MATB Book 1 – Page 3 – Mr. G's Music Stuff

December 4, 2020November 13, 2021

Ode To Joy, Short Version

Introduction

This is the final movement, (that’s what the parts of a symphonic piece of music are called) of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. This symphony was Beethoven’s last and is considered to be one of the greatest works ever written.

Beethoven’s 9th symphony was also the first symphony to feature voice as an instrument. This was in the final movement, which is where it gets its name, since the words are based on a poem called “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller.

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most important composers of classical music. Please watch the video about his life to learn about this important composer’s life.

About Ludwig van Beethoven

Video

The Lesson

At The Piano

Full Speed

Slower

Sheet Music

Piano

Piano Challenge Version

Ukulele

Guitar

Recorder

Xylophone or On-Screen Piano

Don’t Forget!

You can look up the ukulele chords and guitar chords and get help with reading tablature,
playing the recorder or rhythm (percussion) instruments right here on my website!

Enrichment

November 27, 2020January 17, 2022

Martin Luther King

Introduction

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who fought for equal rights, peace and justice. His life was spent in working toward those goals, for which we still work toward today.

The song for today uses a line from his most famous speech for the words. You can watch a video about this speech at the end of the lesson. I even included a video of him actually giving the speech. Be sure to watch those.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a very important man that you should know about.

Listen

The Lesson

At The Piano

Full Speed

Slower

Sheet Music

Piano

Piano Challenge Version

Ukulele

Guitar

Recorder

Xylophone or On-Screen Piano

Don’t Forget!

You can look up the ukulele chords and guitar chords and get help with reading tablature,
playing the recorder or rhythm (percussion) instruments right here on my website!

Enrichment

Read a biography about Martin Luther King, Jr.

November 27, 2020May 21, 2021

Akiwowo

Introduction

Babatunde Olatunji was a renowned drummer, Civil Rights activist, and educator who is largely credited for popularizing West African drumming and Afrobeat music in the US. Born in Ajido, Nigeria in 1927, Olatunji was the recipient of a Rotary International Foundation scholarship, and immigrated to the US in 1950. He studied in Atlanta, GA, and then came to study in New York City in 1954. Later, Olatunji formed a band with other African students and expatriates, and they were popular performers across NYC. In 1957, he and his band performed at Radio City Music Hall; two years later, Olatunji released his album Drums of Passion, the first track of which is “Akiwowo.”

Olatunji continued to be active both as a musician and an activist. He toured with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., participated in the March on Washington, was featured at John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration ceremony, and performed for the United Nations General Assembly. In 2004, Drums of Passion was officially added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress.