The RSO is committed to supporting music educators, students, and their families, especially during the transition to online learning. The following resources have been assessed and compiled from a variety of different arts organizations to continue the musical growth and development of young people. All of these activities and online tools can be used in the classroom, at home, and for distance learning.

Check back regularly as new resources are added.

The Crow’s Prophecy

The Regina Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to present a video performance of “The Crow’s Prophecy” as part of our 2020-21 RSO in School program! This is the story of how, RSO principal oboe player Tamsin Johnson accidently swallows her reed and is turned into a crow. She then meets a variety of musical characters that help her discover her love for music in a Wizard of Oz-like quest to be transformed back into a human. “The Crow’s Prophecy” shows how music can tell stories, express ideas, and share emotions. This 40-minute performance is interactive, fun, and tailored to the Saskatchewan arts education learning outcomes for grades 1-6. A Teachers’ Guide accompanies the video performance of “The Crow’s Prophecy” providing guided listening, historical information, lesson plans, and activities related to each piece in the performance. The Teachers’ Guide provides flexible lesson plans that can easily delivered in-person, in a social distanced classroom, and through remote learning. Click Here to access the video and teachers’ guide.

pa-wapan (Coming of Dawn)

In the Fall of 2019 Elder Gordon Favel, from the Kawacatoose First Nation Reserve, gifted the song pa-wapan (Coming of Dawn) to the Regina Symphony Orchestra and community to sing during the May 2020 Link Up concert. The RSO is thrilled to have permission to share the educational materials that have been developed for young people to learn this wonderful song! Click here to view pa-wapan teaching materials.

Link Up Resources

• Link Up Music Educators Toolbox
• Link Up Music Educators Facebook Page
• Carnegie Hall Activies for Families

Articles and Technical Tools

• JamKazam: Online Rehearsal Tool
• How to Be a Musician At Home Article
• Music Educators Creating Online Content Facebook Group
• How to create virtual ensemble
• Royal Conservatory Webinar: Preparing Teaching Practice for Online Music Lessons

Music Education From Arts Organizations

• TSOUND KIDS Musical Activities – Videos with activities for young people featuring members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
• Chamber Music at the Lincoln Center Concerts for Kids features Vancouver’s Infinitus Trio – A video which talks about how the violin works, conducting, and a variety of different musical elements.
• A Nighttime Story presented by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – Harrison David Rivers’ story of a young boy and his grandmother explores the importance and art of storytelling, especially in the African American community. This concert was originally conceived for a young audience, but its resonance with audiences of all ages is undeniable.
• New York Phil Very Young People’s Concerts @ Home: “Make Believe” – This video features the trumpet and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at and Exhibition.
• PEI Symphony Home Learning Series – The first part of this series features worksheets and activities about music and nature.
• New York Phil Very Young People’s Concerts @ Home – A video featuring the flute and explains articulation through drawing and movement.
• Calgary Phil An Orchestra Adventure – This is a video series featuring the different instrument families of the orchestra. Over the month of June the CPO will post a new 15 minute video as part of this web series.
• VSO Virtual Education Hub – Includes Musical Story Time, Introductions to Musical Instruments, Study guides, Virtual VSO Concerts
• Symphony Spot – The League of American Orchestras has compiled an excellent list of digital initiatives
• Seattle Symphony Beyond the Stage – Videos, audio, and at home crafts 
• St Paul Chamber Orchestra LiveStream Kids Concert  
• Dallas Symphony Build your own Instrument  
• Auckland Symphony Activities – Concerts, virtual play in, and activities
• Erie Phil At Home Educational Activities  – Playlists, masterclasses, and performances.
• Virginia Symphony Orchestra Virtual Learning Lab – Virtual instrument petting zoo and tips for playing your instrument.
• ClassicFM list of best online music lessons
• Symphony Nova Scotia Learn – Grade specific materials developed by Symphony Nova Scotia and links to other arts organizations learning content.
• Toronto Symphony, Penelope and the Wolf – A reimagined virtual performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved symphonic fairy
• North Carolina Symphony– Prepared lessons on various musical topics and videos of educational concerts.
• Hirshorn Kids at Home – A variety of arts activities and crafts.
• Arts at Home – Online content from a variety of Toronto Arts Institutions.