Philosophy

The elementary general music classroom has many objectives, however the continuing focus in the early years is the fostering of interest and enjoyment of music through participation. This is accomplished through the acquisition of musical skills and concepts by moving, actively listening, creating, playing classroom instruments from many cultures, performing, and of course, through singing. It is through the self-mastery of singing and musical skills, one step at a time, that the students feel their own power and the power of music to communicate and build bridges through cultures, generations, and within their own peer groups. This is done individually, and when performing together, also collaboratively.

Unfortunately, general music is all too often the only musical training some students will ever receive. The skills and attitudes these youngsters acquire in the elementary years concerning their own voices, musical aptitudes, and openness to many forms of music are often those that last a lifetime. The goal of the elementary music teacher is to encourage open interest and participation in music to such a degree that it becomes a life-long pursuit, either as an active participant or as an active listener/appreciator, or both.