Solfa Guide
Online Resources & Digital Tools
Websites
ABRSM Classical 100
www.classical100.org
Access to recordings of a range of classical music pieces for listening, with information about the composers and the story behind each piece of music. It is free to create an account. Suitable for: Early, First and Second Level
BBC Teach: Music
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks1-music/zbcjscw
Access a range of classroom resources, teacher guides and initiatives for music teaching in Primary school including:
- Bring the Noise – songs and music making activities with cross-curricular lesson plans. https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/bring-the-noise
- Ten Pieces – lesson plans and resources for introducing children to inspirational classical pieces. https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces/classical-music-early-years/znvhrj6
Suitable for: Early and First Level
Bookbug Songs and Rhymes (Scottish Book Trust)
https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/songs-and-rhymes
The BookbugSongs and Rhymes Library has a range of audio and video recorded songs and rhymes, including Scots and Gaelic language.
Suitable for: Early Level
YouTube
www.youtube.com
Access videos for demonstrating examples of people playing instruments, groups of musicians (e.g. the orchestra) and music of different genres and cultures.
Suitable for: Early, First and Second Level
Into Film
https://www.intofilm.org/resources
Provides resources, including lesson plans and presentations, for using film to engage children in learning across the curriculum. Many of the resources are linked to music through discussion and activities focused on film sound tracks.
Suitable for: Early, First and Second Level
Chrome Music Lab
https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/
A collection of fun, hands-on experiments that allow children to explore sound using music technology, reinforce music concepts and stimulate creativity.
Suitable for: Early, First and Second Level
Apps
Carnival of the Animals*
Naxos
An orchestral recording of Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals including 14 movements, each representing a different animal. This app includes information about the composer, rhyming verses and colourful animated illustrations of the animals to go along with each track.
Suitable for: Early and First Level
Cost: £3.99
My First Classical Music App*
Naxos
An introduction to classical music, composers and the orchestra. Over 40 recordings of different pieces of music with demonstrations for every instrument of the orchestra. Interactive resource with animations, sound effects and narrated text.
Suitable for: First and Second Level
Cost: £3.99
Musical Advent Calendar*
Naxos
Open a door each day in December and listen to a different piece of seasonal classical music, including Christmas carols and instrumental music.
Suitable for: All Levels
Cost: free
Beanie’s Musical Instruments*
Naxos
A simple introduction to musical instruments. Tap the curtains to reveal Beanie the bear playing a different instrument each time. Children hear what each instrument sounds like and what it is called.
Suitable for: Early and First Level
Cost: £1.49 (lite version available free)
Fun Folk*
Flo-Culture
An introduction to Scottish traditional music, song, stories and ceilidh dancing with interactive activities, animations and films. Includes material in both Gaelic and Scots languages.
Suitable for: Early and First Level
Cost: free
A Jazzy World*
The Melody Book
This animated and interactive world map provides an introduction to world culture/music, featuring USA, Brazil, Ireland, Spain, Egypt, Kenya, India, Russia, Japan and Australia. Includes quizzes for each country.
Suitable for: All Levels
Cost: £4.99 (lite version available free)
GarageBand
Apple
GarageBand can be used to record, create, edit and share music. Virtual or real instruments can be explored, recorded, edited and layered together to create an audio track.
Suitable for: All Levels
Cost: free
*These apps may not be approved for use on Glasgow City Council’s ‘Connected Learning’ iPads
