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Teacher Sourced Content
  • Fallin’ by Alicia Keys MIDI Lesson
    Learners will utilize MIDI to dissect the parts of the Alicia Keys song, “Fallin'”
    Category: MIDI and DAW with Popular Music Education
    Learning objectives:
    What you’ll need: A D.A.W. capable of importing MIDI
    Grade levels: 6-12
Practice Resources

These sites are all meant to teach and share resources that increase the musical knowledge of your students.

  • Yousician
    Modern band instrument lessons that combine technology and learning.
    Cost: Free for students due to COVID-19
  • Solfeg.io
    Practice site for students who want to learn popular songs. Follow along with their easy-to-comprehend practice tool which walks students through each song’s form, chord, lyrics, and melody. Great for learning modern band!
    Cost: Free (Upgrade options available)
  • Fender Play
    Guitar, bass, and ukulele lessons and interactive tutorials.
    Level: Elementary and early middle-school
    Cost: Free for 3 months
  • Moosiko
    Guitar-based practice tools for students.
    Cost: Free until 4/30
  • The Jam Zone
    Little Kids Rock’s online learning site. Features modern band instrument lessons, guides, and song charts for various levels of learning all things modern band.
    Level: K-12
    Cost: Free
  • Quaver
    Interactive website for creating and learning how to produce music. Various lesson themes and levels for all learners.
    Level: K-12
    Cost: Free
  • SmartMusic
    A vast library of repertoire and practice tools for students to get assessed virtually on rhythmic and pitch accuracy. Features a sight-reading tool, music notation assignments, and accompaniment features for practicing standard pieces virtually.
    Cost: Free until June 30
  • Music Play Online
    Vast library of student-centered video lessons with features to sort lessons by grade as well as type (rhythm, melody, instrument names). This site is focused on a more traditional approach when it comes to reading and learning music. Game options available as well!
    Cost: Free through August 1
  • Teoria
    Music theory and ear training exercises to help students understand the fundamentals of a traditional music education approach. Quizzes on intervals, melody, harmony, and rhythmic dictation.
    Cost: Free
  • Music Theory Online
    Various lessons on all aspects of traditional music theory with applicable quizzes.
    Level: K-12
    Cost: Free
  • Breezin’ Thru Theory
    Lesson on music theory and composition. Usually a paid site with great ideas and lessons, but currently free until schools reopen.
    Cost: Free for students due to COVID-19
  • Hook Theory
    Visual and aural explanation that breaks down the chord progressions of popular songs and teaches the theory behind the music.
    Level: High School
    Cost: Free
  • The Rhythm Trainer
    Flash based site that develops aural skills solely with rhythm. Students can choose between rhythmic dictation or rhythm identification. There are many levels and customizations available for various learners.
    Cost: Free
  • Synthesia
    A fun way to learn piano online. Works best for students with pianos/keyboards at home.
    Level: Middle and High School
    Cost: Free Trial
  • Chordify
    Playalongs for Guitar, Ukulele, and Bass where the chords are described and linked up to the videos of the songs. This site makes it easy to hear and see what you should be playing.
    Cost: Free Trial (We’re working on free premium for LKR teachers)
  • Brain Pop
    A few interesting and enjoyable lesson videos for young learners focused on reading music and music history.
    Level: Elementary
    Cost: Free by requesting access
  • Rainbow Ukulele
    Free resource library for ukulele with lesson plans and activities for younger students.
    Level: Elementary
    Cost: Free with email signup
  • Prodigies Music
    Video lessons and activities for Pre-K and early elementary students. Visually pleasing and lots of fun!
    Level: Early Elementary
    Cost: Free 21-day trial (comes with an app)
  • Arts Edge by the Kennedy Center
    Video and lessons complete with lesson plans for teachers on a variety of levels and topics for music
    Cost: Free
  • Musopia and Four Chords
    Amazing apps that help music students learn popular songs. LKR teachers have a free 1 year subscription, but they are also offering free songs for all until May 30th under the category “Songs of Resilience and Hope”.
    Cost: Free
  • Busy Kids Do Piano
    Lots of music lessons and activities for piano as well as other more traditional music subjects.
    Cost: Use coupon code: PIANOFROMHOME for one free month of membership.
  • Ideas Roadshow
    Advanced videos, lessons, and ideas for relating research in the field of music to the classroom. Videos and ideas are advanced but offer a niche resource for those with advanced students.
    Level: Advanced High School
    Cost: Free for 1 month due to COVID-19
  • Spider Learning
    Classicaly based music lessons geared towards middle school students.
    Level: Middle School
    Cost: Free for the remainder of the year due to Covid-19
  • Interactive Science
    Learn about the orchestra through a somewhat interactive format using drag and drop words to fill in the appropriate sentences.
    Level: K-5
    Cost: Free
  • Tone Savvy
    Musical theory and ear training practice exercises for your students to complete as easy to understand assignments.
    Level: 3-12
    Cost: Free
  • All the Musical Instruments of the World
    Comprehensive site dedicated to listing and teaching about every instrument found around the world. The site has great videos and classification tools to help learners of all ages and abilities.
    Level: K-12
    Cost: Free
  • 7 Easy Songs To Learn for Beginners on Guitar
    Easy to learn guitar songs!
    Level: K-12
    Cost: Free
Virtual Rehearsal Software

Use these sites to help you run virtual rehearsals with your students.

 

    • Virtual Rehearsals through Soundtrap
      Use Soundtrap to conduct virtual rehearsals. Teacher Jake Sandakly walks teachers and students through the process with instructional materials.
      Cost: Free Trial

 

    • Acapella
      Virtually create acapella and instrumental videos to show students how their ensembles should sound. A great way to practice along with others virtually on a self-paced schedule.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Video Collage
      Similar to Acapella, but you can import videos that are created from various people in different locations. You can find it in Google Play or App Store.
      Cost: Free

 

    • CBDNA (College Band Directors National Association)
      4 Great tips with links on how to conduct virtual/distance learning ensembles rehearsals.
      Cost: Free

 

  • PinkZebraMusic
    Helpful tutorial on how to create a virtual choir through a free GarageBand Template.
    Cost: Free

 

Digital Audio Workstations (DAW)

These sites allow users to compose music digitally using web-based interfaces without physical instruments.

    • Band Lab
      Collaborative music education creation site that focuses on creativity and collaboration from a distance. For free, you can create a virtual classroom, create assignments with deadlines, and let students complete things virtually from your own library of resources and tasks.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Soundtrap
      One of the most well-known digital audio workstations with plenty of free “loops” for students to use in their own creations, as well as synthesizers that enable composition and improvisation. Plenty of tools to invite students into a digital classroom and complete assignments.
      Cost: Free Trial

 

    • Google Chrome Music Lab
      Highly user-friendly and basic sound-input site that lets students add notes with various instruments and basic percussion sounds. You can save your work without an account and share it via a link. Encourage your students to create something and share it via Google Classroom!
      Cost: Free

 

    • Launchpad
      DJ mixing app and beat maker. Students can easily use a touchpad to mix and create beats in a visually and aurally pleasing environment.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Audio Tool
      Digital Audio Workstation with a somewhat advanced interface that also allows users to “publish” their creations on their website. A totally cloud-based music production studio held in a browser! Import and export features with an app that can be downloaded alongside of the site. You can mix, modulate, and compose all through one site, without downloading any software.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Learning Music with Ableton
      A progressive set of music lessons and scaffolding DAWs that let students see the magic of sound creation as the intensity and complexity increase, allowing for unlimited creativity. Lessons tie directly into the ability to manipulate sounds and learn both visually and aurally.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Splice
      Beginner-level percussion and beat-making website. Simple boxes enable users to generate interesting and complex rhythms. The numbers on the bottom can be used to represent a breakdown of the rhythm for students as an alternative or precursor to traditional rhythmic notation.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Jam Studio
      Create chord progressions using a simple interface that lets you insert chord names, styles, and other musical concepts.
      Level: Later Middle and High School
      Cost: Free

 

    • Drumbit
      Somewhat more advanced drum and percussion sound creation website. This site allows users to create a longer string of music, as well as the ability to save and export without logging in with a username or account. A bit more fully-featured compared to others in this category, where you can adjust tempo, style, and other various mixing aspects of the music.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Soundation
      Similar to Soundtrap, this site offers a “drag and drop” method for inputting beats and musical samples to create your own compositions. The interface is a bit different as compared to Soundation and has a variety of sounds.
      Cost: Free premium for all schools!

 

    • Incredibox
      Visually and aurally enjoyable beat boxer avatars that enable early music learners to experience creating their own compositions and using an entry level digital audio workstation
      Level: Early learners
      Cost: Free

 

    • Groove Pizza
      Use shapes and lines to create various grooves using pizza as a visual aid.
      Cost: Free

 

Which Instrument?
  • Guitar IconGuitarFree Guitar Video Lessons
  • Bass IconBassFree Bass Video Lessons
  • Drums IconDrumsFree Drum Video Lessons
  • Ukulele IconUkuleleFree Ukulele Video Lessons
  • Songwriting IconCompositionFree Composition Lessons
  • Tech IconDigital Music ProductionFree Digital Music Production Lessons
  • Vocals IconVocalsFree Vocal Lessons
  • Modern Band IconOtherOther Video Lessons

See All Daily Lessons Video Series

Which Instrument?
  • Guitar IconGuitarFree Guitar Song Charts
  • Bass IconBassFree Bass Song Charts
  • Drums IconDrumsFree Drum Song Charts
  • Keyboard IconKeyboardFree Keyboard Song Charts
  • Horns IconBrassFree Brass Song Charts
  • Ukulele IconUkuleleFree Ukulele Song Charts
  • Modern Band IconModern BandFree Modern Band Song Charts

See All Song Charts

Past Lessons with Little Kids Rock

 

Guitar

  • Power Chords
    Learn the basics of how to play power chords, including a variety of songs from pop, rock, punk, and metal.
    What You’ll Need: Participants should have a guitar for this lesson.
    Level: Grades 3 and up. Participants should know how to play basic open chords on the guitar.
  • Guitar Improvisations by Phrasing
    Now that you have a few notes to take a solo, let’s work on making them stand out with different ways of phrasing: hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and bends!
    What You’ll Need: Participants should have a guitar for this lesson.
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Participants should know how to improvise with as little as two notes on the guitar.
  • The Secret Chords of Pop Acoustic Guitar
    Know a few open chords? Spencer will show you the secret to playing acoustic pop songs that POP. Participants should have an acoustic guitar for this lesson.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar, acoustic preferable.
    Level: Grades 5 and up. Participants should have basic knowledge of open chords on guitar.
  • Right Hand Workout
    We will work on a bunch of right hand guitar techniques: basic strumming, alternate picking, lots of exercises and ideas for getting it into shape! Participants should have a guitar for this lesson.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar (acoustic or electric).
    Level:Grades 3 and up. Participants should know how to basic open chords on the guitar.
  • Left Hand Workout
    Lets do some basic finger exercises to build dexterity!
    What You’ll Need: A string instrument, preferably guitar
    Level: Grades 3 and up. Participants should know how to play single strings on the guitar.
  • Caribbean Strumming Patterns
    Learn how to play the most iconic guitar strumming patterns from various Caribbean genres including: reggae, ska, cumbia, guajira, and compas.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar (acoustic or electric), basic knowledge of open chords and Major/minor barre chords.
    Level: Grades 7 and up. Participants should know how to play open and barre chords.
  • Funky Friday
    Grab the guitar as we play through a bunch of funky riffs. Learn some new chord voicings and ways to think about the fretboard
    What You’ll Need: A guitar (acoustic or electric) and the ability to play barre chords.
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Participants should have a basic knowledge of the guitar as well as the ability to play barre chords
  • Little Kids Rock: Classical Guitar Technique in Popular Music
    Scott shows you how classical guitar technique is used in popular music to add variety to how you can comp chords.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar, acoustic or electric.
    Level: Grades 6-12; Skill Level: Intermediate
    Participants should know how to play common open chords (A, Am, C, D, E, Em, G)
  • Reading Guitar Tab Pt. 1
    In the first of this three part series, teachers and students learn the basics of reading tablature on the guitar and how to use it to learn songs.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar along with a computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 3-12; Skill Level:Beginner
  • Reading Guitar Tab Pt. 2
    In the second of this three part series, teachers and students learn the basics of reading tablature on the guitar and how to use it to learn six popular riffs of songs they know and love.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar along with a computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 3-12; Skill Level:Beginner
  • Reading Guitar Tablature Pt. 3
    In the final lesson in this three-part series, teachers and students learn some more advanced techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides as well as reading chords in tablature. Check out some great tunes to learn these techniques!
    What You’ll Need: A guitar along with a computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 5-12; Skill Level: Intermediate
  • The Infamous Barre Chord!
    This lesson will cover the theory behind barre chords, why they work well, and some tricks to make them easier to play.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar, acoustic or electric
    Level: Grades 5-12; Skill Level: Intermediate

Bass

  • Bass for Latin Music
    Learn the basic standard bass patterns for some of Latin music’s most infectious genres including: cumbia, salsa, son, reggaeton and more! Participants should have a bass for this lesson.
    What You’ll Need: A bass and the ability to play root/fifth/octave bass lines.
    Level:Grades 7 and up. Participants should know how to play root notes across the bass and feel comfortable playing eighth note rhythmic patterns.
  • Bass for Latin Music Pt. 2
    Part 2 of how to play basic standard bass patterns for some of Latin music’s most infectious genres including son, salsa, reggaeton and more!
    What You’ll Need: A bass and the ability to play root/fifth/octave bass lines.
    Level: Grades 7 and up. Participants should know how to play root notes across the bass and feel comfortable playing eighth note rhythmic patterns.
  • Getting Funky with Octaves and Note Length 
    In this lesson, we’ll focus on technique for getting control of note length on the bass, then put it into practice to write some funky bass lines
    What You’ll Need: Participants should have a bass, but other instruments could be substituted, such as guitar or keyboard.
    Level: Grades 4 and up. First 3 Bass Units on Jam Zone

Drums

  • Junk Drumset
    Let’s build a drumset and work on some backbeat jams & beginner improvisation.
    What You’ll Need: BYO Junk! Boxes, bottles, cans, rubber bands, etc.
    Level:Grades 2 and up.
  • Body Drumming – Let’s Groove
    Body drumming for everyone – start with the backbeat and move on to more challenging variations!
    What You’ll Need: No materials needed.
    Level:Grade 4 and up.
  • Intermediate Body Drumming – Syncopated Kick Drum 
    Play along with a variety of drumbeats to work on kick drum syncopation.
    What You’ll Need: Get a body or physical drumset ready!
    Level: Grade 2 and up. Prerequisites – Beginner Body Drumming (See Past Lessons)
  • Drumming with Linear Beats
    This drum lesson will utilize sixteenth note rhythms to create linear drum patterns. Jay will show how to create different sounds of the drum set to make funk grooves!
    What You’ll Need: Drumsticks and a drum pad or drum set. A metronome is helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 7-12
    Skill Level: Advanced

Vocals

  • Vocals from Home
    A mini lesson of vocal warm-ups and at home practice solutions for all singers. We will work on finding comfort practicing out loud in your own home, and try a few warm-ups to keep our voices warm and build strength.
    What You’ll Need: A half-full glass of water, and a straw if you have one!
    Level: Grades 1 and up.
  • Vocals from Home Part 2
    Let’s put a focus on style specific warm-ups to suit the songs you’re working on and smooth out our range to prevent breaks and cracks.
    What You’ll Need: A half-full glass of water, and a straw if you have one!
    Level: Grades 1 and up.

Digital Music Production

  • Introduction to Soundtrap 
    Learn the basics of making music with the free software on Soundtrap.com.
    What You’ll Need: Participants should have either a computer, tablet or phone for this lesson.
    Level: Anyone, beginners on music production!
  • Next Steps on Soundtrap
    Once you have your bearings of the Soundtrap interface, how do you take your projects to the next level? Spencer goes over some basic tools to expand your producing skills! Participants should have either a computer, tablet or phone for this lesson.
    What You’ll Need: Just your device (laptop, phone, tablet)! Headphones a plus but not required.
    Level:Grades 6 and up. Participants should have a basic knowledge of soundtrap (See “Introduction to Soundtrap”)
  • Recording and Editing Audio with Soundtrap
    Learn to record your own audio in Soundtrap! Got an instrument? Got some lyrics to perform? It’s time to record and edit!
    What You’ll Need: Just your device (laptop, phone, tablet)! Headphones a plus, but not required.
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Participants should have an intermediate knowledge of Soundtrap. (See “Introduction to Soundtrap” and “Recording and Editing Audio with Soundtrap”)
  • Soundtrap Storytime!
    Learn how to record a story and have fun with charater voices in Soundtrap!
    What You’ll Need: Participants should have either a computer, tablet, or phone for this lesson.
    Level:Grades 2 and up. Participants should have a basic knowledge of Soundtrap (See previous videos on Soundtrap)

Brass

  • Creating and Playing Hornline Riffs
    An introduction to playing melodic and harmonic material on your instrument.
    What You’ll Need: Just your device (laptop, phone, tablet), Instrument(optional).
    Level: Grades 7 and up. Participants should have a good understanding of music theory as well as the ability to play a horn instrument. Notation required as well as transpositional knowledge

Ukulele

  • Uke Can Do It!
    Let’s play the ukulele. We will review a few beginner chords and some techniques to get you up and playing right away!
    What You’ll Need: A ukulele.
    Level: Grades 1 and up.
  • Ukulele Next Steps
    This next steps on ukulele video will review some new chords, power chords, tablature, and finger picking on the ukulele
    What You’ll Need: Ukulele
    Level: Grades 4 and up. Participants should have basic knowledge of open chords on ukulele.

Other

  • Relax and Listen to Music
    Drawing, form-mapping, and guided explorations.
    What You’ll Need: Paper and pencil. (Markers or crayons are a bonus!)
    Level: First activity is grade K and up. Second activities are secondary focused.
  • Creating a Song with a Group Part 1
    The Little Kids Rock team is writing and recording a song together – from a distance! See their process over this multi-day project!
    What You’ll Need: Grades 6 and up. Prerequisites – Intro to Soundtrap Session.
  • Creating a Song with a Group Part 2
    In part 2 of the songwriting process, Mary does some reflection on the lyrics of Spencer’s song and adds some drum production.
    What You’ll Need: Participants should have either a computer, tablet, or phone for this lesson.
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Prerequisites – Intro to Soundtrap Session.
  • Creating a Song with a Group Part 3
    In part 3 of the songwriting process, Mary does some reflection of Spencer’s lyrics, and the two work together to shape the message of the song
    What You’ll Need: Participants should have either a computer, tablet, or phone for this lesson.
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Prerequisites – Intro to Soundtrap Session.
  • Pt 4 Writing a Song Together: Creating a Synth Production 
    In part 4 of the songwriting process, Tony adds some synth lines to the Soundtrap project.
    What You’ll Need: Participants should start with parts 1-3 first!
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Prerequisites – Intro to Soundtrap Session.
  • Pt 5 Writing a Song Together: Layer, Expand, & Arrange Synth 
    In part 5 of the songwriting process, Tony takes a deeper dive into synths. He explores different sound options and arranges them throughout the song.
    What You’ll Need: Participants should start with parts 1-4 first!
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Prerequisites – Intro to Soundtrap Session.
  • Pt 6 Writing a Song Together: Adding Guitar 
    In part 6 of the songwriting process, Scott adds some guitar parts and takes you through his process matching style.
    What You’ll Need: Participants should start with parts 1-5 first!
    Level: Grades 6 and up. Prerequisites – Intro to Soundtrap Session.
  • Little Kids Rock: Writing a Song Together Pt. 7 – Adding Bass
    In part 7 of the songwriting process, Spencer adds bass to the project and goes over their thought process for how to stylistically match the bass part to the existing texture of the song.
    What You’ll Need: A computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 6-12, Skill Level: Intermediate.
    Participants should have a basic knowledge of Soundtrap.
  • Little Kids Rock: Writing a Song Together Pt. 8 – Adding Vocals
    In part 8 of the songwriting process, Spencer rerecords the vocals with the new lyrics, add harmonies, and provides some production tips for how to get the most out of your recordings.
    What You’ll Need: A computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 6-12, Skill Level: Intermediate.
    Participants should have a basic knowledge of Soundtrap.
  • Little Kids Rock: Writing a Song Together Pt. 9 – Adding a Solo
    In part 9 of the songwriting process, Scott goes over different approaches he takes to adding an instrumental solo to the song.
    What You’ll Need: A computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 6-12, Skill Level: Intermediate.
    Participants should have a basic knowledge of Soundtrap.
  • Little Kids Rock: Writing a Song Together Pt. 10 – Rough Mixing
    In part 10 of the songwriting process, Spencer goes over all the work that’s happened so far and begins adjusting levels, panning, and making a few adjustments to finalize the track
    What You’ll Need: A computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 6-12, Skill Level: Beginner
  • Little Kids Rock: Writing a Song Together Pt. 11 – Updating the Drums
    In part 11 of the songwriting process, Mary revisits the drums and makes some rhythmic and timbre changes based on the new material the others have added.
    What You’ll Need: A guitar along with a computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 6-12; Skill Level:Beginner
  • Little Kids Rock: Writing a Song Together Pt. 12 – Mixdown and Reflection
    In part 12 of the songwriting process, Spencer discuss their process and tips for mixing a song. They also go over a few last minute add ons. Then the team reflects on the process and listens to the final version!
    What You’ll Need: A computer, tablet, or phone. Headphones are helpful, but not required.
    Level: Grades 6-12; Skill Level:Beginner
  • Composition with Candy
    This video will explore the use of visual notation when learning and performing basic rhythms with candy! You’ll be encouraged to use different topics to help guide your compositions.
    What You’ll Need: A cereal box, tinfoil, and kitchen utensils. If these are not available, using your body or other materials will work!
    Level: Grades K-6; Skill Level: Beginner
  • Get in the Groove
    This lesson will give teachers and students a starting point for adding movement to their playing. If you’re an individual or part of a group who’s looking to upgrade your performance skills either as a vocalist, musician, or dancer, this video is for you!
    What You’ll Need: Pen, paper, and space to move. Instruments optional. Using Bluetooth headphones to listen while moving is recommended!
    Level: Grades 4-8; Skill Level: Beginner
  • Hip Hop Starter Kit
    This lesson will go over some basic hip hop skills including number freestyling, rap talking, and a start to songwriting.
    What You’ll Need: Pencil and paper.
    Level: Grades K-6; Skill Level: Beginner
  • Making Music in the Style of Drake
    This lesson will show you how to reproduce some of the characteristic sounds and musical elements of multi-platinum artist Drake using Garageband.
    What You’ll Need: A computer with the Garageband software installed.
    Level: Grades 7-12
    Skill Level: Advanced
Which Instrument?
  • Guitar IconGuitarFree Guitar Lessons
  • Bass IconBass Free Bass Lessons
  • Drums IconDrumsFree Drum Lessons
  • Keyboard IconKeyboardFree Keyboard Lessons
  • Songwriting IconSongwritingFree Songwriting Lessons
  • Tech IconRecording & ProductionFree Recording & Production Lessons
  • Ukulele IconUkuleleFree Ukulele Lessons

All Lessons

Which Instrument?
  • Guitar IconGuitarFree Guitar Song Charts
  • Bass IconBassFree Bass Song Charts
  • Drums IconDrumsFree Drum Song Charts
  • Keyboard IconKeyboardFree Keyboard Song Charts
  • Horns IconBrassFree Brass Song Charts
  • Ukulele IconUkuleleFree Ukulele Song Charts
  • Modern Band IconModern BandFree Modern Band Song Charts

See All Song Charts

Virtual Instruments
  • Mimimoog Model D Synth
    Somewhat complicated, but an interesting way to experience the famous Moog Synthesizer as an app on an iPad!
    Level: High School
    Cost: Free
  • Korg iKaossilator
    Oscillator app that enables students to have fun in a friendly interface. Rhythm and pitch are represented visually in a unique and user-friendly way. You can also export loops as audio and use them in other programs! Fun and intuitive for any student interested in music regardless of their training or experience.
    Level: K-12
    Cost: Free
  • io808
    A web-based version of the famous 808 drum machine heard on so many classic hip-hop songs. A fairly advanced tool, may be best suited to older students.
    Level: High School
    Cost: Free
Printable Worksheets

Share these sites with your students to enable them to complete assignments virtually either with a printer or using a website to mark them up.

  • Teachers Pay Teachers
    64 pages of printable worksheets focused on music composition and vocals that can be shared digitally with your students.
    Cost: Free
  • Making Music Fun
    Music theory in form of printable worksheets and flash cards to use with students in distance learning.
    Cost: Free
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s vast resources of printable lesson plan ideas and assignments for students to use virtually.
    Cost: Free
  • 123 Homeschool for Me
    Printable resources for at home learning with music.
    Cost: Free
  • Boom Cards
    Interactive activity/flash cards that you can integrate with Google Classroom or use with assignments. Email them for free access!
    Cost: Free but you must email help@boomlearning.com for access.
Instrument Creations

Have your students make some fun homemade instruments while they learn at home!

  • Nancy Stewart
    Try these 8 ideas that turn supplies from around the house into basic instruments.
    Level: Elementary
    Cost: Free
  • Patrick Tseng
    Try creating various pitches with different levels of water in bottles.
    Level: Elementary/Middle School
    Cost: Free
  • Felt Magnet Crafts
    52 Homemade instrument ideas for kids.
    Level: Elementary/Middle School
    Cost: Free
Helpful YouTube Channels

We recommend these educational channels with a variety of options for music learners.

  • Dr. Jean
    Energetic music and movement activities for younger students.
    Level: Elementary
  • Ollie Tunmer
    Video series for students at home without formal instruments by Ollie Tunmer utilizing body and junk percussion.
  • Warren Music
    Lesson series featuring ways of learning music using non-traditional methods.
    Level: Middle and High School
  • Dr. Jill Reese
    Ukulele play-alongs organized with easy-to-understand visual and aural representations.
  • Spencer Hale
    Play-alongs for guitar, ukulele, bass, vocals, and more. Features easy-to-follow diagrams of chords with tons of popular music resources and songs. This series was created by a Little Kids Rock team member!
  • Musication
    Early introduction to one-note play-alongs for introductory learners.
    Level: Early Learners
  • Ukulaliens
    Series featuring ukulele lessons and play-alongs.
  • DrumSmart LLC
    Percussion and drum circle activities and lessons by K. Michelle Lewis. This series was created by a Little Kids Rock teacher!
  • Laura Lorentzen
    Various elementary-aged lesson ideas with follow-along videos. These lessons are classically-focused while also including basic music lessons for any genre.
    Level: Elementary
  • Digital Music Teacher
    Elementary Orff lessons with visuals and instructional methods. Instruments are needed for this series!
    Level: Elementary
  • Andy Ramos
    Great modern band ukulele playalongs. Other resources available as well. Andy has a great look and feel to his videos to make it more pleasing to the eye and user-friendly.
  • Kris the Uke Chick Gilbert
    Play-along series for a full modern band and the ukulele. This series was created by a Little Kids Rock teacher!
Streaming Concerts

Use these sites to show your students music concerts without actually being there.

  • WKAR Classical
    Live-streamed concerts (with recordings) from WKAR in Lansing, Michigan. Classically-based concerts.
    Cost: Free
  • Alex Ross
    Various concerts from different genres streaming live and pre-recorded. Updated Daily.
    Cost: Free
  • Do312
    Streaming concerts from various pop artists.
    Cost: Free
  • Berlin Philharmonic
    Great “Digital Concert Hall” with lots of previously-recorded concerts from one of the most famous ensembles of the genre.
    Cost: Free code (BERLINPHIL) to gain unlimited access to all concerts
  • Metropolitan Opera
    Virtual Concerts from the MET Opera.
    Cost: Free
Games

Let’s have some fun!

  • Music Tech Teacher
    Huge number of various music quizzes that have a game feel to them. Note: most of the games here require Adobe Flash Player.
    Cost: Free
  • A Game
    Over 75 music games for students of varying ages and abilities to have fun while learning.
    Level: Elementary and early middle-school
    Cost: Free
  • Piano Pedagogy Plus
    Over 75 music games for students of varying ages and abilities to have fun while learning.
    Level: Elementary and early middle-school
    Cost: Free
  • Staff Wars
    Various quiz-like games that test things like music theory, instrument names, rhythm, and more. Downloads required for both Mac and PC.
    Cost: Free
  • Name that Note
    Basic quiz-like games that test note names on traditional staff notation in both treble and bass clef. Includes the option to employ a timer and score element which creates a bit more fun (as if anyone needed more fun when it comes to music theory!)
    Cost: Free
  • Corridor
    Interactive, game-based music theory and ear training site and app. Includes a virtual classroom element and keeps grading time down with lots of great assignments.
    Cost: Free
  • New York Philharmonic Kids
    Musical games provided by the New York Philharmonic. This site is geared towards younger elementary students providing games that help reinforce instrument names, composers, and various other traditional music ed focused topics.
    Cost: Free
  • Classics for Kids
    Beginner music games for young students.
    Cost: Free
  • San Francisco Symphony
    Fun games provided by the San Francisco Symphony. They have basic instructional resources as well, mostly geared towards younger students.
    Level: Elementary
    Cost: Free
  • PBS Kids Music Games
    Lots of music games that use familiar PBS characters to teach kids the basics of learning music.
    Level: Elementary
    Cost: Free
  • Mazaam the Musical Genius
    Game based app that teachers early elementary students the basics of music in a fun and exciting environment complete with animals and other fun tasks
    Level: Early Elementary
    Cost: Free
  • Music K-8 Kids
    15 games for younger students that deal with a variety of musical concepts. The games are simple and interactive and there other things included like a puzzle, memory challenges, and other videos.
    Level: K-5
    Cost: Free
  • Yamaha Advantage Musical Games
    6 Interactive games dealing with a variety of musical concepts.
    Level: K-6
    Cost: Free
  • Whack a Note
    Musical game of Whack-a-Mole but focused on identifying correct vs. incorrect notes on the staff. This is a fun game that can help reinfornce identifying notes.
    Level: K-8
    Cost: Free
Distance Learning Platforms and Tools

Use these websites to help coordinate your virtual music lessons.

  • Flipgrid
    Teachers can create assignments and record themselves as examples. Students can record themselves singing, playing, etc. Teachers can either keep the videos hidden, or shared between students, who can comment.
    Cost: Free
  • Loom
    Share videos of yourself teaching with an easy-to-use interface enabling users to share their screen and make comments on existing assignments, websites, and presentations.
    Cost: Free
  • PlayPosit
    Make YouTube videos more interesting by stopping to add comments, questions, and direction. You can even disable the fast forward button to make sure that students are getting to hear all that you have to say!
    Cost: Free
  • WeVideo
    Video editing software for educators. Includes the ability to set up classrooms for free with a watermark.
    Cost: Free (watermark edition) for all Educators currently affected
  • Kahoot
    Multiple choice quiz-creation website. Quizzes can be completed in students’ own time. Teachers can include videos and images.
    Cost: Free
  • Quizizz
    Similar to Kahoot, but does not need to be done at a specific time. They already have many quizzes that are music focused for students to complete for assignments.
    Cost: Free
  • EdPuzzle
    Film yourself giving lessons or assignment direction and easily track student comprehension and video views. This site is geared towards self-paced learning where as an educator you can add your own voice narration and questions.
    Cost: Free
  • Zoom
    Zoom online video conferencing has made substantial adjustments to their free account to accommodate for students through July 1st.
    Cost: Free
  • Teach Rock
    Distance and problem-based learning music site for collaborating with students and learning various aspects of music, with a focus on many modern band concepts.
    Level: K-12
    Cost: Free
Music Notation Software

Use these sites to help your students compose and write their won music or transcribe assignments that you give them.

    • Noteflight
      Music notation software that lets you create and collaborate with students on multiple devices. Able to integrate with Google classroom and other learning platforms.
      Cost: Free for all students until the end of the year.

 

    • Musescore
      Music notation software that lets you create and collaborate with students on multiple devices. Able to integrate with Google classroom and other learning platforms.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Dorico SE
      Online notation software that presents an easy entry point to a powerful tool. Note: downloadable program, not web-based.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Flat
      Web-based music notation and instructional software. Usually paid subscription, but free until June 29th, 2020.
      Level: Elementary
      Cost: Free until 6/29

 

    • Mario Paint
      An easy-to-read and easy-to-use music notation site that gamifies music notation for early music learners. Features lots of fun notehead shapes and sounds to play with.
      Level: Elementary
      Cost: Free

 

    • Transpose ▲▼ pitch ▹ speed ▹ loop for videos
      An amazing on-line tool that will allow you and your kids to easily transpose, slow down, speed up or loop music that you love! Quickly find keys that you can play and sing comfortably in! Learn fast parts, played back slowly.
      Here is a video lesson that explains how to use.
      Cost: Free

 

    • Avid
      Avid is offering a 90 day free license for Media Composer Ultimate, Pro Tools, Pro Tools Ultimate, or Sibelius Ultimate.
      Here is a video lesson that explains how to use.
      Level: Middle and High-School
      Cost: Free for 90 Days

 

  • Ear Sketch
    Web-based music notation site that teaches coding through making music.
    Level: High-School
    Cost: Free
Garageband Lessons
  • Smart Instruments in Garageband
    iPad or iPhone Required
  • Recording Electronic Drumbeats in Garageband
    iPad Required
  • Recording Music in Garageband
    Mac Required