“There should be music in the child’s environment, just as there does exist in the child’s environment spoken speech. In the social environment the child should be considered and music should be provided.”
– Maria Montessori, Lecture

The goal of the PRM music program is to make life-long music lovers. Students are encouraged to explore their love of music whether that is through singing, playing instruments, dancing, or simply listening to music.

The classroom music experiences at PRM are based on the Orff-Schulwerk approach and the Kodaly method. Students are invited to speak, move, sing and play instruments in the playful exploration of musical ideas. These experiences enable students to develop understanding of the elements of music; rhythm, pitch, timbre, texture, form and expression. Students are exposed to a variety of styles of music and experience cultures that are different from their own.

Kindergarten students are introduced to music through folk songs, musical games, instruments, and movement. Concepts for Kindergarten include:

  • Matching Pitch
  • Steady Beat
  • Using the 4 voices (talking, whispering, singing and calling)
  • Aurally recognizing and performing opposites (loud/quiet, fast/slow, high/low)
  • Sing and distinguishing the 4 voices (whisper, talking, singing, calling)
  • Using call and response form

The 6-9 level students use some of their acquired knowledge to perform music at a higher level. Students are introduced to the Orff ensemble (xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels) which we use to explore the elements of music (rhythm, pitch, timbre, texture, tempo, dynamics, and form). They also focus on the cultural aspects of music, the instruments of the orchestra, and important composers and historical periods.

The 9-12 level students will begin to use the knowledge they have gained in previous years and will use instruments to perform those skills. At this level, they have the opportunity to choose general music or strings. Strings is offered to all students in 4th-6th grade in place of the general music class. Strings runs for the entire school year with two required concerts. Students may choose from violin, viola, cello and bass. Sign-ups will be discussed during the first few weeks of school.