Homeschool Programs
Virtual Opportunities Available
Programs for Groups of Any Size
Homeschool Days
Offered once a month, Homeschool Days provide interactive, engaging educational programs based on themes relevant to our one-of-a-kind collection. All programs are led by Museum staff and volunteers who facilitate unique experiences designed specifically for homeschool students. Advanced registration required to participate. Each Homeschool Day program costs $15/family for non-museum members and $10/family for family-level museum members. A minimum number of students is required for programs to take place. Recommended for ages 8 and up, but all are welcome. Each Homeschool Day program is approximately one hour long and includes an optional one-hour tour afterwards. Program start times are listed below.
Please email schools@countrymusichalloffame.org with questions and concerns.
Homeschool Day Programs:
String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry
Experience a lively telling of the history of country music, through marionettes, rod puppetry, shadow/animation puppetry, and more. Starting with the early days of string-band and gospel music and continuing with the birth of the Grand Ole Opry, the audience meets the great icons of country music as the show travels through time, from classic recordings to present-day hits.
December 1, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.
Homeschool Day – Ryman Stained Glass Windows
In this program, young artists will create their own colorful suncatchers, inspired by the signature stained-glass windows at the Ryman Auditorium. Formerly known as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman Auditorium began its journey to becoming the “Mother Church of Country Music” in 1945 when it became home to the Grand Ole Opry. Since that time, it has been the home of many iconic performances, from the twice weekly radio broadcasts to launching the careers of Roy Acuff as well as Dolly Parton.
January 4, 2023 | 2:00 p.m.
Hatch Show Print Tour
Learn how the oldest surviving letterpress print shop in the U.S. thrives in the digital age. At Hatch Show Print, students learn the letterpress printing process, from initial sketches to the final pass through the press. Students explore the shop’s connection to Southern entertainment and the history of graphic design, and discover how this 19th century print shop thrives in the digital age. The program culminates in an original limited edition poster hand-inked and printed by students.
March 1, 2023 | 1:00 p.m.
Is It a Fiddle or a Violin?
In this partnership program, students tour both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. They hear from live instrumentalists who compare and contrast the fiddle and the violin by sharing their history and playing several musical examples. From tours to musical performances — classical to country music — this partnership program with the Nashville Symphony will challenge you to think about music in new ways.
April 5, 2023 | 10:00 a.m.
Dazzling Designs
In this program, students focus on stage costumes, accessories, and instrument design from the museum’s collection. By looking at design details, students learn about different eras in American and country music history, as well as personal expression and symbolism. Following an interactive museum tour, students have a chance to create their own designs.
May 3, 2023 | 2:00 p.m.
Words & Music for Homeschool
Homeschool students can strengthen their creative writing skills by participating in the Words & Music songwriting program. Through five weekly classes, students in grades 3-8 are guided by a museum educator and songwriter to create their own song lyric. The course culminates with a performance workshop that features a selection of student lyrics set to music by a professional songwriter. For students in grades 9-12 interested in participating, please email schools@countrymusichallofame.org.
Advanced registration required. Family-level museum members receive a course discount. A minimum number of students is required for this course to take place. All classes will be held virtually on Zoom (a link will be shared via email). The final performance workshop will be held at the Museum.
Pricing:
Family-level museum members: $40; Non-members $60.
Price includes all five lessons.
2023 Dates:
January 3, 10, 17, 24 | Performance on February 14
All sessions will be held at 1:00-2:00pm CDT
Referrals: Families may receive one complimentary home school program (following Words & Music) for each referred family that registers for Words & Music. Offer valid through the 2022-2023 school year.
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Meet Your Instructors
Aaron Helvig is the Words & Music Program Manager. He helps develop education programs and curriculum, presents workshops to teachers, and serves as a staff songwriter for various songwriting programs. Prior to joining the Museum’s education team in 2019, Aaron taught band, guitar, songwriting, and studio production at Isaiah T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
As a music educator, he has served as a guest instructor, clinician and judge for various music festivals, camps, and organizations in Tennessee and his native Arizona, as well as an education curriculum consultant for Quaver Music. Aaron performs regularly in Nashville with his acoustic duo, Emberland. As a trombonist, he has performed with notable artists including Randy Brecker, Danny Gokey, The Jacksons, and The Temptations. Aaron earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master’s in Music from Northern Arizona University.
Annie Adams is the Words & Music Program Coordinator. She assists with Words & Music, Songwriting 101, and occasionally serves as a staff songwriter as well. Prior to joining the Museum’s education team, Annie taught voice, piano, guitar, and songwriting to students of all ages.
Annie has been an active member of Nashville’s music scene since she arrived in 2009, writing and performing original country/Americana music regularly under the stage name Annie Kennedy. In 2016, Annie was featured in the “Rockin’ Boots” campaign for RocketBuster Boots and named one of four women “Trailblazers.” She has performed all over the US and internationally, booking a solo tour in Amsterdam in 2017. Annie continues to write and perform today, also working as a professional studio vocalist and ensemble singer. Annie holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Commercial Music from Millikin University.
Programs for Groups of 10+ Students
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Guided Highlights Tour
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Songwriting 101
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Hatch Show Print Tour
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Dazzling Designs
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STEAM: Science of Sound at Historic RCA Studio B
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STEAM: Listening Technology Over Time
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Is It a Fiddle or a Violin?
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Words & Music
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Student Performances
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Self-Guided Museum Tour
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Riders in the Sky
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Bill of Rights: The Remix!
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String City: Nashville's Tradition of Music and Puppetry
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All Access
