Ukulele Elementary: A Classroom Jump Start
Music teachers are continually looking for new approaches to enhance student learning and engagement, all while adding fun to their musical experience. In recent years, the ukulele has gained significant traction in schools and districts across the country. Teachers...
Introducing the pBuzz
We recently visited with Steven Greenall and Rich Breske from the Warwick Music Group – creators of the plastic trumpets and trombones you have most likely seen on the marching field or in pep bands. They also have another product that is designed for younger...
Primary Xylophones: An Inside Look
Have you ever wondered what the inside of soprano and alto Sonor Primary Xylophones look like? Education Consultant Judy Pine shares a look in this video. These Sonor Primary Xylophone models are Judy's pride and joy in her office! The cut-aways showcase the...
Integrating Storytime into your Music Class – Webinar Recap
Thank you for joining us for our webinar: Integrating Storytime into your Music Class: Unleashing the Power of Shared Musical Experiences with Kindermusik's Deanne Kells. She shared great information about why including shared musical storytime with your students is...
Where is the Percussion in a Mariachi Ensemble?
Mariachi Percussion? By Randy Hargis 9/9/2013 5:04:00 PM Comments(0) Mariachi is a genre of music that originated in the State of Jalisco, in Mexico. It is an integration of stringed instruments highly influenced by the cultural impacts of the historical development...
Children’s Book of the Month: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
This summer we are trying something different with this series: we’re sharing the lesson ideas for children’s literature from our customers! We put out a call over the last few months for potential lessons, and we received many to pick from! (We’re still accepting...
Studio 49 Bass Xylophone Comparison
Studio 49 has 3 Series of Orff instruments: The Premium 2000 series, Intermediate 1600 series, and the Compact 1000 series. Our focus today is on Studio 49 bass xylophones, all with a range of c – a1. Each instrument has 16 bars that include 2- F# bars and 1- Bb...
Mariachi Guitars for Kids of All Ages
New elementary mariachi programs are springing up everywhere! A majority of these elementary programs are starting in districts that already have thriving high school and middle school mariachi programs. This move to start mariachi programs earlier supplies students...
Children’s Book of the Month – May 2019
Welcome to spring! This month we bring you a new poetry collection from Christina Rossetti. Then discover a fascinating book about the history of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” for your patriotic and Memorial Day observances at the end of the month. Additionally, we are...
Teacher Appreciation Week!
May 8th- May 10th #ThankATeacher Teacher Appreciation Week has been celebrated since 1984! Started by the National PTA, this organization designates one week each May to honor those who educate our population. We at West Music want to take this opportunity to give a...
Summer Teacher Training: World Music Drumming
West Music's Vice-President of National Sales, Melissa Blum, shares her perspective on how World Music Drumming will recharge your fall!I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with the World Music Drumming Curriculum teacher training program since 2004. I’ve attended...
Summer Teacher Training: Kodaly
Former West Music Education Consultant, Kathy Bohstedt, shares her perspective on how attending a summer Kodály Workshop will re-charge your fall!Taking my first level of Kodály training helped me pull together the concepts and activities I taught in my music...