1. About the program

2. Program Objectives

K-6
From the basic starting point of the musical idea, students are introduced what musical ideas are made of (elements of music), where they come from (some guided improvisation and multi-disciplinary connections), and what composers can do with them (thematic development and form).

7-12
The objectives are similar to K-6, with the difference that more emphasis is placed upon the historical and cultural context of the music, with connections to non-musical social studies and historical material. Musical elements are reviewed rather than introduced, unless teachers recommend that introduction is needed.

3. About the piano

4. Biography

5. Listening List

Program Outlines

Elementary/Middle School:

• "I have an idea" : basics of composition
• Recognizing and following a musical idea: form
• What musical ideas are made of: melody, pitch, meter, rhythm, harmony, syncopation
• Where musical ideas come from: texture, dynamics, tempo
• What composers do with musical ideas: improvisation, music and other art forms
• Fun with the piano: physics of the instrument

High School:

• Same as above, with more advanced elements of form

Pre and Post Program Activities

1. Background information for teachers

2. Elementary: writing prompts to music they’ve heard, using appropriate music terminology, harmony, rhythm, music and other art forms

2. Middle School/High School: music and other art forms, note values, tempo, rhythm, music in science, music and society/culture

Music Glossary

Bibliography/Web Bibliography