Musical Interaction Handbook: Example Session

This is an excerpt from the new Musical Interaction Handbook, available on the upcoming training events

The video backing tracks can be found by clicking the name of each song.

Example session

The five most popular interactive songs in the order below take around 15 - 20 minutes to play. These songs can be used as the basis for all of your sessions. You can experiment with adding other songs to find the best combination for the children in your group or class. As you become more confident you will be able choose songs in response to offers.

The songs in brackets can be added to make the session longer.

1. Music Here Today - Greet each child using their name

2. In A Singing Mood - respond to offers the children make

   (Add a well known song eg. Happy and You Know It)

3. Play and Stop - give out instruments

4. Everyone’s Turn - choose children who make offers

   (Add Who’s Got A Sound)
   (Add Circle Band Songs)
   (Add a calmer Well Known Song)

5. There Was Music Here Today - play slowly to calm group

The energy of the session is likely to increase as you progress through the songs and this can often lead to dancing. Encourage this if it is appropriate for your children with songs like In a Singing Mood or Circle Band Songs. Try to use calmer songs at the end of the session to settle the children.