Music should be taught from sound to symbol - the same way in which we learn language. One learns to speak before they learn to read and write, after all. We learn with a differentiated approach:
Kinesthetically - through actions and movements
Aurally - through sound alone
Visually - creating their own representation of the concept.
Music teachers should be excellent artist-teachers; meaning that a talented, well-practiced, and musically capable teacher is the best one of all - able focus on their students instead of them self.
Students perform in a variety of ways - playing instruments, moving, and conducting. By far the most important way they perform is through singing - the instrument they all share; the one in which they are most proficient; the one in which they can express themselves best.
Students use a movable do system of solfege, Curwen hand signs to match, and rhythm syllables. They are able to read "stick notation", rhythmic notation with solfege written underneath, as well as standard notation written on the music staff.
Students improvise rhythms and melodies using known content, but also to create their own music in a variety of ways: on paper, on an instrument, vocally, or using a notation software such as Noteflight.
"It is not enough to listen once, fleetingly, to great works; one has to prepare for them." Zoltan Kodaly
Students listen to examples of high quality art music each class. They are exposed to a rich wealth of folk songs from America and abroad, which they perform in such a variety of ways and with such frequency that they become internalized.
"Just as proverbs condense centuries of popular wisdom and observation, so, in the traditional songs, the emotions of centuries are immortalized in a form polished to perfection. No masterpiece can replace traditions." Zoltan Kodaly
Students learn all content and practice everything through use of high quality folk songs - most of which are American in origin. Through the use of these songs and singing games, students learn about more than music - the opportunities to explain cultural ideals, past practices, other cultures' traditions, etc. are plentiful.