M is for Music - A to Z April Challenge

An important part of our homeschooling curriculum is music. In addition to composer studies in which we learn about six composers and six of their works (per composer) over a 36-week period, Sophia and Olivia also have learned to read and play music.

Sophia has played the piano since September 2010. She was 9 1/2 years old when she began learning to play the piano.

Sophia playing the piano for her grandma.

Once she could read the notes as well as understand note values and counting, she began playing the harp in June 2011. She was about 10 1/2 years old when she began learning to play the harp.

Sophia playing the harp.

Although she wanted to learn the violin shortly after that, I wanted her to have at least a full year of harp lessons. So, in November 2012 she began playing the violin. She was one month shy of her 12th birthday.

Sophia practicing the violin.

Olivia has played the piano since June 2011. She was 8 years old when she began learning to play the piano.

Olivia playing the piano.

She tried percussion in June 2012 - starting with the glockenspiel - however, the sound ended up being too loud for her. With sensory issues, as the months went by, she became more reluctant to play the instrument. With this one being the first out of 23 instruments she would have had to learn how to play within the percussion field, it was better she stopped learning percussion than having the experience be miserable.

So, Olivia is focusing her efforts exclusively on the piano which has provided her with an opportunity to concentrate her practicing on one instrument and gain more skill and comfort with playing.

What does the 2013-2014 school year hold for both the girls in terms of music? At this point, Sophia is deciding whether to learn another instrument (trombone or percussion) and/or continue piano since she now knows how to read music. Olivia is still thinking of continuing piano, but isn't sure whether she will be adding another instrument so she can play in orchestra or band.

Regardless, music will always play a critical role in our homeschooling curriculum. Living in a home filled with music is wonderful...and truly a gift that will last a lifetime.