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.
This view will look similar to how I set up the camera angle for my Music Game Club video tutorials.
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).
You’ll want to check out her blog post, 3 Easy Ways To Use Printable Games In Online Piano Lessons here.
Playing printable music games for virtual lessons is worth it!
It does take a little maneuvering to initially figure out how to play music games online.
But once you figure it out, it’s just as simple as playing games with in-person students.
And, as we discuss often, music games help motivate your students, bring excitement into your studio, and help with student retention.
Your students who take music lessons long-distance can enjoy these benefits as well!
Do you play music games online?
Comment and let us know your favorite music games to play for virtual lessons!
Do you adapt printable games? Use strictly online games?
Need printable music games for virtual lessons?
When you sign up for Music Game Club, 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!
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Looking for more music game inspiration?
- FREE MUSIC DYNAMICS GAME: DYNAMIC DEN
- HOW TO MAKE TIME FOR MUSIC GAMES IN LESSONS
- HOW TO PLAY MUSIC GAMES WITH ALL STUDENTS & LEVELS
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