Music

The elementary music curriculum in Kansas is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and well-rounded musical education. It aims to foster a love for music, develop musical skills, and nurture creative expression. The curriculum encourages students to actively engage in various aspects of music, including singing, playing instruments, listening, composing, and exploring different musical styles and traditions.

The goals of the elementary music curriculum in Kansas include:

Singing and Vocal Development: The curriculum focuses on developing students' singing abilities and vocal skills. Students learn to sing in tune, match pitch, and develop proper vocal technique. They explore a wide range of songs from different genres and cultures, building their repertoire and confidence as singers.

Instrumental Exploration: The curriculum introduces students to a variety of musical instruments. Students have opportunities to explore and play percussion instruments, Orff instruments (such as xylophones and metallophones), and possibly other instruments depending on available resources. They learn basic playing techniques, rhythm patterns, and musical notation.

Music Literacy: The curriculum emphasizes music literacy skills, including reading and interpreting musical notation. Students learn to recognize and understand musical symbols, rhythms, and pitch. They develop the ability to sight-read simple melodies and rhythms and learn to follow musical scores and sheet music.

Listening and Music Appreciation: The curriculum encourages active listening and music appreciation. Students explore different styles of music from various cultures and historical periods. They learn to identify and describe musical elements, such as melody, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics. Students develop an appreciation for diverse musical traditions and genres.

Music Theory and Composition: The curriculum introduces students to basic music theory concepts. They learn about musical elements, such as scales, intervals, chords, and musical forms. Students explore composition and creative expression by composing simple melodies, rhythms, and short musical pieces using notation or improvisation.

Music History and Cultural Connections: The curriculum incorporates the study of music history and its cultural context. Students learn about significant composers, musicians, and musical works from different eras and cultures. They explore the connections between music and historical events, societal changes, and cultural traditions.

Performance and Ensemble Skills: The curriculum provides opportunities for students to participate in musical performances and ensembles. Students collaborate with their peers, learn to sing or play in a group, and develop ensemble skills such as listening, blending, and following a conductor. They also have opportunities to showcase their musical abilities through school concerts or other performance opportunities.

The elementary music curriculum in Kansas encourages students to develop their musical abilities, creativity, and confidence. It fosters an appreciation for music as a universal language and an integral part of human culture. By providing a well-rounded musical education, the curriculum nurtures students' artistic expression, promotes teamwork and collaboration, and cultivates a lifelong enjoyment and engagement with music.

Instructional Resource:

Spotlight on Music

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

KSDE Standards for Music