Lower School Curriculum

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Music

The music department endeavors to inspire students to have a lifelong love of music—as a vocation or avocation, as a creator, performer, scholar, or listener. Students experience each musical concept within the curriculum through listening, moving, speaking, singing, reading, notating, playing instruments, following composition, and creating through improvisation.

The Lower School program begins with a comprehensive curriculum based on the music education methods of Orff, Kodály, Dalcroze, and Gordon, and it includes music fundamentals, body movement, and vocal and instrumental training (Orff instruments).

  • Threes Music

    The Threes music program focuses on musical games, stories, and movement activities. This becomes a foundation for exploring other musical concepts, such as vocal dynamics, listening skills, and playing together in rhythmic unison. Once a repertoire is established, the children are introduced to percussion instruments.

  • Pre-K Music

    Pre-Kindergarten music emphasizes cooperative ensemble work. Singing, movement, and instrumental accompaniment are combined with stories, games, improvisation, and each student's imagination to advance musical concepts and appreciation.

  • Kindergarten Music

    Kindergarten music classes focus on rhythm, movement, stories, and listening games as means of strengthening and supporting each child’s acquisition of musical skills. These activities serve as tools for enhancing and reinforcing each child's musical abilities. Additionally, the Kindergarten curriculum includes an introduction to basic rhythmic notation. As the classes progress, children move from creative movement, songs, and games to body percussion, and ultimately focus on incorporating all the acquired music skills to work with percussion instruments and Orff xylophones.

Faculty

  • Photo of David Degge
    David Degge
    Lower School Music Teacher (Grades 2-5)
    Bio
  • Photo of Debbie Wels
    Debbie Wels
    Lower School Music Teacher (Threes–Grade 2)
    Bio
Ambitious academics.  Engaged students.  Balanced lives.

List of 2 items.

  • Preschool - 5

    1 W 88th St. 212.426.3300

  • 6 - 12

    312 E 95th St. 212.426.3360