Music in the Home
Here's how it works:
A family that plays music decides to host music in the home at their house. This family will need a list of other musical families. From this list the host family invites people to attend the event. The host family should also invite non-musical families and individuals to enjoy the event (these people might eventually become future performers). Furniture may need to be rearranged in order to create a performance area. Folding chairs can be set up, but some people may choose to sit on the floor. Otherwise existing sofas and chairs should be used for all spectators. The host family could perform first, but order of performances is flexible. Each family should perform for 15 or 20 minutes (or longer if there are very few performers present, or shorter if a musical repertoire has not yet been built). When a family finishes their performance they should sit and listen to the next family. This way every family performs for each other.
Music in the home should be about the enjoyment of music. Everyone should pay close attention to the progress made by other performers. Always encourage those who struggle. When someone shows progress they should be praised for their work. Some performers will be beginners while other will be advanced. Those who are advanced should be humble and helpful toward those who are at a beginning level.
Music in the home should occur every month. If a family wishes, they can host music in the home every month, but IAMF recommends that the event circulate through a number of houses during the course of a year. The overall list of performers should be such that no one family performs every month unless they wish to do so. For example, a list of 10 performing families would be a great list, but most people would be unable to host 10 families in their house. Families should rotate in and out of each month's performance schedule. When weather permits, music in the home could be presented out doors, in someone's back yard, for example.
IAMF encourages people to play together. Since individuals will appear on your list, think about getting those individuals together. Suggest that a pianist play with a guitarist. A singer could join up with a violinist and a pianist to form a temporary trio. Individual singers could form a vocal quartet.
Refreshments, or food in general, should always be a part of music in the home. The host family could provide all of the refreshments, or they could ask attendees to bring food items "pot luck."
IAMF is folk music based and encourages people to turn to the traditional music of their country or region. This does not mean that other music styles should be excluded. Classical, blues, jazz, etc. are always welcome. If you do not have musical arrangements to use at music in the home, refer to www.instituteofamericanmusic.com for free downloads of folk song arrangements. Some arrangements are designed for a myriad of instruments (including voice).
Click here to download the preceding music in the home information.