Examining The Goals Of The Music Classroom

As Music Educators, there are any number of methods we can use to teach music to children. As we examine the different methodologies, we must also examine our goals for our students in the music classroom. As the goals of the music classroom are defined, we can then begin to sort through methodologies and see what would best suit our needs in the classroom. As the music student develops, they should always be building on prior knowledge. For success in the classroom, there needs to be a sequence of skills and knowledge. Students should experience music through not only listening but also performing. Students should be able to independently perform music made up of known elements. The music classroom should foster a desire for music making …show more content…
Fourth grade students learn whole notes, dotted quarter eighth note, la and sol pentatonic, fa, half and whole steps, variation and sequence. Fifth grade students finish with anacrusis, dotted eighth sixteenth note, 6/8 meter, ti, la pentatonic, modes, mixed meter, four part cannon. If a student is able to follow through the three levels of the Kodaly method, they have the necessary skills to be an independent musician. Kodaly said “that a good musician must see what he hears and hear what he sees.” Looking over the sequence, imagine the success that students could have if when they went to middle school they had the skills outlined in this method. The Kodaly method sets students up for success two fold. Students succeed in this method because they are thoroughly prepared for a concept. Students are not shown a quarter note, this gets one beat of sound, clap and sing a quarter note. Students are not shown the symbol and name of a concept until they have a mastery of how to use the concept. Secondly, the sequence of concepts leads to success. Each selected folk song serves a purpose of teaching a musical concept. Each game, dance, activity is preparing and practicing concepts the students have mastered along with a new concept. As a teacher this gives you a roadmap of where and how to lead your students into the wonders of