It is my hope that these pages may serve as a guide for understanding the importance of music education in your child's life, whether they are a part of general music, the musical, or choir within the Westminster community. Music is not typically learned by "traditional" classroom methods, although many important parts can be learned at a desk with a pencil. However, much of it also involves hand coordination, developing vocal muscles, learning correct posture and breath support, clear diction, and many other concepts that are important outside of music as well.
Aside from the physical importance of music, it also attributes to academic success. Science, math, foreign language, English language arts, and history are also a large part of this art form. Students are able to gain a vast understanding of all of these core subject areas through music theory instruction, performing pieces in different languages and cultural styles, learning about the mechanics behind vibrations and instruments, and performing historically relevant repertoire. On a scientific note, Music activates the temporal lobe when we sing words, the right parietal lobe when we put it into a tune, and the cerebellum when we add the rhythm (Landau).
The way students learn music in my classroom is often through exploration, improvisation, trial and error, and creative means. It is important to me that all of my students know their ability as a musician, and have been given the skills necessary to accomplish this. Please explore the tabs to learn more about the benefits of music for your child, music learning approaches that I use in the classroom, and resources to assist your child with their musical ability at home, as well as links to more information.
Landau, Elizabeth. (Feb 2 2016). This is Your Brain on Music. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/health/brain-music-research/#
Aside from the physical importance of music, it also attributes to academic success. Science, math, foreign language, English language arts, and history are also a large part of this art form. Students are able to gain a vast understanding of all of these core subject areas through music theory instruction, performing pieces in different languages and cultural styles, learning about the mechanics behind vibrations and instruments, and performing historically relevant repertoire. On a scientific note, Music activates the temporal lobe when we sing words, the right parietal lobe when we put it into a tune, and the cerebellum when we add the rhythm (Landau).
The way students learn music in my classroom is often through exploration, improvisation, trial and error, and creative means. It is important to me that all of my students know their ability as a musician, and have been given the skills necessary to accomplish this. Please explore the tabs to learn more about the benefits of music for your child, music learning approaches that I use in the classroom, and resources to assist your child with their musical ability at home, as well as links to more information.
Landau, Elizabeth. (Feb 2 2016). This is Your Brain on Music. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/health/brain-music-research/#