New June Store Update - Happy International World Music Day!

Happy June! This month, the Practice Space store celebrates International World Music Day by spotlighting composer avatars from across the globe. These artists have created music rooted in their own cultures—blending tradition, innovation, and storytelling to reflect the richness of musical expression from around the world.

Each avatar can be unlocked using Practice Gems, earned when students complete their daily practice goals—making it both fun and motivating to explore music history. Students will not only collect inspiring characters but also learn about how music connects us across continents and generations.

We’ve also created a special June activity packet filled with engaging educational resources. Inside, you’ll find composer profiles, quizzes, flashcards, and more—all designed to spark curiosity and encourage meaningful conversations about world music.

Don’t forget to explore the YouTube links we’ve provided for each composer’s featured work, giving your students a chance to hear these global voices in action.

Discover the new avatars this June and join us in celebrating the vibrant diversity of music traditions around the world—only at Practice Space.

Silvestre Revueltas - I was a Mexican composer and conductor known for blending folk rhythms with powerful orchestral music.

Facts in app:

1. I wrote Sensemayá using drums and winds to create intense jungle rhythms.

2. My music often celebrates the people and places of Mexico.

3. I composed the film score for Redes, a movie about fishermen.

4. I used folk melodies to talk about justice and Mexican identity.

5. I led orchestras that performed my music across Latin America.

   Check out this performance of Sensemayá:
   Silvestre Revueltas - Sensemayá - YouTube

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Fela Sowande - I was a Nigerian composer who mixed classical music with traditional Yoruba melodies.

Facts in app:

1. I studied organ and composition at the Royal College of Music in London.

2. My African Suite combines African folk songs with orchestral writing.

3. I performed as a church organist and also wrote symphonic music.

4. I wanted music to show Nigerian culture and bring people together.

5. My music has been played by orchestras around the world.

   Check out this performance of African Suite v. Akinla:
   African Suite V. Akinla by Sowande; Pioneer Orchestra Camp 2021 - YouTube

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Peggy Glanville-Hicks - I was an Australian composer who used Greek and Indian music in her operas and symphonies.

Facts in app:

1. I lived in the U.S., Greece, and India to study different music.

2. My opera Nausicaa is based on a Greek myth and folk modes.

3. I helped young composers by founding a creative residency in Australia.

4. I was one of the first women to compose large operatic works.

5. I loved mixing cultures to tell powerful musical stories.

6. Check out this performance of Three Gymnopedies:
   Glanville Hicks Three Gymnopedies MusicaNova Orchestra Warren Cohen conductor - YouTube

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Anoushka Shankar - I'm a sitar player and composer who blends Indian classical music with many global styles.

Facts in app:

1. I performed on stage with my sitar for the first time at age 13.

2. I was nominated for a Grammy before I turned 21.

3. I’ve worked with flamenco dancers, jazz musicians, and electronic artists.

4. My music shares stories about identity, justice, and tradition.

5. I am proud to carry on my father Ravi Shankar’s legacy in new ways.

6. Check out this performance of Land of Gold:
   Anoushka Shankar – Land Of Gold (ft. Alev Lenz) - YouTube

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Luiz Gonzaga - I was a Brazilian musician who helped make forró and baião music popular across the country.

Facts in app:

1. I played the accordion and sang songs about rural Brazilian life.

2. My hit Asa Branca became a symbol of hope during hard times.

3. I wore a cowboy hat and leather costume to honor northeastern Brazil.

4. I brought forró music from small towns to national radio stations.

5. I’m called the “King of Baião” because I made it loved everywhere.

6. Check out this performance of Asa Branca:
   Luiz Gonzaga - Asa Branca ft. Fagner, Sivuca, Guadalupe - YouTube

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Background Update

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Some other fun additions
These all cheer the student on but also talk about tempo and other musical terms!