Books differ depending on the age of the student, but there are still some basics necessary for any form of teaching material. There are two types of books. One teaches you to play and uses different musical pieces to enforce each technique. The other type of book features no techniques, often making these harder for students. Specific books for adult students also take into account that adults normally progress faster in the learning process. The theory book should be a part of any music curriculum. Music theory teaches elements such as pitch, rhythm, scales, melody and notations of music.
Games help students relax and have fun while learning. This is especially the case with children. Any game can be tailored to the student's level of proficiency as well as a specific interest they might have. Two examples of games are Tic Tac Dough and Note Scramble. In Tic Tac Dough, students learn melodies, note values and rhythm patterns using a grid on paper or whiteboard. Note Scramble lets the student arrange certain notes as given by their teacher through their instrument or on paper.
DVDs can be of great assistance to a teacher's lesson plan. It fills in for a teacher when the student is practicing on their own away from class. Children like to receive information in a story or through artwork that will keep their interest. Teachers can also record their lessons to DVD to help students go over fundamentals of the class's previous sections, in addition to refreshing information lost over a period of time. For students who are in private classes, this can be especially helpful when there are no other students to compare notes with.
There are many computer software programs and reputable Internet websites available to help with music lessons. They can reinforce ideas such as practicing music theory. Software offers tools that cover everything from blank music sheets to full pieces of music. Music creation programs also allow students to begin creating their own pieces for each skill level. The Internet assists teachers in retrieving new ideas for lesson plans, games and exercises from other teachers around the world. Teachers and students might agree to use certain sites together to strengthen in-person lessons. This can also be beneficial during practice sessions away from class.