Welcome to music at Nixon! All children in grades K-5 at Nixon have general music class once a week for 40 minutes, with Kindergarten students having a second period of instruction during part of the year. Preschool students have music class once a week for 20 minutes. String instrument instruction begins in grade 4; Band instrument instruction begins in grade 5.
Our general music program (Preschool-5) focuses on developing strong music skills such as matching pitch (singing in tune), singing independently, keeping a steady beat, and playing songs and rhythms on instruments including recorders, drums and xylophones. I like to keep the students moving, using singing games, folk dances, and props such as scarves. We sing and play traditional songs and chants from many cultures and may perform more contemporary music on our in-school concerts (see Concert tab).
A major focus in general music will be on literacy--teaching the children to read music. We will follow a sequence of rhythmic and melodic elements, using “du” and “du-de” rhythm names and melodic solfege (do re mi, etc.). These elements are taught using songs, games, rhythm instruments, and, in grades 3 and 4, recorder. We will listen to music in varied styles and genres and learn a bit about composers and musical instruments. I like to use techniques from various pedagogies such as Music Learning Theory and the Kodaly and Orff approaches. Instruction is also informed by the new national arts standards (see nafme.org) which emphasize creating, performing, and responding. I hope to be able to give your children the tools they need to enjoy making music and listening to music.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions about your child’s musical education.
Leslie Dooley
leslie_dooley@sudbury.k12.ma.us
For information about our String instrument program (4th and 5th grade), please contact Ms. Rose Morrison.
For information about our Band instrument program (5th grade), please contact Mr. Kevin Donegan
For more information about SPS music, see this page.