Singing
The singing activities are designed and used to develop each student's use of their voice. All children should be encouraged to sing and use their voice as a vehicle of expression as well as communication. This will lead to a positive group experience and also positive self-image.
Music Reading
Students start as early as 2nd grade to learn about musical notation as well as solfege (do,re,mi) notation. However, in Kindergarten the students learn about the dynamics and speeds of music. When the students are in 4-6th grades, we learn more how to write music, and use the symbols in composition.
Listening
In music, we try to use the musical expierence to train the ears. We use sounds of voices as well as instruments to guide the students explore different possibilities. We listen to songs and "cloud watch" in kindergarten, and listen to works by composers in the older grades.
Movement and Rhythm
Children love to move! Children are always in motion, and the use of music and activities helps the children with coordination and the use of their body. This also leads to have confidence in relationships with others in everyday life. We develop this with hand and movement games in Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Playing Instruments
Children love to play instruments, but they learn so much more. They use things like lumni sticks, drumsticks, bells, and drums. This will help develop fine motor skills. This is an awesom expierence they will keep forever. The goal to to be able to compose a song by 6th grade by using any instrument.
Improvisation
Improvisation is something all children love to do. There are no rules, just what is in their head. Sometimes we improv creating a word, or a song about a title. We also have class projects where the children perform and evaluiate. This is also a standard of music.
* Each lesson plan is designed with the New York State and National Standards for the arts in mind. You can check out the National standards by clicking here
