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Chant And Play

Your Homeschool Music Tutor

  • About Chant and Play Music 🎶✨
    • New Lessons
    • Music for Homeschoolers
    • Music for Homeschool Groups
  • Handbells
    • Rhythm Flash Cards
    • Handbells Music Lesson 1
    • Handbells Music Lesson 2
    • Handbells Music Lesson 3
    • Handbells Music Lesson 4
    • Handbells Music Lesson 5
  • Xylophone
    • Xylophone Music Lesson 1
    • Xylophone Music Lesson 2
  • Rhythm Flash Cards
  • Beginning Chant
  • Vocal Warmups
  • Solfege

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Beginning Chant

February 26, 2025 by Ana Perez

Below, I have created a self-paced beginning chant curriculum that I am following. This is a great study guide for beginners of chant.

Hello, I am on my journey to learning chant alongside you. I began this journey while learning about the Liturgy of the Hours at the Oblate School of Theology. Since then, I’ve been listening to Sing the Hours. I’m also practicing my basic Latin grammar and learning about Gregorian chant.

Like you, I am also beginning chant from scratch. I find great pleasure in learning chants while tutoring young music students.

Below, I have created a self-paced curriculum that I am following. I plan to revise it as needed so it will be helpful to the readers of Chant and Play. In the future, I look forward to integrating chant into the Chant and Play music program.

Here’s a simple study plan for beginners learning Catholic Gregorian Chant:

Introduction to Gregorian Chant

  • Read: Basic history and purpose of Gregorian chant in the Catholic Church.
  • Listen: Examples of Gregorian chants (e.g., Salve Regina, Kyrie Eleison).
  • Practice: Singing simple melodies using solfège (do-re-mi).
  • Resource: Liber Usualis (online version) for reference.

Understanding Neumes & Notation

  • Learn: Square notation and 4-line staff system.
  • Study: Simple neumes (punctum, virga, podatus, clivis).
  • Resource: Introduction to Gregorian Chant Notation (online tutorials).

Modes and Scales

  • Learn: The 8 Gregorian modes (Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, etc.).
    • Basic Introduction to the Ecclesiastical Modes 
    • MODES: How to Understand & Actually Use Them Music Theory 
    • Gregorian Modes 

Latin Pronunciation & Chanting Techniques

  • Study: Ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation rules.
  • Practice: Pronouncing common chant texts
    • Pater Noster 
    • Ave Maria 
    • Rosary Tonus Solemnis 
    • Angelus v1 
    • Litany of Loreto 

Rhythm & Interpretation

  • Learn: Gregorian chant rhythm (no strict meter, flowing speech-like phrasing). 
  • Practice: Reading chants with ictus (beat indication).
  • Resource: Videos on Solesmes method (most widely accepted chant interpretation).

Singing the Mass Ordinaries

  • Study: Common Gregorian Mass parts (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei).
  • Practice: Singing one simple setting (e.g., Missa de Angelis).

Chanting the Divine Office

  • Learn: Structure of the Liturgy of the Hours (e.g., Lauds, Vespers, Compline).
  • Practice: Singing simple psalm tones and antiphons.
    • What is an Antiphon? Video 
    • What is a Psalm Tone? Video 
    • Psalm Tones Modes, Eight and Two 
  • Sing: The Salve Regina or another Marian antiphon.

📚 Books on Gregorian Chant

🔹 Learning About Gregorian Chant By The Monastic Choir of St. Peter’s Abbey of Solesmes

Alternative (VIDEOS): 

  • Overview History Part I 
  • Part II 

🔹 The Song of Prayer: A Practical Guide to Gregorian Chant By (author) The Community of Jesus 

🔹Latin Grammar: For the Reading of the Missal and Breviary
Author: Cora Carroll Scanlon, AM, Charles L. Scanlon, AM


📱 Apps & Digital Resources

🎼 Chant Notation & Music Practice

  • ✅ Liber Pro (iOS) – Liber Usualis 
  • ✅ Neumz (iOS) – Listen to daily chant with notation.
  • ✅ GregoBase (Web) – https://gregobase.selapa.net – Free database of Gregorian chant scores.
  • ✅ Square Note: Gregorian Chant (iOS & Android) – A digital chant book with audio playback. 

📖 Liturgical Chant Resources

  • ✅ Divinum Officium (Web & Mobile) – https://divinumofficium.com – Daily Latin chants for the Divine Office.
  • ✅ Universalis (iOS, Android, Web) – Modern Liturgy of the Hours with chant support.
  • ✅ iBreviary (iOS & Android) – Latin and English Breviary with occasional chant audio.

🎓 Online Courses on Gregorian Chant

Basic & Introductory Courses

✅ “Introduction to Gregorian Chant” – Musica Sacra (Free)

  • Website: https://musicasacra.com
  • Covers notation, Latin pronunciation, rhythm, and simple chants.

✅ “How to Read and Sing Gregorian Chant” – Corpus Christi Watershed (Free)

  • Website: https://www.ccwatershed.org/gregorian/ 
  • Offers a series of tutorial videos and chant PDFs. 

Beginning Chant

If you are still needing convincing on beginning chant, here’s a quick explanation. Learning Gregorian chant helps Catholic homeschoolers grow in faith. It links them to the Church’s musical history and enhances prayer through sacred song. Its simple, calming melodies boost focus and memory. They also help you appreciate Latin, the Church’s historic language. Chant builds unity among generations of Catholics. They have worshiped with this music for centuries. Also, it is a lovely and calm way to show kids liturgical worship. This makes the Mass and Divine Office more special in their spiritual lives.

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Xylophone Music Lesson 2

February 17, 2025 by Ana Perez

Welcome to the Xylophone Music Lesson 2 for weeks 5 – 8. If you haven’t yet completed lesson 1 be sure to complete that lesson and the rhythm flash cards lesson before moving on to this lesson. See the Xylophone syllabus for an overview of all the lessons.

🎶 Weeks 5-8: Playing Full Songs & Rhythm Practice

Playing full songs:

  • “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
  • “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Introducing rhythm:

  • Clapping beats before playing
  • Using simple 1-2 counting

Fun activities:

  • “Freeze Play” (play when teacher says “Go,” stop when “Freeze!”)
  • “Bell Swap” (kids trade bells to play different notes)

Xylophone Music Lesson 2

If you’re enjoying these lessons, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.


Chant and Play helps parents and tutors introduce young kids to music. It uses simple and fun methods. This resource is based on Charlotte Mason’s education philosophy. It promotes a natural and playful way to learn solfege, rhythm, and singing. Chant and Play provides useful tools for starting a child’s music journey or making lessons more fun. These tools help build musical confidence and appreciation.

The Charlotte Mason approach to teaching music is gentle and joyful. It’s perfect for homeschoolers. Instead of rote memorization or strict lessons, this method helps kids develop their musical ear. They do this through singing, movement, and hands-on exploration. By using solfege, living songs, and playful activities, children create a strong musical foundation. This process feels natural and fun.

For homeschooling parents looking for a simple yet effective way to bring music into your home, explore Music for Homeschoolers. For tutors or co-op leaders seeking resources to teach music in a group setting, visit Music for Homeschool Groups.

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Xylophone Music Lesson 1

February 15, 2025 by Ana Perez

Welcome to Xylophone Music Lesson 1. This first lesson can be done at any pace for weeks 1 – 4 of lessons. See the Xylophone Syllabus for an overview of all the lessons.

Before getting started by sure to go through and master the Rhythm Flash Cards.

🎶 Weeks 1-4: Xylophone Basics & First Notes

  • ✅ First song: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” (first two lines only)
  • ✅ Learning how to hold and play the keys
  • ✅ Introducing color-coded notes (matching keys with a chart)

✅ Fun activities:

  • “Find the Color” game
  • “Echo Play” (teacher plays a note, kids repeat)

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Vocal Warmups and Solfege

February 15, 2025 by Ana Perez

The Importance of Teaching Vocal Warmups and Solfege to Young Children

Vocal Warmups and Solfege

Music is a language all its own, and just like spoken language, it’s best learned from an early age. Whether you’re a parent teaching your child at home or a tutor guiding young students, incorporating vocal warmups and solfege into music lessons can make a profound difference. These foundational techniques help children develop a strong musical ear, build confidence, and lay the groundwork for future musical success.

Why Vocal Warmups Matter

Vocal warmups are just as essential for young singers as stretching is for athletes. Here’s why:

  1. Prepares the Voice – Just like any muscle, the vocal cords need preparation before singing to avoid strain or discomfort.
  2. Improves Breath Control – Deep breathing and controlled exhalation exercises help children support their voices better.
  3. Enhances Clarity and Projection – Articulation exercises improve diction and vocal tone.
  4. Encourages Confidence – Fun, engaging warmups help children feel comfortable using their voices.

Simple warmups like humming, lip trills, and sirens (sliding up and down in pitch) make singing feel natural and enjoyable. Games and playful approaches keep children engaged while gently strengthening their vocal abilities.

Solfege Hand SignsDownload

The Power of Solfege

Solfege (Do-Re-Mi) is a time-tested method of teaching pitch and ear training. It’s a fundamental part of music education, and here’s why it’s especially helpful for young learners:

  1. Develops Pitch Accuracy – Singing notes with solfege syllables trains children to recognize and reproduce pitches correctly.
  2. Builds Musical Memory – Associating syllables with specific pitches strengthens a child’s ability to remember and recall melodies.
  3. Lays the Foundation for Sight-Singing – Reading music becomes easier when children can associate notes with familiar sounds.
  4. Makes Learning Engaging – Using hand signs or movement with solfege helps reinforce concepts in a multisensory way.

Charlotte Mason’s Approach to Music Education

Charlotte Mason, a pioneer in education, emphasized a gentle, natural approach to learning music. Her method aligns beautifully with teaching solfege to young children by making music an enjoyable and organic part of their daily lives.

  1. Short, Consistent Lessons – Keep music lessons brief but frequent to maintain attention and retention.
  2. Learning by Ear – Encourage children to listen and imitate rather than relying on written music too soon.
  3. Singing First – Children should experience music through singing before moving on to instruments or written notation.
  4. Foster a Love for Music – Instead of rigid drills, make solfege and warmups fun through songs, rhymes, and play.

Making It Fun and Engaging

Children learn best through play and exploration. Here are some tips for making vocal warmups and solfege enjoyable:

  • Use Games – Try call-and-response exercises or musical “Simon Says.”
  • Incorporate Movement – Hand signs, clapping, or stepping to beats reinforce learning.
  • Sing Familiar Songs – Applying solfege to well-known tunes makes learning feel natural.
  • Be Playful – Funny voices, silly sounds, and imaginative storytelling keep young learners engaged.

Conclusion

Vocal Warmups and Solfege

Teaching vocal warmups and solfege to young children sets the stage for a lifelong love of music. These simple yet powerful techniques nurture their musical abilities, improve listening skills, and boost confidence. By following a natural and playful approach—especially one inspired by Charlotte Mason—you can help your child or students develop a strong musical foundation while keeping learning joyful and engaging. So warm up those voices, sing some Do-Re-Mis, and enjoy the magic of music together!

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Music for Homeschool Groups

February 8, 2025 by Ana Perez

Here’s a FREE music program tailored for homeschool groups, organizations, gatherings, and co-ops!

Music for Homeschool Groups

The Ultimate Music Guide for Homeschool Organizations and Co-Ops 🎶🏡

Music is more than just a fun activity—it’s a powerful educational tool that brings homeschool communities together while fostering creativity and personal growth. If your homeschool organization, gathering, or co-op is looking to enrich its curriculum, music education is a fantastic place to start! At Chant and Play Music, we’re committed to making music accessible, engaging, and free for homeschool groups everywhere. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of incorporating music into your co-op activities, how it enhances children’s academic and personal development, and practical ways to make it a part of your community’s learning experience.


Why Homeschool Organizations Should Prioritize Music Education 🎵

Music isn’t just for future musicians—it’s for every learner! Studies show that engaging in music education can lead to improved academic performance, better social skills, and increased self-esteem. Here’s why introducing music to your homeschool group can be transformative:

  • ✅ Boosts Brain Development – Musical activities stimulate the brain, leading to better memory, problem-solving abilities, and higher cognitive skills. Children who participate in music also tend to excel in math and reading.
  • ✅ Enhances Social and Emotional Growth – Group music activities foster a sense of community and teamwork, helping children develop empathy, cooperation, and confidence. Singing and playing together creates bonds and nurtures friendships.
  • ✅ Builds Focus and Discipline – Learning an instrument or practicing rhythms teaches patience, attention to detail, and perseverance—skills that are valuable across all areas of learning and life.
  • ✅ Encourages Creativity and Expression – Music allows children to express themselves freely, which can be especially valuable in a group setting where sharing and collaborating are key.
  • ✅ Strengthens Communication Skills – Singing, listening, and rhythm exercises enhance language development and listening skills, making children more effective communicators.

How to Incorporate Music into Your Homeschool Co-Op or Gathering 🎼

Adding music to your homeschool group doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some simple ways to weave it into your activities:

🎤 Start with Group Vocal Warm-Ups – Begin your sessions with fun vocal exercises or sing-alongs to build excitement and get everyone involved. Warm-ups help train the ear and strengthen the voice.

🥁 Explore Rhythm Through Group Activities – Use clapping games, rhythm sticks, or simple percussion instruments to introduce basic rhythmic patterns. Consider having a “rhythm circle,” where each child takes turns leading the beat.

🎹 Introduce Instruments – Offer a variety of easy-to-play instruments, like handbells, tambourines, or recorders. Rotate instruments so each child gets a chance to explore different sounds and techniques.

📖 Teach Music Theory Through Games – Make music theory interactive by playing musical games like “note matching” or “musical scavenger hunts.” This helps children learn through play while understanding key concepts.

🎧 Include Listening and Movement – Play different types of music and encourage kids to move, dance, or draw what they hear. This develops active listening and creative thinking.


Partner with Chant and Play Music – Free Resources for Homeschool Groups! 🎶

At Chant and Play Music, we provide free, structured music programs that can easily be adapted for homeschool organizations, gatherings, and co-ops. Our program includes:

  • ✔️ Music Theory Essentials – Notes, rhythm, and musical patterns
  • ✔️ Group Vocal Warm-Ups and Singing – Encouraging vocal development and teamwork
  • ✔️ Instrument Exploration – Engaging with various instruments for hands-on learning
  • ✔️ Fun, Collaborative Activities – Rhythm games, listening challenges, and group performances

Music brings people together, builds community, and enriches the educational experience. By incorporating music into your homeschool co-op or gathering, you’re creating an inclusive and joyful learning environment where every child can thrive.

🔔 Ready to bring the joy of music to your homeschool community? Join Chant and Play Music today and let’s make music together! 🎵✨

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Music for Homeschoolers

February 8, 2025 by Ana Perez

Welcome to Music for Homeschoolers, crafted by a homeschooling family. A music adventure await your family here at Chant and Play.

Music for Homeschoolers
Photo by PNW Production: Pexels

The Ultimate Music Guide for Homeschool Families: Why Learning Music Matters 🎶🏡

Music is more than just a fun activity—it’s a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and personal growth. If you’re a homeschool family looking to provide your child with a well-rounded education, music should be a key part of your curriculum.

At Chant and Play Music, we’re passionate about making music accessible, engaging, and free for homeschoolers everywhere! In this guide, we’ll explore why learning music is essential. How music benefits your child academically and beyond. Finally, how you can easily integrate it into your homeschool routine.


Why Homeschool Families Should Prioritize Music Education 🎵

Music isn’t just for kids who want to become musicians—it’s for every child! Research shows that learning music enhances brain development and boosts skills in math, reading, and memory. It also fosters discipline, patience, and creativity—all essential skills for life. Here’s why music is a game-changer for homeschool families:

Music for Homeschoolers
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: Pexels
  • ✅ Boosts Brain Development – Studies show that children who engage in music have stronger memory, problem-solving skills, and higher IQ scores. Music activates both the left and right sides of the brain, making learning more effective.
  • ✅ Improves Math and Language Skills – Rhythm and musical patterns strengthen early math concepts, while singing and listening to music enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and pronunciation.
  • ✅ Enhances Focus and Discipline – Learning an instrument teaches kids patience, concentration, and goal-setting, skills that translate to better study habits and overall academic performance.
  • ✅ Encourages Creativity and Self-Expression – Whether through singing, playing an instrument, or composing simple melodies, music allows kids to express their emotions and ideas in a unique way.
  • ✅ Promotes Social and Emotional Growth – Even in a homeschool setting, music provides opportunities for collaboration, teamwork, and emotional expression, helping children develop confidence and social skills.

How to Easily Incorporate Music Into Your Homeschool Routine 🎼

The best part about music education? It doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some simple ways to add music to your homeschool curriculum:

🎤 Start with Vocal Warm-Ups – Singing simple scales and songs helps train the ear, improve vocal control, and build confidence. Warm-ups can be as fun as singing along to favorite tunes or using silly vocal exercises.

🥁 Teach Rhythm with Everyday Objects – Rhythm is the foundation of music, and it can be practiced using clapping, tapping, or even kitchen utensils as drums! Try using rhythm flashcards to help children recognize and play basic beats.

🎹 Learn to Play an Instrument – Start with easy-to-learn instruments like handbells, recorders, or ukuleles. These instruments help children develop coordination and musical understanding without overwhelming them.

📖 Explore Music Theory Through Games – Instead of memorizing notes and symbols, turn learning into a game! Matching note values to colors, using flashcards, or playing “music bingo” are great ways to make music theory fun and engaging.

🎧 Listen to Different Styles of Music – Expose your child to classical, jazz, folk, and world music to help them appreciate different musical traditions. Encourage them to describe how each piece makes them feel to enhance their listening skills.

Mom and Daughter Playing Music
Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics: Pexels

Join Chant and Play Music – A Free Online Music Program for Homeschoolers! 🎶

At Chant and Play Music, we offer a free, easy-to-follow music program designed for homeschool families. Our lessons cover:

  • ✔️ Music Theory Basics – Learning notes, rhythm, and patterns
  • ✔️ Vocal Warm-Ups and Singing – Strengthening the voice and ear training
  • ✔️ Instrument Exploration – Handbells, percussion, and more!
  • ✔️ Fun, Interactive Music Activities – Rhythm games, listening exercises, and movement-based learning

Music isn’t just an extra—it’s a vital part of your child’s education! By integrating music into your homeschool routine, you’re helping your child grow academically, creatively, and emotionally. And best of all, you don’t need any prior musical experience—we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

🔔 Ready to start? Join Chant and Play Music today and bring the joy of music to your homeschool! 🎵✨


Music for Homeschoolers

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