Welcome to Music! 

My name is Dorothy Dahn and I have been teaching Music for almost 20 years!  Having grown up in this area of the Island, this school and community mean a great deal to me. I hold a Bachelor of Music Education from U.P.E.I. with a Major in Piano, as well as a Master of Education focused in Music Education from Acadia University. 

My Teaching Philosophy & Approach

I believe that music is for everyone and that all children possess an innate ability to sing, play, and express themselves musically. In my classroom, I teach the K–3 music curriculum through movement, singing, playing instruments, creating, and play-based activities. My aim is to cultivate musical literacy and a lifelong love of music within an active, student-centered, and safe environment where students feel courageous enough to take risks and build confidence.

My approach is deeply rooted in the Orff Philosophy (Level 1 certified in 2014)—a holistic, experiential, and process-oriented model that focuses on teaching the whole child. Music class caters naturally to all learning styles—aural, visual, and kinesthetic—allowing every child to experience success. We approach our learning through a spiral curriculum, returning to foundational musical elements throughout the year to build upon prior knowledge and master skills. Growth mindset, perseverance, and grit are celebrated every step of the way.

Performances & Community

Providing both formal and informal performance opportunities is an integral part of a vibrant school music program. Throughout the year, students participate in:

• School Musicals & Concerts: Two full musicals annually, Christmas and Spring concerts, and holiday assemblies.

• Extracurricular Programs: Performances through our "Music Adventure" program.

• Cross-Grade Collaborations: Opportunities for younger and older classes to perform for one another, allowing students to reflect on their growth and envision their future musical journey.

Background & Personal Life

In addition to classroom teaching, I have years of experience teaching private piano lessons. I currently have 15 private students. These students regularly participate in the Queens County Music Festival as well as seasonal recitals. 

Outside of school, I enjoy time outside, beach days, camping, crosscountry skiing, thrifting and spending time with friends and family. I live in Charlottetown with my three beautiful children and our dog, Winnie!

My goal every day is to ensure my students feel valued, respected, and inspired by the joy of making music. Please feel free to reach out to me at dhdahn@edu.pe.ca if you have any questions or concerns!