Just curious if anyone has invented any of their own Flashcard games?? I use the Hall Leonard set A and B and occassionally try out their suggested game ideas but wondered if anyone has any ideas of their own. With my younger students, I like to spend half the lesson on their songs then the other half on theory or on things such as flashcards..also has anyone any creative games involving note naming, rhythms or mini tests that they've invented, I find this is a good way to end lessons or indeed when my little ones have lost their concentration span, which generally lasts 15 minutes for most of them! I've recently ordered a magnetic/stave, with notes and marker pens and a glockenspiel to help with rhythms which has been fun for them. I read on an earlier post a jigsaw puzzle"Mistermusix jigsaw puzzle" mentioned but wondered where this can be purchased? I just need some ideas for games to keep the lessons fun and varied, especially for my 5-9 year olds. Thanks, Cat Lover

I play musical pairs with children who have trouble with reading notation and naming notes. I've made a load of cards, treble clef only because it's for violin pupils. We lay them out on the floor face down and take it in turns to turn two of them over. When you get a pair you have to name the note and also which finger and which string (in first position). After a while you get 10 seconds to do this otherwise you forfeit the pair. They all adore this game but if you're not careful it can take over so I only use it sparingly.

Cat Lover, where did you get the magnetic stave? I just found one from an online supplier but it has bass and treble clef - do you know where you can get a treble clef-only one?

Hi, where did you get the magnetic stave from, that sounds good?

Hi, if you check out the Dogs and Birds website www.dogsandbirds.co.uk you will find some supplementary notes are available, even if you don't use the tutor books there are some useful ideas for games / aural development.

The magnetic stave is from www.musicmotion.com. Think it's an American site but I haven't received it throught the post yet as it's a 2-3 week wait! Looks like the board is a reversible one and has just the treble clef on one side, so probably will be useful for violin students...such a long wait though, I'll let you know what it's like. Love the ideas on the Dogs and Birds website! Nothing like this was around when I was learning.

Thanks, Catlover. I'll order it if you think it's good so could you pm me when it arrives? And/Or post about it in this thread - ta!

I have loads of good things from here:

http://www.musicmindgames.com/

Magnetic notes, staves, flashcards, hundreds of great game ideas too!

I finally received the magnetic stave. It's brilliant. It came with whiteboard marker/eraser and lots of magnets and also a booklet full of ideas and games to use with the board. It has two sides, one with treble and bass clef for piano students and the other has two staves but no clefs drawn on so you can write on anything. This is going to be very useful. It's A4 size and cost me £25, but I'm sure it will last mea while!!