#360: Whistle / Learn to Whistle

Can you whistle? Whistle a song! Can you whistle like different birds?



If you can't whistle, practice puckering your lips and blowing air in and out through your lips. Can you make a small whistling sound? You are on your way!

Can you do like the picture above and put two fingers in your mouth to make a really loud whistle noise?


Make this a family activity: Can you all whistle a song together with different family members whistling different parts of the song?

This activity promotes muscule control.

#344: Lip Sync

Lip syncing is when you sing along to a song, but don't sing out loud. So your lips are moving at the right time, but no sound is coming out. It's kind of like you have become the singer in the band!


Put on your favourite song and lip sync! If you want you can grab a microphone and put on a rockstar outfit. If you made musical instruments in #258, use them as part of your band.


Make this a family activity: Get the whole family into the lip sync band!

This activity promotes timing and musical skills.

#308: Practice Playing an Instrument

Do you play a musical instrument? Practice playing it. Can you learn a new song?



Make this a family activity: Get the whole family practicing songs together.

This activity promotes musical skills which leads to improved mathematical skills.

#291: Listen to Music

Turn on the radio, mp3 player, CD player, record player, tape deck, or whatever you've got. Listen to the music and see what happens!




Make this a family activity: Get the people in your family to share their favourite music with you.

This activity promotes music appreciation which can improve math abilities.

#258: Make a Muscial Instrument

Make your own musical instruments.

An upside down pail can be a drum. A shoebox can be a guitar: stretch rubber bands over the opening. A flute can be made from an empty paper towel roll. What else can you make?



These cymbals were made from the can lids from Boy Scout's popcorn cans. A piece of foam was cut into handle-sized pieces and taped onto the backs of the lids.


Make this a family activity: Each family member makes an instrument to play in the family band.

This activity promotes musical skills and creativity.

#243: Make a Mixed Tape, CD, or Playlist

What are your favourite songs? Put them all on one CD, tape or playlist for an mp3 player. You can also make a compilation (group of songs) that is fun to dance to, for a friend, or...whatever you want!


Make this a family activity: Everyone makes a list for someone else in the family.

This activity promotes musical appreciation.

#209: Dance

Get out the boogie! Turn on music that makes you want to move and dance!



How do you make a tissue dance?
Put a little boogie in it.


Make this a family activity: Get the whole family up and moving.

This activity promotes coordination and timing.

#143: Learn to Play an Instrument

Do you know how to play an instrument? Think what instrument you might be able to use. Maybe your family already has a piano or guitar? Maybe some maracas? See what sounds you can make.




You can teach yourself how to play by using guides found in music stores, the library, or online. Or if you can find someone willing to teach you the instrument, even better!

Can you play a song? Make up your own?

Do you already play a musical instrument? If so, learn how to play a new one.

Enjoy!


Make this a family activity: Everyone picks an instrument to learn. Maybe you can all learn to play the same song and make a family band!

This activity promotes musical awareness and musical skills.

#97: Gargle a Song

Can you gargle?



Gargling is when you fill your mouth partway with water then tip your head back and let the water into the back of your mouth. This is the tricky part: don't inhale and don't swallow! Make funny noises in your throat to swish the water around. Ask an adult to show you if you can't get it right. (If you really aren't sure about gargling, check out this recording on wikimedia.

Can you gargle a song?


This activity promotes goofiness and hidden musical talents.

#79: Sing Every Song You Know

How many songs do you know? Sing them all! Sing them loud! Sing them in the car and drive your parents nuts!


This activity promotes musical skills and memory utilization.

#66: Listen to New Music

Tune into a radio station you normally don't listen to, or pick out a CD you've never listened to.

There are lots of different types of music:

Classical

Rap/Hip Hop

Pop

Blues

Jazz

Country

Rock and Roll

Baroque

Alternative

Reggae

Middle Eastern

New Age

Latin

World

Marching Bands

Folk

Electronic

Blue Grass

African
Industrial

Children's

Religious

Standards

Caribbean

Try listening to something new, you might find a new kind of music you enjoy.

This activity promotes musical appreciation and listening skills.