Music instruction emphasizes piano, Orff instruments, music theory, and music history and appreciation. Theory and piano studies prepare students for regular recitals, school concerts, and musicals, as well as the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London.

Program Goals

• To promote musical awareness, understanding, and mastery through listening, playing, research, and discussion
• To teach basic piano keyboard skills for future development of technique and artistry
• To encourage musical expression through movement, song, and improvisation
• To facilitate a broad musical education through knowledge of music theory and history
• To promote enjoyment of music through sharing of individual and group performance

Program Curriculum
The Music Program is aimed at developing the artist in every student: acoustically, physically, mentally, visually, and verbally. Through focus on the keyboard, on singing, and on broad notions of music theory and history, the program provides each child with a fundamental grounding in the practice, performance, and appreciation of music.  The curriculum teaches the skills necessary for playing, singing, and enjoying music throughout the student's entire life, as an eventual "professional" or, more likely, an appreciative amateur. 

Program Organization
Percussion / Keyboard/ Strings/ Vocals all incorporate:

• Music and rhythmic expression
• Knowledge of names of instruments, methods of playing, cultural applications
• Basic familiarity with technique
• Knowledge of reading music and playing simple songs
• Field trips and guest performers
• Concerts and recitals
• Group class activities involving song, movement, acting, and playing of instruments
• Twice-a-year all-school concerts presenting both solo and ensemble work

Homework in music class consists of keyboard/strings practice, assigned work in music theory, occasional written assignments, and ongoing research on larger "trimester" projects.

Grade 1
Students receive weekly piano lessons in small groups. Formal music theory classes, the writing and understanding of musical notation, begin. Theory and piano studies prepare students for regular recitals, school concerts, and musicals, as well as the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London. Students incorporate previously learned musical concepts with the use of instruments, singing, dancing and expressive movement. Some of the major studies include Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker and Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Students also work on improving their ear training and vocal skills.

Grade 2
Students receive weekly piano lessons in small groups and study formal music theory. Students analyze musical excerpts and perform sight singing and aural and rhythmic exercises. They sing songs, learn dances and expressive movement and play more difficult rhythms on percussion instruments. The students study Mozart’s The Magic Flute along with other musical works throughout the year. Theory and piano classes prepare students for regular recitals and concert opportunities, as well as the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London. Students also participate in a winter concert and spring musical.

Grade 3
Students receive weekly piano lessons in small groups and study formal music theory. Students analyze complex musical pieces and practice sight singing and aural and rhythmic exercises. Students apply previously learned musical concepts with the use of instruments, singing, dancing, and expressive movement. Theory and piano classes prepare students for regular recitals, participation in school concerts and musicals, as well as the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London. Some of the major studies include Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker and Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel.

Grade 4
Students receive weekly piano lessons in small groups and study formal music theory. Students analyze musical excerpts and practice sight singing and aural and rhythmic exercises. Some of the main topics studied are the different instrumental families of the orchestra. Students study Bizet’s Carmen and attend the annual performance of the Madison Symphony Orchestra Fall Youth Concert. Master classes, theory and piano studies prepare students for regular recitals, participation in school concerts and musicals, as well as the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London. Students participate in a winter concert and spring musical.