Are you looking for a way to go deeper with music appreciation that’s sequential, relatable, and EASY?
If you’re as old as I am, you probably remember watching fun Saturday morning cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Mickey Mouse, and Bugs Bunny. Those were the days, right?
One of the great things about those cartoons was the use of classical music. What a fun way to connect the younger generation to music that they might otherwise be tempted to think of as “boring.” Ha!
Well, you now have the opportunity to introduce your kids to these fun old cartoons AND the great musical pieces that go with them!
This 5-week online course shares cartoon clips that feature classical music, as well as a second video that shows a full-length performance of that piece. Short and sweet, this is a perfect way to introduce your children to this music in a way they’re sure to enjoy.
How does it work?
All you need is your phone, tablet, or computer to watch for a couple of minutes from wherever you are, making this a super easy way to insert music appreciation into everyday life.
Try a free sample lesson:
Welcome and A Corny Concerto
Bonus #1:
Music Appreciation Notebook
Includes many notebooking pages for K-12, including music appreciation prompts, musical term vocabulary, timelines, creative writing ideas, drawing pages, and more. 53 pages
Bonus #2:
Musical Instrument Coloring Pages
Includes coloring pages of all the major instruments of the orchestra from the percussion, string, brass, and woodwind families. 39 pages
Bonus #2:
Music Symbol Color by Code
Musical Color By Code is a fun way for your elementary students to learn to recognize musical symbols and notes. Color musical items/instruments such as a xylophone, microphone with radio, piano keyboard, drum, maracas, and treble clef. 6 pages.
See inside the course here:
Click "PREVIEW"
- Welcome and A Corny Concerto
- Dance of the Hours
- Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy
- Firebird
- Kill the Wabbit!
- Hyde and Hare
- Fun with Hungarian Rhapsody
- Light Cavalry
- The Rabbit of Seville
- Pigs in Polka
- What's Opera Doc?
- Flight of the Bumblebee
- William Tell Overture
- Carnival of the Animals
- Peer Gynt
- Schroeder plays Beethoven
- The Cat Concerto
- The Fledermaus
- Baton Bunny
- Music Land
- Symphony 6 (Pastoral)
- Pink, Plunk, Plink
- Carmen Get It!
- Singing Whale
- Polonaise (Last Day)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
Are there any live lessons?
No, all lessons are embedded and self-paced.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own. There's even an iOS app!
What age group is Sound Bites: Classical Meets Cartoons useful for?
All ages! Each age can get its own level of good out of the program, and I think families with a mix of ages will find that you can adapt it pretty well for your children. The bonuses (Music Appreciation Notebook, Coloring Pages, and Color by Code) have great resources that can work for all ages!
How to Use Sound Bites: Classical Meets Cartoons :
Each day, do one lesson. Optional, add a notebooking page from one the bonuses (Music Appreciation Notebook, Music Appreciation Coloring Pages, Color by Code).
What is included in each day's lesson?
They are in a very simple format. There is usually something short to read, a video of the cartoon, and a video of the music being played by an orchestra.
How long does a Sound Bites daily lesson take?
We aim for 15 minutes a day. If a lesson will take longer than 15 minutes, you have several options. Just watch and listen to part of it, or do part one day and the rest the next day.
Remember, some is better than none!
Any Tips for Adding this to our homeschool?
* Keep it enjoyable for the children. Find a way that works for the ages and stages you have in your homeschool or classroom. Let music be a gift and a joy in your home!
* Some is better than None.
* It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
* Just begin.
I don’t know if I have time to use this.
Sound Bites is ready when you are. You can watch & listen when it works for you. Weekends, car rides, while eating, or doing chores–whatever works for you will work for Sound Bites.
What are the Bonuses?
Music Appreciation Notebook (53 pages)
Music Appreciation Coloring Pages (39 pages)
Color by Code (6 pages)
Warning about the Videos:
This course was created by Erica Johns. Gena Mayo's warning: I have not viewed all the videos included in this course. Since every family is different, I recommend you preview for content, costumes, graphics on screen, etc. to make sure they are appropriate for your family's viewing. If you choose not to watch, you can still use the videos to listen to the music!
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund. (You will be asked to delete anything you have downloaded from the course.)
How do I contact Gena with a question?
Scroll to the bottom of this page and click "Contact Gena." :)
Is Sound Bites: Classical Meets Cartoons included in the Music in Our Homeschool Plus premium membership?
Yes!