5th Grade/6th Grade: Pianos
In 5th grade and 6th grade, students learn to read, interpret, and perform music by playing the piano.
Key topics include:
Developing proper posture, hand position, and finger independence to generate a clear, controlled tone and prevent tension.
Reading standard music notation, meter, and pitch simultaneously across both the treble and bass clefs (grand staff).
Navigating the geography of the keyboard, including understanding half steps, whole steps, and basic major/minor scales.
Understanding piano care and etiquette, including proper key maintenance and the acoustics of acoustic vs. digital pianos.
7th Grade: World Music & Global Perspectives
In 7th grade, students explore music from around the globe to build a broader cultural and theoretical understanding.
Key focus areas include:
Listening to and interpreting music from diverse global cultures and ensembles.
Exploring world music theory and comparing musical styles across regions.
Researching global instruments and connecting them to familiar culture-based instruments.
8th Grade: Music History, Connections & Research
In 8th grade, students investigate how music has evolved over time—from classic masterworks to modern hits.
Key focus areas include:
Analyzing composers and artists across historical eras through listening and guided journaling.
Connecting classical music foundations to modern genres and popular artists.
Conducting independent artist research and sharing findings through class projects and presentations.