A new, integrated music curriculum for the Montessori classroom
Hi Everyone,
I'm pleased to share some of the work I'm doing as the Director of the music program at the new T.E.C. School, "Think. Explore. Create." It's a Montessori-based school which integrates a STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math). T.E.C. Elementary is based in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school started out small this year when the cofounders got it up and running in record time. The enrollment will quadruple for the second year next fall.
I've been creating a new music curriculum which integrates with the Montessori approach and subject areas. It has been fascinating. I'm already bringing this curriculum to a second Montessori school in Massachusetts, and as I continue to refine and expand the curriculum I look forward to sharing it with more and more schools!
Best,
Matt
I'm pleased to share some of the work I'm doing as the Director of the music program at the new T.E.C. School, "Think. Explore. Create." It's a Montessori-based school which integrates a STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math). T.E.C. Elementary is based in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school started out small this year when the cofounders got it up and running in record time. The enrollment will quadruple for the second year next fall.
I've been creating a new music curriculum which integrates with the Montessori approach and subject areas. It has been fascinating. I'm already bringing this curriculum to a second Montessori school in Massachusetts, and as I continue to refine and expand the curriculum I look forward to sharing it with more and more schools!
Best,
Matt
Montessori Music Extension
trains children in focus and flow,
emotional self-regulation;
and fosters an understanding
of music and positive humanistic feeling
which is both experiential and rational.
trains children in focus and flow,
emotional self-regulation;
and fosters an understanding
of music and positive humanistic feeling
which is both experiential and rational.
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Our circle meetings include question and answer format about music theory and history, and plans for our various performances.
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In choir rehearsal, children learn to use their confident, free and strong voice. The music is selected with a view toward developing the child's moral character and emotional balance.
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In keeping with an emphasis on hands-on learning, students engage with instruments not only by playing, but also in "maker" activities. Children label the notes on the glockenspiel, and together we string and tune the ukelele.
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Here we prepare to make our own percussion instruments using dry noodles. We scientifically compare different versions of the shakers depending on the measure of noodles used, in increments of five. We all agreed that the shakers with 15 or 25 noodles make the best sound--sharp enough and loud enough, but not a jumbled or unfocussed sound.
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Students prepare for performances studying, memorizing and reciting poetry. Here, during a workshop with actor-historian David Malinsky, we work on excerpts from a speech from Cyrano de Bergerac.
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I was also the victim of a surprise birthday party at the school :)
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We met with cantor Mark Mummert in a workshop about the church organ.
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The T.E.C. School partners with Crocodile River Music to learn to make and play native African instruments.
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Here we prepare for one of our stage performances.
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In preparation for our end-of-year Arts Night, here we are working on the Welsh folk song "The Ash Grove."
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The classroom activities incorporate 5 main components, and integrate with Suzuki method individual lessons.
- Singing & Moving to Rhythm
- Playing Instruments
- Understanding Music Theory Concepts & Music Notation
- Engaging in Hands-on Maker Activities
- Studying Composers & Music History; learning to Appreciate Great Music
- Taking Individual Instrumental Lessons (Suzuki Method, optional add-on)
Montessori Music Extension
trains children in focus and flow,
emotional self-regulation;
and fosters an understanding
of music and positive humanistic feeling
which is both experiential and rational.
trains children in focus and flow,
emotional self-regulation;
and fosters an understanding
of music and positive humanistic feeling
which is both experiential and rational.
If you're interested in bringing the Montessori Music Extension to a school you are connected with, please contact me.
T.E.C. Elementary, "Think. Explore. Create." is open for tours on Tuesdays if you would like to come by!
Best,
Matt
T.E.C. Elementary, "Think. Explore. Create." is open for tours on Tuesdays if you would like to come by!
Best,
Matt
