Good Songs for little boys

[keyofc]

Can anyone share some pieces of music that have been a hit with them for boys around 9?
thanks
ps - Beginner - just starting reading onstaff -

[evitaevita]

Keyofc,

What kind of music do you mean exactly? Today's hits, such as pop songs and etc.?
I'm not a teacher, but I suggest that you should first ask what songs he likes (if you already know just ignore my first suggestion!) and, then, find them and write their melody (just by listening to them or finding the music scores in sites with such sheet music).
Maybe, if you were more specific, I could give you more detailed suggestions.

I hope I've been of some help!
Evitaevita

[timbo178]

One that I teach fairly often (by showing them, _not_ using sheet music - it would be too difficult for a beginner to read) is a simplified version of Mission Impossible in Gm. The piece sounds okay with single notes for the left hand ostinato, however if the student's left hand can stretch an octave comfortably, then they'll enjoy the energy created by the rhythm. The ostinato is a pattern easily learnt, and the patten is repeated when the piece moves to Cm. As for the right hand melody, they need to know the starting chord (Gm, 2nd inversion) and arpeggiate it descending. The bottom note of the chord then descends by semitones. Same pattern when the piece moves to Cm.

Another more difficult one is the Pink Panther - again it is somewhat simplified, and I teach it without reference to the sheet music. This is probably after a student has been learning for a while and is more familiar with the keyboard geography, hand coordination, and rhythm.

A couple of Beatles songs that I often teach are Let it Be, and ... damnit, can't remember the name. Find it later. Also, one of my students recently did an arrangement by Elissa Milne of 'I'm a believer'. Grade 2 level though, so maybe a bit more advanced than what you're looking for.

[timbo178]

'In my life' was the other Beatles song. 'Yesterday' is popular too.

For older boys who are a bit more advanced or faster learners, I often teach them the theme from Rocky. They love the energy.

[teran]

Video game music and the James Bond theme.

That should tide you over with boys until about the age of their death.

[timbo178]

Ah yeah, James Bond is a good one. One of my students wanted to do the theme from Halo, which was pretty hard, but we got there. It's in Dorian mode, so we got to cover a bit of scale theory as well.

[keypeg]

I wonder if any little girls like good songs for little boys?   

[keyofc]

Thanks for all the song suggestions - keep them coming if you think of more.
James Bond is great.
Keypeg - probably some girls do like them -:)
But I've been teaching for a long time - and have noticed a definite difference in the tastes of girls and boys.
It's great to share our lists with each other.
Most girls don't want to be superman - buy most boys do.  Any song to help kids connect with their heroes are great!
Jack Nicholson really hated singing "I Feel Pretty" in one of those movies