Blog

  • Auld Lang Syne - a Musical Moment

    Last week in our SQUILT Musical Moment, we spent time with a melody many of us recognize instantly—even if we don’t always stop to think about what it means. Auld Lang Syne is one of those rare pieces of music that seems to belong to everyone. It’s sung at the close of the year, at graduations, at farewells, and at moments when one chapter is en...
  • Learn About The Nutcracker Ballet

    The Christmas celebrations aren't complete without The Nutcracker, are they? Here at SQUILT, we make learning about The Nutcracker simple, enjoyable, and flexible.  Your littlest children may simply enjoy scenes from the ballet and learning to recognize a few of the more famous character dances from the second act. Your older children, however,...
  • Learn About Christmas Carols - the SQUILT Way!

    Teaching your children about beautiful Christmas carols is a gift you can easily give this year.  Yes, it's wonderful to have carols playing in your home and to sing them with your children  -  but learning about the history of the carols, their meaningful lyrics, musical intricacies, and interesting arrangements - will turn the experience of le...
  • Simple Music Activities for Halloween

    Halloween is a prime time for creepy music, stories, and instrument activities.  You don't have to be a music teacher - or even knowledgeable about music - to implement these ideas. (In fact... if you have little to no musical knowledge, read on - because this post is for YOU !) Disclaimer: I don't like super scary things for Halloween. The worl...
  • Lenten Listening Calendar

    Music is an integral part of Lent. The season of Lent (the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday) is a time when we prepare our hearts and minds for the death and resurrection of Jesus. From Medieval chants, Bach's liturgical music, and Martin Luther's hymns - to more contemporary hymns, there is a rich selection of music for the Lente...
  • Learn About Handel's "Messiah"

    Handel's Messiah, the oratorio that tells the story of Christ from the prophecy of His birth all the way through His death and resurrection, is a piece of music that is so very simple, yet complex at the same time.  For this very reason, it is the PERFECT piece of music to study with children of ALL ages. The youngest of children are capable of ...