Akiba-Schechter’s Fall 2025 Music Club

Key Smashers, Rocket Race, and Musical Mayhem at Akiba-Schechter

When Akiba-Schechter students walked into Overture Games this fall, one game summed up their excitement: Piano Key Smashers. Their favorite musical improvisation-battle game lit up the classroom with laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition.

Once I handed out the devices, I knew we weren’t getting much else done. They were completely absorbed and having the time of their lives.

That enthusiasm set the tone for Akiba-Schechter’s Fall 2025 Overture Games Music Club, where technology, creativity, and community learning came together in a uniquely engaging way.

Finding Rhythm in Every Moment

From the first class, Tommy recognized the group’s high energy as a strength.

They are loud, curious, and competitive, and that’s what makes them thrive.

Students explored rhythm, melody, and harmony through interactive games like Rocket Race, Piano Clicker, and Beat Decoders. When classroom tech challenges appeared, Tommy adapted quickly, using group demonstrations and hands-on rhythm exercises to keep every student involved and focused.

Even the youngest students were eager to show what they had learned. One day, they played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” entirely on their own, earning cheers from classmates and stars in the Overture reward system.

A Class Built on Curiosity and Confidence

At Akiba-Schechter, the class’s wide age range became a key part of its success. Older students naturally took on leadership roles, helping younger ones with controls, notes, and challenges. This peer collaboration created a supportive environment where everyone felt included and capable.

Parents noticed the impact at home.

One mom told me her son had been talking about scales all week.

Moments like that made it clear just how much students were absorbing, far beyond the walls of the classroom.

What Worked at Akiba-Schechter

• Student ownership drives engagement. Giving students the freedom to explore, compete, and lead their own games sparked stronger participation.
• Hands-on activities keep focus. Combining digital tools with real-world movement, clapping, and creative exercises balanced screen time and kept energy positive.
• Positive incentives build consistency. Overture’s star system encouraged effort, persistence, and pride in learning.

“When They’re Laughing, Learning, and Making Music…”

By the end of the season, Akiba-Schechter students were creating, performing, and celebrating music in their own way. Every class ended with smiles, laughter, and a stronger connection to rhythm and teamwork.

One way to sum it up:

When they’re laughing, learning, and making music together, that’s what success looks like.