Games I play with a Giant Floor Staff

Step into a world where melodies dance and notes come to life with every step you take.

Imagine a rug that isn't just a floor covering but a gateway to unlocking the secrets of music in a playful and interactive way. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just beginning your musical journey, the enchanting allure of the music staff rug is undeniable. This captivating accessory is more than just a decorative piece; it's a powerful tool that adds a touch of magic to music lessons, bringing lessons to life with creativity and joy.

In this blog post, Get ready to delve into the innovative games, creative exercises, and engaging activities that this rug brings to my music lessons. Even when I have my own ideas on how to use it, my students constantly surprise me and come up with new games and ideas to get onto it.

Are you ready to step onto the grand staff and experience music in a whole new way? Let's dive in!

This is the rug I have - it is plush and fleecy on top and backed with waterproof backing so can be taken outside if I really want to. I have spent years as a music teacher getting this product to the best version it could be. The plushness of this rug is what sets it apart. It feels amazing, if students are stepping and jumping on it, they love the feeling under their feet. I haven't found another one available for sale that is as plush as this rug is.

So what do I do with this rug? Here are two examples of games we play in the studio.

Game one: Key Signature Match-Up Objective: Familiarize beginner piano students with key signatures and their corresponding scales. Materials Needed: Large rug with the grand staff Sticky notes or index cards 8 Plastic cups Markers Instructions: 1. Prepare sticky notes or index cards with the names of different key signatures (e.g., C major RH, G major LH, D major RH)

2. Prepare the number of # of b sticky notes as you will be doing in the game (I usually focus on 2-3 key signatures at once)

3. Arrange the sticky notes randomly on the grand staff rug placing them face down

4. Get the student to pick a key signature, and time how quick they can place the key signature correctly, and place the cups in the right places of the scale.

5. Discuss the characteristics of each key signature and major scale as they make their matches.

6. Record how long it takes to do the whole activity and see if you can beat that time next lesson.

Game two: Chord Inversion Cup Shuffle

Objective: Develop a solid understanding of chord inversions by physically rearranging cups on the music staff rug.

Materials Needed:

Large rug with music staff

Plastic cups

Index cards or post-it notes

Marker

Instructions:

1. Lay out your music staff rug in its original form, with the double music staff displayed prominently.

2.On separate index cards or post it notes, write down different chords and their inversions. For example, you might have cards that say "C major root position," "G major first inversion," and "F major second inversion."

3. Draw an index card with a chord inversion written on it. This will be the chord inversion you're aiming to create.

4. Based on the drawn card, rearrange the cups on the rug to match the specified chord inversion. For example, if the card says "G major first inversion," move the cups accordingly to achieve the desired arrangement.

5. Have the student play the chord on the piano too, to check that it 'sounds' right.

Repeat and Challenge:Draw new index cards and repeat the process with different chord inversions. As you become more comfortable, you can challenge the student by timing how long they take to do a certain number.

To make the game more challenging, you can introduce time limits for rearranging the cups or even play against a partner to see who can correctly rearrange the cups faster.

Have you got any grand staff games you love and would like to share? Comment below.