I have been toying around with the idea of having a contest between all of my students. I think it’s a fun idea to get all your students excited about whatever musical theme you choose to base it on. Holding a contest could serve as a way to get your students thinking more about a musical subject they normally might find boring. Here are some ideas for contests:
Have an essay contest
The essay can be about anything. Mozart’s Life, Jazz, Songs of Protest, Music Around the World.
Songwriting Contests
Have students write a song about the topic of your choice. It could be peace, things that make you happy, things that make you sad, friendship, school.
Photo Contests
I had to throw this one in because I am currently starting a “Guitar Face Contest” with all of my students. They have to take a picture of themselves making their best “Guitar Player’s Face”. You know, those goofy faces guitar players make on stage. Here’s an example:
http://www.motorcityrocks.com/back.jpg
Talent Shows
This could be tricky depending on how sensitive your students are. If you work in an environment were competition is ok, then this could be a lot of fun. Especially if you did it “American Idol” style, complete with 3 judges. The only thing I would suggest is that you make a rule of having only nice judges!
The Prizes
It wouldn’t be a contest if it didn’t include prizes! Try to make your prizes work with the theme of your contest. For example, if you hold a contest with a classical music theme, offer some classical CDs as prizes to the winners. If you do a songwriting contest, you could record the winner’s song on your computer and burn it to CD and package it with a cover for the winner. You could by some musical toys at the toy store, or you can always purchase iTunes gift cards.
Hope you find some of this information useful. I look forward to reading your comments.
About the Author
When I was just a college Junior, I started teaching private guitar lessons in order to support myself. I was in a rock band, writing songs and performing on a regular basis, and I certainly did not plan on becoming a teacher. My plan was to graduate, get a job in social work, and just continue writing songs. Teaching surprised me. I ended up falling in love with the act of guiding a student from point a to point b. To watch someone go from knowing nothing about a subject, to simply performing in a recital, is such an awesome thing. I ended up scrapping that social work idea. I was doing more good as a teacher, minus the intense stress that most social workers go home with. I currently have a busy program that teaches private guitar, piano, and voice lessons in Los Angeles homes. I am also the creator of the music and service blog 38 Ways to Change the World Through Music.
