Pianos
There are a range of physical, social, and academic benefits in teaching music in your homeschool, and you can even incorporate other subjects into your homeschool music studies. Check out this Homeschool Living for ideas on using a piano to teach music, history, science, and more.
Piano Works
You can use this kid-friendly description of how a piano works to introduce a science lesson on sound travel.
These piano science fair project ideas are great starting points for some further exploration into the science of sound waves, frequency, and even the physical effect different types of music can have on a person.
Piano History
The piano as we know it today has been around for about 300 years, but its origins date back much further. Check out the evolution of the piano throughout history and explore how different cultures have influenced its development.
For more piano history, browse this list of the 20 greatest pianists of the recorded era. You’ll find many of the entries include videos or recordings of performances. You can allow students to explore the work of these musicians and share their favorite findings with their siblings or a study group.
The piano made its way across the Atlantic to the western world in the late 1700s and steadily gained popularity as an entertainment feature, educational tool, and status symbol. There was a time when pianos were so treasured and essential in the home that they were even found packed into wagons on the Oregon Trail! Explore the cultural impact and significance of pianos in the early days of America’s development. This is a great starting point if you’d like to assign a research and writing exercise to an older student.
Piano First
If you’re looking beyond a short unit study and are interested in incorporating music lessons into your homeschool, the piano is a great option. Besides being a universal fit, so multiple students can easily share the instrument, here are five reasons why the piano is the best instrument to learn first.
Check out “Making Music In Your Homeschool” for more ways to incorporate music into your homeschool curriculum, and ideas to help you instill a lifelong appreciation for music in your family.
