If you have a high schooler you are homeschooling, you know that it can get a little tricky trying to make sure all the bases are covered. First, you decide what type of high school diploma they are going to receive (basic, college-bound, etc.) and then you decide what course to choose to fill each of those credits. Let me encourage you to include a Fine Arts credit no matter what route your student is taking. And here is an easy way to get high school fine arts credit.
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Why get High School Fine Arts Credit?
Great question! What if your student isn’t musical or artistic? Maybe he or she has no interest in going to college as a music or art major. Why should they bother with taking a fine arts course? The simple reason is that it helps your student become more well-rounded. Understanding music and art history helps people understand history in general. Furthermore, there are so many allusions to musicians (composers) and artists in our everyday lives, that studying these things will help us understand more of life. Finally, artists and musicians have been influencers in society during all eras. It’s fascinating to see how the art and music have progressed through the years.
The Easy Way to get High School Fine Arts Credit
I know that decisions about the basics of algebra, chemistry, English literature, and world history are hard enough to think about without adding fine arts to the mix. So, I’m going to give you an EASY way to get a high school fine arts credit.
Study music history by studying composers! It’s that simple. Choose a composer. Learn about him, and listen to his music. Then choose another. Do a few projects along the way, such as writing an essay or doing a Powerpoint presentation. Read about the composers, too. I have a list of my favorite music appreciation/music history books here.
What Composers to Study?
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most studied composers of the Western music tradition. Download the file below. You don’t need to study them all . . . unless you want to! Print out a copy, check off the ones you learn about, and write down your favorite piece that you listened to of each composer.
What are the Best Composers to Study?
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Online Music Appreciation Courses
If you want some guidance in your fine arts Music Appreciation credit, I have created three self-paced online courses that I know you’ll love. All the decisions are already made for you! The best composers are included, along with an interesting biography and wonderful videos of their music.
Music Appreciation: Middle Ages through Classical Period (500-1799)
Music Appreciation of the Romantic Era (1800s)
20th Century Music Appreciation (1900-modern times)
See the 3 courses’ details at http://learn.
Gena Mayo is a homeschool mom of 8 and music teacher for more than 20 years. She loves encouraging and equipping homeschool moms to include music in their homeschool. Learn about resources, download freebies, and enter giveaways at Music in Our Homeschool. Find easy-to-use online courses at Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com.
by Stephanie, The Multi Taskin' Mom