Submitted by Tami Mangusso, Aurora, Colorado
Idea posted April 10, 2003
Question: Recorder Karate has been SOOOO successful with my music program that I'd like to incorporate the same general idea for vocal assessment and motivation. Anyone have any ideas?
Answer: This is just a brainstorm, not kid-tested, for creating a singing program that will challenge students to become better singers.
Each key of the piano represents an exercise or song. You could use just one octave - start with middle C. You could make the white keys a certain color (one for each level) and have the students sing an exercise, small phrase of a song, or demonstrate a vocal technique, etc. The black keys could represent a song or something more challenging. Then have the students earn colored strings or beads, and they could tie them to a key ring (make a key chain). You could call the program "Keys To Success." You could use the more "fun" beads (bears, dogs, smiley faces, etc.) that you can get at any craft store.