Work on their ear training skills and help them identify different timbres, pitch, and dynamics this Halloween. Enjoy making your own Foley sounds, play sound charades, and scare your Halloween party guests.

You’ll also find lots more Halloween music resources below, so read on… if you dare!

Scary Halloween Sounds

1. Ghost Howl

Make haunting groaning sounds in a PVC pipe or cardboard tube. Experiment with different materials. Discuss high pitch and low pitch. Have the kids imitate low groaning sounds and high groaning sounds.

2. Ghost Chains

Take an old bike chain or thick metal chain and drop it in a large metal pot. Try dropping the chains slowly and quickly. Talk about the differences between thin metal chains and thick metal chains.

3. Thunderstorm

Take a large metal sheet and firmly suspend it by wire or rope. Using two soft mallets or wooden spoons covered in fabric, roll on the sheet to make a convincing thundering sound. Strike the sheet with a hard stick for lightening effects. Add a rainstick or water falling in the shower to add extra rain sound effects.

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Music exists in every known culture to man. From indigenous Australian aborigines exploring nature through sound to an elementary schoolroom in Japan learning the Suzuki method to American high schoolers jamming to a hopping jazz tune in New Orleans, each cultural group shares its own unique story through music.

All over the world, children learn music

Japan

The Japanese Suzuki method, widely adopted both in the East and West and created by educator Shinichi Suzuki, educates the whole child using music[2]. Children study music by ear at three years old. They learn in groups, and teachers test them on classical literature. Parents actively involve themselves with their child’s music education, regardless of their own musical background. The combination of parent involvement, ear training, a positive learning environment, and group learning helps Suzuki students mature quickly in music.

Sweden

Swedish schoolchildren create their own rock bands in music class, choose a few snazzy tunes, and jam together[5]. Educators developed this curriculum to counter traditional music education. Kids have fun teaching each other through self-expression and organic ear training.

South Africa

In South Africa a children’s orchestra brings joy to the Sowetto community, where hope is almost nonexistent for youths[5]. Founded by British violist Rosemary Nalden, the ensemble has grown to over 80 members. Children learn to overcome hardship and express themselves through music instead of violence.

Germany & Canada

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At Easy Ear Training, we’re hugely excited about the potential for technology to revolutionise ear training, and we think training apps on smartphones are leading the way. Our newest app release, Step and a Half, is a game which teaches you to understand melodies so that you can play them by ear, write them down, or bring the music you hear in your head out on your instrument.

About Step and a Half

I posted some information about Step and a Half earlier this week – but there’s lots more to tell you! If you missed that post, you can catch up here or watch this video we made to show you the ropes:

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