Music strikes a chord in every young person鈥檚 emotional development [1]. It sparks creative expression [2]. It also builds the kind of confidence to lead in and on all of life鈥檚 stages [3]. When young people create music together, connections are forged between each young person and their full potential, their peers, and ultimately their communities.
programs are designed for young people aged 8鈥14 years old, but we know adults and families have fun and learn something too! While things might feel scarier and more uncertain than ever before, we have spent years developing programs specifically to prepare young people for this moment in history. What we want most is for young people (and their families) to have the space to explore their feelings, to sing, to beat a drum, to connect, to dance. Even if those things need to happen virtually, for now. So come along with us each week through the holidays as we make music together!
We鈥檒l be sharing a fun music-making activity from Amani Project each week until September so that you can get involved. Complete the activities to earn badges and use music-making to make change.
Suitable for Ages 5鈥10
We believe that everyone can make music.
For this activity, you will make an instrument using objects you can find around you, and experiment with rhythm. Watch Andrew Huang鈥檚 Found-Object Videos below to see how he used found objects to make beautiful music, then to find out how to make your own instruments and start creating music.
Time: 1 hour (or more if you want!)
Materials/Equipment:
- Pen or pencil, piece of paper
- Objects that are potential musical instruments; recyclables, bottles, branches, pieces of wood, metal, old shoes, etc.
Suitable for: Ages 5鈥12
Music is everywhere! It鈥檚 in our bodies, in nature, and how we speak.
The elements of music are all around us. They are in every part of our life, even our body! In this activity, you will first learn about the 5 elements of music: rhythm, beats, tempos, pitch and dynamics. Then you will teach them to someone else.
Time: 1 hour (or more if you want!)
Materials/Equipment:
- Just yourself!
Suitable for: Ages 5鈥12
All emotions are important (there are no 鈥済ood鈥 or 鈥渂ad鈥 emotions).
We all can learn how to express, describe, and shift our emotions. Music can help you express or shift your emotions. In this activity, you will learn about the Mood Meter and then you will teach a friend what you have learned.
Time: 1 hour (or more if you want!)
Materials/Equipment:
- Pen or pencil
- Piece of paper
- Colour version of the (print or digital)
Suitable for: Ages 5鈥65!
All emotions are important (there are no 鈥済ood鈥 or 鈥渂ad鈥 emotions).
Working as a group, recreate the Mood Meter on your floor (or in your garden), and use body language, movement or beats to express your emotions.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials/Equipment:
- Chalk, or any items that can be used to create four sections of a circle
Suitable for: Ages 5鈥15
All emotions are important (there are no 鈥済ood鈥 or 鈥渂ad鈥 emotions).
Working as a group, learn how to shift negative emotions to ones that can be more effective.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials/Equipment:
- Instrument (see Activity #1)
- Mood Meter ()
Suitable for: Ages 5鈥15
In a group, explore empathy through listening and watching each other perform a piece of music or dance.
Time: 3鈥7听尘颈苍耻迟别蝉
Materials/Equipment:
- Instrument (see Activity #1)
- Mood Meter ()
Suitable for: Ages 5鈥15
Practise your songwriting and storytelling skills by composing a song to help a friend.
Time: 1 hour
Materials/Equipment:
- Pen or pencil, piece of paper
- Your found object instrument, your voice, or any other instruments you have
- (Optional) A smartphone or tablet that can capture video, social media account
Video: Hit songs of 2015 – Performed with household items | Andrew Huang
(Video may contain ads)
Get involved
If you’re interested in following our series of activities through July and August, you many also want to download and print our badges and journey card to reward your family’s progress.