Areas of Focus
Embedded Files
K–5 General Music is a comprehensive, standards-based program that develops musical literacy and creative expression through an integrated STEM lens. Students explore music as both an artistic discipline and a scientific phenomenon, engaging in singing, movement, instrumental performance, composition, and music technology while making meaningful connections to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Through hands-on exploration and inquiry-based learning, students investigate how sound works, how instruments are designed, how music is structured mathematically, and how technology is used to create and manipulate sound.
Music education naturally aligns with STEM principles. Sound is vibration (science), rhythm reflects mathematical structure (math), instrument design requires problem-solving (engineering), and digital composition utilizes modern tools (technology).
Grade-Level Progression
Grade-Level Progression
Primary Grades (K–2): Foundations of Sound and Pattern
Primary Grades (K–2): Foundations of Sound and Pattern
Students explore:
Sound as vibration and energy
Steady beat and rhythmic patterns
High/low pitch relationships
Simple musical forms (AB, ABA)
Instrument families and sound production systems
STEM integration emphasizes observation, experimentation, pattern recognition, and basic data collection (e.g., tempo counting, sound comparisons).
Intermediate Grades (3–5): Systems, Structure, and Innovation
Intermediate Grades (3–5): Systems, Structure, and Innovation
Students expand into:
Staff notation and rhythmic fractions
Acoustics and resonance
Multi-part ensemble performance
Instrument exploration in reference to sound
Composition and arranging
Introduction to digital audio tools
STEM integration emphasizes engineering design, measurement, data analysis (tempo, duration), waveform exploration, and technology-based music creation.
Instructional Approach
Instructional Approach
Instruction is:
Inquiry-based and experiential
Collaborative and project-driven
Developmentally appropriate
Aligned with national music standards
Cross-curricular and standards-supported
Students regularly engage in hands-on experiments, composition challenges, and performance tasks.
Technology Integration
Technology Integration
Students interact with age-appropriate music technology tools, which include:
Digital composition platforms
Basic audio recording tools
Visual sound-wave applications
Loop-based creation software
Technology use emphasizes creativity, digital citizenship, and responsible innovation.
By the end of Grade 5, students will:
Understand sound as vibration and energy
Read and perform age-appropriate notation
Recognize mathematical structures in rhythm and form
Apply basic engineering principles to instrument design
Use introductory music technology tools
Collaborate effectively in ensemble settings
Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving through music
This music pathway prepares students to see music not only as performance, but as innovation. Students leave elementary school with foundational musical literacy, technological fluency, and a mindset that values creativity, inquiry, and interdisciplinary thinking.
Student Impact
Mrs. Kirkland is an amazing teacher who brings so much light and energy into our school. She cares about her students and works hard to make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and confident in her class. In music, we don’t just learn notes—we learn how to be creative and take risks without being afraid to make mistakes. She also teaches us to be kind and helpful to others, just like she is every day. Music connects to STEM because we learn about patterns, rhythm, sound waves, and how timing and counting all use math skills. Since Mrs. Kirkland started teaching, music has become even more exciting and inspiring for everyone. -5th Grade Student
Music has helped me grow and will help me in the future because Mrs. Kirkland taught me how to play the piano and the ukulele. I really enjoy her class because she has so many fun instruments for us to try. I’ve learned a lot of new songs from her, and music pathway is one of my favorites. -5th Grade Student
STEM Journal Exemplars
Students were hypothesizing why B sounds higher than G on the recorder.
Students were learning about the different frequencies on the piano and how each note doubles as it increases an octave.
Students were creating their own song lyrics, rhythms, and melodies.
Students were using what they learned about rhythms (and math) to create their own rhythm patterns.
Student Engagement
Composing
Composing
Students were using a variety of methods to create their own songs.
Ukulele
Ukulele
Students learn how to play the ukulele and how the sound works by shortening and lengthening the strings (higher and lower sounds).
Piano
Piano
Students learn how to play the piano and learn how the relationship of 1/2 and whole steps create different sound and how that relates to math.
Recorder Presentation
Recorder Presentation
Students learn about sound through playing recorder. Faster/fuller air makes a higher/louder sound. Slower/less air makes a lower/quieter sound.
Note building
Note building
Using tactile/kinesthetic learning, this student created a recorder song using various blocks.
Recorder Masters
Recorder Masters
By understanding how adding finger lowers the sound and taking fingers away makes the sound higher, these students were able to complete their Level 1 recorder challenge songs.
High and Low
High and Low
Kindergarteners were learning about high and low sounds using instruments and movement.
Music Comp with Quaver
Music Comp with Quaver
Students are creating their own music compositions using our online curriulum recource, Quaver.
Exploring
Exploring
Students are exploring how a snare drum makes it's sound.
Community Partners
OMS Band
OMS Band
We collaborate with Otwell Middle School bands to show students some of the music opportunities they have in the future as well as how sound works via band instruments.
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