown-to-2011-edible-party-horns/
• Explore the science behind horns with a plastic bottle horn: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/saturday-science3a-handmade-horn

CARE:

• Music can be an important part of life, but instruments can be expensive. “Horns for kids” (http://www.hornsforkids.org/) supports music education. Consider donating to this cause – or start your own musical instrument donation project.
•  Animal horns have been desired by people for thousands of years, and have sometimes been cut before the animal is dead. What are the consequences – and what can you do? https://www.savetherhino.org/rhino_info/thorny_issues/dyeing_rhino_horn_and_elephant_ivory
• Discover how technology in rhino horns can help save them: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/technology-save-rhino-extinction-180956958/
• Find out how the National Park Service is using horns at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=35955

CAREERS:

What can you do with horns? Manufacturer them, sell them, play them, repair them, teach how to play them – and that’s just as a musical instrument. You can also product them as they exist on animals.  It’s time to blow your own career horn!

https://www.careersinmusic.com/

https://music.usc.edu/music-teaching-careers/

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499063.htm

http://wildlife.org/next-generation/career-development/careers/