COURSE TITLE: Teaching Music in the Elementary Grades

COURSE NUMBER: SPEC 113

SPEC 113 – Teaching This course deals with the educational foundations of music as it applies to
teaching and learning. Students will actively participate in music activities that
include singing, playing instruments, moving, creating, and listening. Various

Music teaching strategies qand assessment appropriate for each shall be given
emphasis in the course.
UNITS : 3 units (3 hours/week); 18 week/36 hours

in the Elementary
PRE-REQUISITES: none
OVERVIEW:
This module aims to equip future music teachers with the knowledge

Grades
and skills needed to impart musical understanding. Topics are organized
systematically according to contents, strategies, guides to delivery and aids in
evaluation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
During and upon the completion of the course, the students should
have:
1. Manifested understanding of the key concepts on teaching music for
the elementary learners along with the rudiments, methods and
strategies appropriate for all levels.
2. Understood varied teaching strategies in teaching music in the
elementary.
MARY KNOLL L. PENALOSA, LPT 3. Designed and demonstrated teaching-learning plans & appropriate
Course Facilitator methods and strategies in teaching music.
INDICATIVE CONTENT:
Chapter 1:Experiential Aspects in Teaching Music
1st Semester, A.Y. 2022 – 2023 Chapter 2: Preparing for your Music Lessons
Chapter 3: Strategies and Suggestions test score and music as a tool for therapy among others. However, there is one
Chapter 4: Evaluation for Student Musicianship key concept that each music educator must understand and keep in mind. Our
ACTIVITIES primary goal is not to create a future audience who will watch and listen to
recitals, concerts, musicals, and opera productions. We are not bent on training
children to be professional concert pianists, divas, rock starts rappers, actor-
musicians, recording artists, composers, or the like.
Our foremost is simpler, honest, less ego-centric, yet practical and
noble. Our main goal is to develop in them a love and enjoyment for music – to
Chapter 1: Experiential Aspects in teaching Music teach them how to attain satisfaction whether they may be composers,
interpreters, or listeners.
Lesson 1: Music & Children
In teaching music, we must be able to give children equal and various
opportunities for them to be able to experience music as composers,
Objectives
interpreters, or listeners.
In this lesson, the students must be able to: 1. Composers - We allow children, as composers, to contemplate and
1. Determine the three groups of people present in the music- perceive the world around them, and let them examine both the
making experience; common and the rare. We don’t expect them to write a full song or a
symphony, but we give them chances to improvise and experiment on
2. Ascertain how music plays an integral part in the growth and
creating musical ideas based on what they perceive around them.
development of children; and
2. Interpreters – the path of the interpreter is usually that of a performer:
3. Develop perception on music as an art, a language, and a he/she is tasked to give meaning and life to the creations of composers.
science.
Introduction The interpreter is usually a singer, an instrumentalist, or a conductor.
Music has always been a part of man’s culture. Throughout history, we What is the Mozart Effect?
can see many instances where music has a place in our lives. As infants, our In October 1993, researchers Dr. Gordon Shaw, Frances Rausher and
parents sang to us lullabies to comfort and put us to sleep. As children, we Katherine Ky made a research exposing college students to some of Mozart’s piano
grew up listening to songs and taught us about the world we live in – places, music before taking a spatial reasoning test. Students who listened to Mozart’s music
people, customs, things, nature and events. prior to the test scored significantly higher compared to those who did not. Their
research, a one-page article originally titled “music and spatial task performance.” Was
There have been many good intentions done in the past, but we need to popularized and coined by the media as the “Mozart effect”, hence the name.
back up those intentions with a clear direction. We begin by establishing a
foundation why music must be integrated into elementary education and its 3. Listeners – the listener is not to be judged as a passive partaker in the
benefits. music-making process. Listeners do not merely enjoy the
complementary efforts of the composer and the interpreter: they are the
In this lesson, we shall look at music in its different facets: as an art, a ones who “evaluates, critique, and try to understand the message being
language and a science. put forth by the composer and the interpreter.
Think: Music – Why Teach It? As we continue working with our young students, we teachers, should
be aware which of these three paths our students our students’ strengths are
Maybe in the past, you have heard many people advocating about the aligned and which needs reinforcement. We must be able to label our learning
advantages of teaching music. There have been many researches made in the
past, and the literature is full of examples – form Mozart effect to increasing
activities whether they are oriented toward composing, interpreting, or To be truly effective musicians, we must have a thorough
listening. understanding of the nature of music. No, it does not require us to be virtuosos
in a particular instrument – performing and teaching are two separate worlds.
Life possess many challenging problems, and through music, we can There are those who are good in performing but cannot teach, while there are
equip our young students in improving their achievement levels and provide some who can teach but cannot perform. Ideally, we must strive to strike a
them avenues for using creative solutions. Here are just a few of the benefits of happy balance between these two. Realistically, especially here in the
music in a child’s development: Philippines, we earn a living by being proficient enough in both teaching and
performing music, as the opportunity arises. Being able to do both skills can
1. Music enhances cognitive skills in reading, language development contribute to a more enriching and satisfying career.
and proficiency.
Early musical training develops areas in the brain related to In the course of teaching, we should keep in mind that music is unique
reading and language, since music in itself is also a language, and it compared to other fields, in that it is an art, a language, and a science all at the
requires its own notation to read. Lyrics in songs also help to retain same time.
word usage, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. 1. Music as an art – as mentors, we are guide to our elementary students or
2. Music simultaneously activates many areas of the brain. how to develop an aesthetic taste for music, since there are some types of
Children learn to perform various skills all at once when making music which are not quite appropriate to be heard by young children
music, such as: listening, staying in tune and keeping in time, either because these might be too complex or boring or might contain text
memorizing, using imagination to convey a message, using different that are not fit for young listeners’ innocent ears.
body parts, and following instructions. There are many ways that music can be enjoyed or experienced as an
3. Music improves mathematical and reasoning skills art, such as:
There is a running joke that most musicians are quite bad at a. a sense of affinity when hearing familiar music;
arithmetic. On the contrary, music employs math extensively. Where b. an emotional appeal when hearing distinct tunes and how they are
some mathematical formulas remain theoretical ideas, music is very arranged;
tangible and can be realized immediately by human senses. Music also c. a certain detachment for music that is too complex or hard to
teaches reasoning since it teaches and searches for meaning through understand or relate to;
relationships between notes and group of notes which in turn d. an awareness in the use of form;
determines what kind of sound/s is/are produced. e. a sense of recognition whether music is played accurately, with or
4. Music helps in creative thinking. without feelings; and
Music, like most other arts, is highly subjective. There are some f. evokes a mental image or stirs up in the imagination for an idea being
aspects of music that are not absolute. Children learn that there are put across by the music.
many solutions to arrive at a common answer, or that there may be 2. Music as language – since it is a universal language, we aim for children
more than one answer. Music also helps in thinking “out of the box”. to have the ability to use music as a means for communication and self-
5. Music helps improve motor skills and coordination. expression. This is achieved through activities that encourage them to
For instance, when playing the piano, one has to look at music compose simple songs and tunes and also through listening experiences
sheet to read notes, use his/her hands to strike the keys, listen whether where they get to understand how others express and communicate
the notes are correct in pitch and rhythm, and press the pedal/s with the through music.
foot. Activities like these train finer muscle control and coordination 3. Music as a science – music is an exact science, and it is important that
between the brain and various body parts. students, as they continually progress in their learning, would be familiar
with technical concepts, such as tonality, compound meters, and the like.
Music as an Art, a Language, and a Science A lack of awareness of music as a science will not help in unlocking it
being also appreciated as an art. As guides, we teachers, should ask ___________________________________________________
questions like: “When does a child need to know that a key signature of _______________________________________________________
three sharps may either be A major or F# minor?” When does this _______________________________________________________
knowledge become useful for the child? _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
ANSWER ME!!!! _______________________________________________________
1. Research for other reasons why music is beneficial for child
_______________________________________________________
development.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Think of and write down activities for elementary students that
______________________________________________________
would help them experience how to be a composer, an interpreter,
______________________________________________________
and a listener in the music making process.
______________________________________________________
Fill out the table below and write down activities suited for each
______________________________________________________
of the columns.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
2. From your perspective, what is the most important or convincing COMPOSER INTERPRETER LISTENER
reason why teaching music should be strengthened, especially in
elementary school?
____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
3. South Korea has produced quite a wave with its musical performers in
the past years. Why do they click and why are they popular? Are they
more popular outside of Korea than within? Do you think that their
music education has something to do with their success? Can the
Philippines emulate such an endeavor? Why or why not?
 An architect gazes at an 80-storey skyscraper as its construction comes
to completion. As he looks at the magnificent structure up and down, he could
not help suppress a feeling of satisfaction, even if he was not the one
commissioned to build it. He knows the degree of sophistication required to
create it, the hard work, the materials used, and the engineering needed to keep
Lesson 2: Appreciating Music it standing. He marvels at the height of the structure, and this mirrors the
esteem and respect he has for those responsible behind it, people who, like, are
Objectives in the field of construction and design.

In this lesson, the students must be able to: A computer repair specialist in a shop has specific reactions when he
dismantles the casing of a high-end gaming laptop after he is done fixing a
1. Gain an understanding about the concept of appreciation; patch of old motherboards. The electronic perfection of the gaming laptop’s
2. Know why music appreciation needs to be instilled in learners; advanced circuitry amazes him as he looks upon it, wondering how many
and
complex calculations are processed at such high speeds. These reactions are
3. Develop awareness in carefully planning activities geared toward
conditioned by his understanding of computer electronics.
music appreciation.
Introduction The reactions of both the architect and the computer specialist were
conditioned by their understanding of the processes involved. Each of them
Before tackling the idea of what music appreciation is, we have to first was able to judge, analyze, understand, and enjoy the things they observed,
know the meaning of the word appreciation. What is appreciation? According together with a sense of interest. These result in an experience called
to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, the term appreciation means “an ability to appreciation.
understand the worth, quality, or importance of something, having a full As teachers, it is our goal that our students would attain a similar
awareness or understanding of something.” Maybe we should start thinking degree of understanding, sensitivity, and awareness about music. Music
why some of our elementary school children fail or underperform is because experiences in class should bring about enjoyment, satisfaction, and
they could not appreciate the value of the subjects or topics that they are understanding.
studying. To them, studying can be a chore – a dull, boring, necessary evil that
they have to go through. Many students (even in college) have a mindset that With this in mind, let us now look at the definition of music
they have to pass their subject just for the sake of passing and not for the sake appreciation. Glenn (1936) noted that it is an “effort to give music meaning in
the lives of children.” There is not one single way to define what music
of learning. This is a sad reality that has to be addressed. If there are
appreciation is, so let us look directly at its characteristics and what approaches
appreciation courses on Math, History, and other subjects, shouldn’t Music
are applicable to ensure that appreciation for music is constantly sustained in
Appreciation also be given the same support and attention? Students perform
our classes. Here are some notable points to remember when carefully planning
much better in subjects that they find interest in, and that is what we are going for activities engendering music appreciation:
to see in this particular lesson.
1. Music appreciation is all about nurturing a desirable attitude toward
Think: The Concept of Appreciation music, fostering a love for the craft.
2. It is understanding with enjoyment, so avoid the usual class where
Let us look at some examples to deepen our understanding about
students have to memorize facts and information – let them experience
concept of appreciation.
the music for themselves.
 3. Create activities where students can learn skills with pleasure. This will
take some creative & critical thinking on the part of the teacher.
4. Activities must be tied with a child’s interest.
5. Activities must be aimed such students gain recognition, compare, and
contrast musical details.
6. Extensive use of listening, singing, rhythms, body movements, dancing
ANSWER ME!!!
and creating music.
7. Listening activities must be always guided, teaching students what to
listen for in the music. A. Brainstorm or research and list down 3 music appreciation activities that
8. Multicultural education – Expose students to a wide, diverse range of can be used in class and describe how the activities work.
music styles. _________________________________________________________
9. Early exposure to good listening material should be established. _______________________________________________________________
10. Perfection is not always the goal! It is not necessary for students to _______________________________________________________________
play an instrument exceedingly well or always sing in tune – enjoying _______________________________________________________________
the experience is more important. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
In colleges and universities around the world, Art Appreciation courses _______________________________________________________________
are usually offered as General Education subjects. These are primarily _______________________________________________________________
“exposure courses” which give a cursory glance on the arts, music, literature _______________________________________________________________
and drama among others. In the current K to 12 curriculum, we are given a _______________________________________________________________
chance to plant the seeds of music appreciation early on in a child’s life. Every _______________________________________________________________
music lesson should be a music appreciation lesson. Our students may not _______________________________________________________________
become musicians in the future, but their love and understanding for music will _______________________________________________________________
always remain with them.
Appreciation for music is accomplished when our students have B. Interview three students (one elementary, one high school, and one
attained both an intellectual response (“I know something about the song, it is college). Use the guide question below to have a deeper understanding
in E major!”) and an affective response (“I love hearing the chorus of that song, about the concept of appreciation.
it inspires me to do great things”).
Guide Questions: (for elementary, high school & college students)
1. Do you have a favorite subject in school? Which subject is it?
2. Why is it you favorite subject?
3. Can you describe how your teacher teaches your favorite subject?
4. What subject do you think was not too helpful? Why?
5. Describe how your teacher teaches this “not too helpful” subject.
6. Is music taught in your school? If yes, how is it being taught? If no,
would you take it as a subject? Why?
 7. What do you think can we benefit from learning music in school?
8. Do you think that music can be an enjoyable subject at school? Why or
why not?
ANSWER SHEET (High School)
ANSWER SHEET (Elementary)
Student’s Name: ______________________________ Grade:______
Student’s Name: ______________________________ Grade:______
 __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
ANSWER SHEET (College)
D. Concept Application
Student’s Name: ______________________________ Grade:______ Look at the following musical concepts. Think of what music
appreciation activities may be used to teach these. You may refer to the
example already given below.
Musical Concept Possible Activities
Example: -play a recording of a lullaby to
Dynamics (Loud and Soft teach soft sounds
Sounds) -play a recording of a marching brass
band on parade to teach loud sounds.
-ask a student to sing a song alone.
-ask students to sing the same song
as a group.
Using shouts and whispers
alternately with the lyrics of a
particular song.
1. High and Low Pitches

CHALLENGE: Personalizing Ideas

In your own words, can you give your own definition of Music 2. Fast and Slow Tempo
appreciation?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________ 3. Orchestral Instruments
__________________________________________________________ and their Different
__________________________________________________________ Timbres
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________