With printing, cutting, testing, and prepping music games for months now, we have discovered over ten helpful tools for music games that you’ll love.
Now, before I dive into all ten tools for music games, I’ll add that you don’t need all of these tools to begin playing music games today.
I have personally been growing my music game tool collection all year, one piece at a time (my most recent favorite is a paper cutter, but I’ll share more on that later).
In this blog post, I’ll share how you can budget for tools for music games and then give our list of recommendations to get you fully set up for music games in your studio.
How to Budget for Tools for Music Games
Before I get into our list of recommendations, I can hear you asking, “But how can I afford it?”
If you cannot purchase all these tools for music games, there are definitely ways you can work around it so your students can experience the fun of music games.
For example, if you don’t have a budget for a printer, you can take trips to your local print shop.
If you can’t swing a laminator now, you can print on cardstock (which may not last as long, but it is a sturdier option than printing on regular paper).
But one of the best ways you can budget for tools for music games is to include it in your tuition.
Remember that adding music games to your studio adds value–and your students will usually go home with exciting tales about the fun they had at music class, which parents always love to hear.
So if you’re wanting to plan to play more music games in your studio, calculate the total expected price of purchasing music games and the tools for music games.
Divide it by the number of students you have and raise your rates by that specific amount.
+ $500 (for everything on our list–a teacher can dream ;))
/ 35 students
= $17.41
This means that if each student pays $20 extra for the year, you can easily afford music games and all of the equipment to keep your games organized and in good condition!
Then, once you’re set up for music games, refills for ink, paper, and laminator paper are a lower price each year.
Also remember that these are all tax write-offs, so you can include it in your studio purchases.
So now that I have distracted you with math… let’s get to the fun part: shopping!
10+ Tools for Music Games
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When we knew we’d have tons of games to print testing for Music Game Club, we did a lot of printer research, and cartridge-free printers seem to be the most cost-efficient. The ink lasts longer and is super easy to replace.
I made the mistake of printing a set of music games on regular paper. You probably know what happened: they bend easily and don’t last long. To ensure your music games last longer, you will want to print them on cardstock … and for even more sturdiness, finish it out with lamination.
To extend the shelf life of your game even more, laminate it. A laminator is very simple to use and can be quite addicting! Laminator sheets are also inexpensive to keep on hand so you’re always ready to go.
This paper cutter is top on my list because it has saved me SO much time (not to mention saving my hands from cramping). I’m pretty sure it paid for itself in just one month, given how much time it saved me.
Because there are a lot of cards in Music Game Club games, you’ll be doing a lot of straight cutting. This guillotine paper cutter saves time because you can stack up to 10 pages (5 cardstock), line it up, and with one cut you’re done (literally, in as much time as it took you to read that).
Now, think about how long it would have taken to scissors-cut just one side of ten pages?
The paper cutter can only do so much, and you still might need some hand-held scissors for curves. It is worth saving your hands to get a pair that is comfortable! Try these out!
Our music games use minimal tape, but tape is a great commodity for any music studio. We especially love the sturdy desktop dispenser that makes it easy to pull tape and cut.
For the longest time, I kept music games scattered around in semi-organized piles per game.
These plastic envelopes make it easy to keep all of one game in a neat unit AND I love that it is visible so you can easily see what game you’re storing.
This is a must-have for me! Because Music Game Club’s game pieces are fold-and-tape so they can stand upright on the board, this means that they’ll easily get squished if you slip them into a folder or envelope.
These storage boxes fit all 8 of the game pieces perfectly (with room for a little more if needed) and keep you from having to remake game pieces as often.
You can add even more educational angles by using dry-erase markers. If your games are laminated, then your students can draw helpful notes as they figure out the answer.
Also, if you don’t want to print a new activity for each student (which is included in every music game), print 1 activity, slip into a page protector, and have students write their answers with dry-erase markers. When the next student comes, wipe the page clean and start over. This saves you time and paper.
This is not a necessity, but it is an extreme nicety to have in the studio! Students do very well if they can visualize the staff and piano keys, and this piano dry-erase board does both.
Stay updated with our favorite tools for music games!
Rebekah shares these easy music game tips in this quick, 3-minute video.
But you can also read the break-down below.
1) Have the game board & cards facing the student
If you’re playing one-on-one with a student, remember to point the game board in their direction.
This means you’ll be playing upside down. 😉
This is a simple way to make the music game experience the best possible for your student.
2) Make sure multiple students are spaced evenly around the board
If you’re playing a music game with a group of students, be sure they are all spaced around the board evenly.
Often, more aggressive and extroverted students will put themselves in a prime spot because they are so into the game.
Meanwhile, your more shy and introverted students might back up.
Don’t make too big a deal about it so as to embarrass your shy students, but do try to be cognizant of your students’ position around the board.
You want all students to have an equal chance and no one to have an advantage because of position.
3) Read instructions and play the game ahead of time
The best way to make music games go smoothly is to be prepared.
Definitely read through the game instructions before you plan on playing the game in lessons (at Music Game Club, we try to make this as easy for you as possible and have music game video tutorials so you can watch how the gameplay goes in about 10 minutes).
Be sure you understand the gameplay and even some potential questions your students may have.
If possible, go a step further and actually play the game with your spouse or another teacher.
You might also want to practice explaining the gameplay.
Remember that the first time you play a music game with students will always be the slowest as you’re explaining both the gameplay and how to review the theory concepts with your students.
4) Keep the directions close by
You never know when a student might throw off you with a question.
Hopefully, though, if you followed tip #3, you’ll be well-prepared and know the answers to all their questions.
But if not, having the directions nearby so you can skim and get your answer.
We always have Music Game Club instructions formatted to print on the back of the success poster so that it’s both nearby to help you out and ready for celebration.
5) Play a music theory game every lesson
Music games are not a waste of time.
Instead, they give the student a fun way to review music theory–sometimes without the student even realizing they’re getting in theory review!
We also like music theory games because they end lessons on a high note.
Students will leave the lesson smiling and pumped about their lesson experience (which parents always love to see!).
6) Always check students’ answers
This may be an obvious music game tip, but sometimes students shout out a super confident answer… but it’s wrong!
So while you want students to have fun, remember that music theory games are also educational and the purpose is to review correct music concepts.
At the same time, you do want to be considerate of more sensitive students.
If penalties for a wrong answer are too discouraging, then walk the student through getting the correct answer and still let them move forward.
7) Don’t be scared to play harder theory concepts in music games
Music theory games are a great educational tool.
Even if you think your student is “not quite ready” for a certain concept, they can still play a game and learn!
Music theory games are the perfect place in which to introduce your student to a new theory concept, even if they won’t use it in music for months or years.
Because playing games allows students to learn concepts better, this means that music theory games provide a solid foundation for students to be introduced to those harder theory concepts.
What easy music game tips for teachers do you have?
Comment and share what you wished you knew as a younger teacher… or what is working really well for you right now!
Many piano teachers are experimenting with group lessons, and therefore wondering how to play music games in group piano lessons.
There are many benefits to teaching group piano lessons, which I will not include in this blog post, as I would like to instead focus on incorporating music games in group piano lessons.
But to sum it up, group piano lessons are wonderful because…
It gives piano students a sufficient, full-music experience
Students learn from each other rather than just the teacher
Teachers are able to help more students in their limited time
If you are interested in learning more about teaching group piano lessons, check out GroupIlluminatED.
I’m not a group piano expert; however, I do know Music Game Club games inside and out and how you can play music games in group piano lessons.
Why you should add music games in group piano lessons
Music games aren’t a waste of time.
Instead, a good music game will teach the student and solidify their understanding of music theory concepts.
Playing games also helps build good student rapport and can help build student retention.
Adding music games in group piano lessons is really simple: Schedule time for music games.
Remember your goal in teaching music is to give the students a well-rounded experience of both knowledge and application.
One of the benefits of pairing students is that they can learn from each other instead of just you as a teacher.
Instead of you, the teacher, making sure each student gets the right answer, because the students are confirming the answer of their classmates, it will strengthen their observation skills and help them know the correct answers inside and out, which will speed up their retention process.
You can choose to pair your students with a strong/weak knowledge base or students of similar level, depending on the need.
If you want to, you can host a competition that lasts for several weeks where the losers are eliminated and the winners compete against each other until you have two students left.
This will build excitement in your studio as students cheer their peers on.
2) Get a game that involves all students
Some music theory games are created with groups in mind (such as Starfish Staff and Froggy Fifths), and you can have all of your students playing at the same time.
Depending on the game, you may need to prepare a little more game time in order for everyone to have time to have a shot at winning the game.
Playing a music theory group game is ideal because all of the students are observing as their opponents play.
This can build great rapport between your students and they will also benefit from learning from their peers.
3) Choose music theory games that introduce a concept
If you’re about to work on composition, introducing dotted rhythm, or learning new key signatures, use a music theory game to introduce the concept before you lead your group piano students into the new concept.
4) Choose music theory games that review a concept
If you’re in the middle of a busy season and need a little bit of a break, give your students a music theory game that covers a concept they already know (I mean, all students need regular practice with rhythm and note reading).
Tips for playing music theory games in group piano lessons
If you’re ready to play music games in group piano lessons, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Verbally reinforce correct answer and any tips to help student find or confirm correct answer – students will hear this over and over and helps with retention
Reinforce good sportsmanship. Some students are very competitive and may always want to win and may get upset if they don’t. Reinforce the excitement of the winner and acknowledge that everyone did their best and we should always congratulate winner and not be mad or grumpy because we didn’t win (though those are valid feelings and students may feel a certain negative way, it’s a good life skill to be able to feel upset that you didn’t win but congratulate someone else who did win; it might be helpful to point out that some luck is involved – not just pure knowledge/correct answer).
When playing on a team, decide if your students can help their teammates
Always remind students if they get the answer wrong it’s ok
It’s good to pair faster students with slower students (reaction times) and more advanced with beginners so teams are even and representation is broad
What tips would you add to this list? We’d love to hear, so add your thoughts in a comment!
Music Game Club for group piano lessons
At Music Game Club, we strive to make our music theory games as adaptable and versatile as possible.
We understand that many teachers have both private and group piano studios and we want you to get as much value from each music game as possible.
Because my ear was so good, I was able to slip my way through piano books 1-3 without actually counting.
I was in John Thompson 4 when my teacher realized I didn’t actually know note values and how to count music and I could no longer fake my way by how I thought it should sound rhythmically.
Needless to say, there were quite a few tears shed through the music of John Thompson 4 as I had to meticulously count my way through the challenging pieces.
Do you have a student like me?
Those who can fake their way through counting?
Or maybe you have a student who still struggles to remember note and rest values.
If so, then a rhythm music theory game just might be a great solution.
What is Counting Caterpillars Rhythm Music Theory Game?
Counting Caterpillars will help your students build measures with correct rhythms so their caterpillars can metamorphosize into beautiful butterflies!
But life isn’t that easy, even in a rhythm music theory game.
Three challenge cards can either aid your counting caterpillar or hinder them (everyone wants the Metamorphosis card but are scared of the Rainy Day and Windstorm!).
The only extra prep you’ll have to do is printing one game board per player.
If you have limited playing time, you can assign a time signature token to each student instead of them trying to work through all four time signatures.
If you are playing with more than 6 students, you may need to print an extra set of cards or divide the students into two smaller groups.
Counting Caterpillars Music Game Success Poster
We believe that celebrating with a success poster will build student rapport!
The students have a goal to work toward (taking a picture with the success poster) and you can send the picture to the parents as a way to showcase what their child has achieved during lessons.
It’s a win-win!
These also give you great material for social media posts (be sure to tag @musicgameclub so we can celebrate with your kiddos!).
Counting Caterpillars Rhythm Music Theory Game Activity Sheet
Once the student has completed the Counting Caterpillars game, you can further help them solidify their music theory knowledge with the activity sheet (included with membership).
We like to combine art with our music activities, so you’ll often find our activity sheets with an artistic angle.
For Counting Caterpillars, the students will color-by-time-signature.
This will help familiarize them with the different time signatures.
More Ways to Play Counting Caterpillars Rhythm Music Theory Game
There are 42 note and rest value cards to give you multiple opportunities to play rhythm cards games.
Here are two game ideas I love.
1. Counting Caterpillars Battle Rhythm Game
Remove specialty cards.
Divide the rhythm cards evenly between two players.
Each player flips up their top card.
The note or rest with the highest value wins and that player collects both cards.
If the players flip up the same note value, it’s a “battle.”
There are two ways to win a battle.
First, each player flips up a second card and that highest card wins.
Second, the players can lay down three cards face down (“bonus cards” for the winner) and flip up a fourth card to see who wins the battle.
You can determine which variation you prefer.
When all the cards have been played, the player with the most cards wins.
Or, if you have plenty of time to keep going, the players use their “winning stack” to go against each other again until one player ends up with all the cards.
2. Music Math Rhythm Game
This is a great group game alternative.
Remove specialty cards.
Deal each student the same number of cards (you can decide if it’s 3 cards, 5, 7, 10, etc.).
At “go!” all students look at their cards and start counting up how many counts they have in their hand.
For added fun, put a bell in the middle of the students and the player who figures out their cards first can ring the bell, lay down their cards, and give the total number of counts in their hand.
If you have friendly competition in your studio, you can track who has the most counts in their hand and add them up over a few rounds.
Do you have more gameplay ideas?
Let us know! We love experimenting with our games and hearing what you do!
Behind the Scenes of Counting Caterpillars Rhythm Music Theory Game
You know we like our “behind the scenes” development pictures! It never ceases to delight me how our sketches are transformed by Kristen and her team into a beautiful, timeless music theory game!
Want Music Game Club membership?
When you sign up for Music Game Club membership, you will not only get the game of the month (like Counting Caterpillars), but you’ll always receive:
A monthly music game (formatted for 8.5” x 11” and A4 printing)
An exclusive Music Game Club membership group
Video tutorials
Themed success posters to go with the monthly game
Bonus activity review sheet
Bonus tutorial videos with extra gameplay ideas
The membership is only $9.97/month and you did read all of the above correctly.
You get so much that will help you boost student morale and make you a favorite music teacher this year.
You won’t lose the momentum and excitement all year!
Your students will start anticipating the first of every month to see what new game you will thrill them with!
We recently got a question about how to play printable games in virtual lessons.
Since I teach music lessons strictly virtually, I wanted to do a blog post to show you how easy it is to adapt Music Game Club games for online lessons.
Before I do that, I will briefly acknowledge that there are some great digital music games for teachers to use.
However, if you’re like me and want to get the most out of all your studio investments (including music games), here are 3 ways you can adapt a regular printable game to use in virtual lessons.
What you need to play printable music games in virtual lessons
I like keeping things basic in my music studio without a lot of bells and whistles.
And playing printable music games in virtual lessons is no different.
The only equipment I recommend for this is something you should already have on hand if you teach virtual lessons: a tripod.
And then, of course, you will need to actually print the music theory games you have decided to play in your studio.
What I love about using printable music games in virtual lessons, is that you can use the same game for your in-person students and your virtual students.
All you have to do is tweak your setup and you’re good to go.
It’s really that simple!
Option 1: Play printable music games in virtual lessons on a table or floor
Set up your music game like you would for an in-person student (on the table or floor) and set up a tripod to point your camera to give an “overhead view” of the game.
You can draw the cards for your student and hold it up close to the camera so they can see it.
Like any other student, they identify the correct musical answer and then you can move their game piece for them (if required for the game).
Other gameplays might require a little more creativity and your student will have to tell you “move up once, left twice.”
I know you’ll figure out how to communicate moves with your student.
If you’re keeping track of scores with a scoreboard, have it visible in the camera view.
Basically, your goal is to give your student the full-game experience.
Help them see what they need to see so they can have as much fun as possible.
I played Stacking Snowmen virtually with a violin student.
I drew a card and held up the snowman part, she’d tell me how many counts were in it, and I’d build the snowmen for her.
If there were two snowmen being built for one meter (e.g. 4/4), I’d ask which one she wanted it to go on, and she’d tell me, “The one on the left/right” so I wasn’t making those decisions for her.
When a snowman was complete, I’d bring the camera closer to the snowman so she could clap and count the entire snowman.
It worked very well and her dotted rhythms are so much better!
Because of that, I think it is invaluable to play music theory games with virtual students!
It is worth the effort to figure out how to adapt a printable music game.
Option 2: Have your student print a music game
For this, you need to be sure that the music game you’re purchasing allows you to print multiple copies for your students.
Otherwise, you will need to have them purchase the game (just like you’d have them purchase a music book).
This is basically the same idea as you playing the game with your student from above, but this time, your student has control of the cards and gameboard.
You can walk them through how to play the game and play it together with them moving the pieces and drawing the cards.
Some students might prefer this more in-depth, hands-on game experience.
An added bonus to this is that your student can also play the game anytime they want for practice time!
If they have the music game in their house, they just might play it every day!
Option 3: Use Printable Music Games for Virtual Lessons with Magnets
Maybe you think tripods and game setups are too much for you and want a different approach.
Fellow music teacher and creator, Melody Payne, has written an excellent blog post with even more ideas utilizing a magnetic whiteboard and magnets (whether its magnetic pockets, printable magnetic paper, or just plain magnets).
Do you have some new students who need a lines and spaces music theory game?
Or maybe you have students who know their lines and spaces and need a note naming music game.
Starfish Staff is a music theory game that applies well to both scenarios! Let me show you how…
What is Starfish Staff Note Naming Game?
Starfish Staff will take your students through a coral reef as they bounce from pearl to pearl and learn their lines & spaces or note names (or both!).
But be careful! There are blue crabs and sea turtles waiting to attack and send your starfish backward!
You will get the digital file to print and laminate (optional) for your music studio in both letter size (US) and A4 size (international).
Music Game Club members will also get:
Starfish Staff activity sheets in 2 sizes: US Letter & A4
Poster-sized game board
Tutorial videos with bonus gameplay ideas
Membership is only open twice a year. Check out our membership page here for more details.
How to Play Starfish Staff Lines and Spaces Music Theory Game
Playing Starfish Staff is easy. Players choose their favorite color starfish and then take turns flipping cards.
Players move forward the number line or space their card indicates (e.g. a pearl on the first space means move forward one; a pearl on the fourth line means move forward four).
Watch our video tutorial to see how easy it is to play!
One of the great aspects of Starfish Staff is that you can have multiple students playing at various levels.
A younger student who is just learning how to count the lines and spaces (which, by the way, I count them from bottom to top, but this game also works if you count from Middle C) can easily play with a student who knows their note names.
How to Play Starfish Staff Lines and Spaces Music Theory Game for Group Music Lessons
Starfish Staff is a naturally adaptable music theory game for group lessons. It can be played with just one student or six.
You might be able to cram even more players in there if you find more game pieces.
If you’d like to print the game board larger, test out the settings on your printer!
We believe that celebrating with a success poster will build student rapport!
The students have a goal to work toward (taking a picture with the success poster) and you can send the picture to the parents as a way to showcase what their child has achieved during lessons.
It’s a win-win!
These also give you great material for social media posts (be sure to tag @musicgameclub so we can celebrate with your kiddos!).
Lines & Spaces Music Activity Sheet
Once the student has completed the game, you can further help them solidify their music theory knowledge with the activity sheet (included with membership).
We like to combine art with our music activities, so you’ll often find our activity sheet with a coloring activity.
For Starfish Staff, the activity sheet is a connect-the-dots coloring page.
You can then assign the student to draw notes on the blank staff provided below (this gives them great practice carefully drawing the notes exactly in the line or space as needed!).
For younger students, all they have to do is draw the notes.
However, if you have older students, you can also ask them to draw the note names for every single note, bottom to top!
More Ways to Play Starfish Staff Lines and Spaces Music Theory Game
Here are some alternative gameplay ideas for Starfish Staff.
Matching Music Game
Print two sets of the Starfish Staff cards. Lay them face down on the table and have students play a matching game. You can sort the cards to feature just treble clef or just bass clef notes if desired.
Go Fish Game
Print two sets of the Starfish Staff cards. Deal 5 cards to each player and play “Go Fish” but where the students call out “Do you have a treble clef D” or “Do you have a bass clef space 1 card?” This will also help your students quickly identify bass and treble clefs.
Do you have more gameplay ideas? Let us know! We love experimenting with our games and hearing what you do!
Behind the Scenes
We are extremely proud of the artwork our artist, Kristen McHenry, does and oversees for us.
Here are some pictures of the development of Starfish Staff!
Get Starfish Staff
Originally our January 2023 Music Game Club membership music theory game, Starfish Staff is now available for anyone to purchase in our shop.
