Seward Music
Kirsten Vezina
General and Vocal Music
About Music at Seward
In person, Kindergarten, E-1 & E-2 students attend one 55-minute music class each week. In music, students learn best by doing. We sing, play instruments, and dance together. Our class activities lead students to greater skill as musicians. We learn to understand musical content through the arts processes of create, perform & respond in music.
Assumptions of Music
Humans have a fundamental need to express themselves through music.
Music is a complex integration of thinking, feeling and sharing.
Music is a viable way of thinking and knowing.
Music is grounded in culture.
Music is a vital means of communication.
Music provides symbolic representation of life.
from "Engaging Activities in the Arts--Music," Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in the Arts.
About Miss Kirsten
I am so happy to continue my role as the general music teacher at Seward! This is my 6th year of teaching music at Seward. I teach general music to Kindergarten, E1, and E2 students.
Prior to teaching at Seward, I went to St. Olaf College and received a B.M in Music Education in 2016. After finishing school, I lived in Guyana, South America for one year, teaching piano, violin, and general music.
My primary performing instrument is the string bass. Over the years, I've learned how to play many other instruments. Most recently, I've begun learning to play the accordion!
In my free time, I enjoy making music (of course!), playing softball, walking, and spending time with my family.
I would love to connect with you about how I can best serve your child, this school, and its community. Feel free to contact me to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child in music class. The best way to reach me is by email at kirsten.vezina@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Links to Learning Platforms
Click the pictures to go to the websites.
Google Classroom
Google Meet
Seesaw
More Music Education Links
Interactive Music Websites
Rhythm Games
RHYTHM TRAINER - E1 & E2
ONLINE METRONOME - K, E1, & E2
Melody Games/Reading the Notes on the Staff
WHACK A NOTE - reading notes on the staff - E1 & E2
Listening Games
SEEING MUSIC - K, E1, & E2
Composition
SOUND CANVAS - K, E1, & E2
Websites with a Collection of Musical Games & Activities
GROOVE PIZZA - Learn about the different styles of music and different ways to change the sound - K, E1, & E2
CLASSICS FOR KIDS - Games about rhythms, note naming, composition, instruments, and composers. - E1 & E2
MPR Music Lesson of the Day - Lessons about classical music, instruments, and more! - E2
THETA MUSIC TRAINER - E2
Musical Videos
ULTMATE COLLECTION OF UKULELE TUTORIALS - E1 & E2
DRUM TRACKS FOR JAM/PRACTICE - List of over 300 free drum only backing tracks on youtube - sorted by genre and tempo - K, E1, & E2
Daily Rhythm Reading - Videos of children's books being read rhythmically - K, E1, E2
TED-ED: HOW PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT BENEFITS YOUR BRAIN - ANITA COLLINS
Prodigies Music Lessons (Kids YouTube Compilation/ Resource) - PreK & K
Visual Musical Minds (Kids YouTube Compilation/Resource) - E1& E2
John Jacobson Dance Routines - K, E1, & E2
Music Standards & Curriculum
The State and National Standards are listed below. Both sets of standards work well together.
The MN State Standards are listed as:
Foundations
Create
Perform
Respond
For more information, you may use any of the following links
2008 MN Arts Standards - This is the current working version of the MN Standards in the Arts.