Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Department of Music
MUU 220
Elementary Music Methods
Approved by Department: November 4, 2003
Course Description
This course will prepare the prospective music educator to be able to create, develop, and teach
successful elementary classroom music programs. Students will study major trends and learning theories,
apply knowledge of child development including exceptional populations, examine the literature and
materials for teaching music, create lesson and unit plans, and engage in practice teaching experiences.
Prerequisites:
None
3 Clock hours, 3 Semester Credit hours
Course Rationale
The music teacher who becomes involved with music on the elementary level must be able to
work with a variety of types of classes and performance settings. Because music speaks to the deep human
need for expression and creativity, it will be valuable for the teacher to be able to guide the students
through the childhood years with a strong foundation in music and music activities.
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Prepare and teach music lessons and units of study for elementary school age children.
2. Demonstrate techniques of preserving children's natural motivation for experiencing music.
3. Demonstrate strategies for maintaining discipline in the classroom.
4. Use appropriate teaching examples found in the music of various cultures.
5. Teach a music lesson using singing, listening, playing of classroom instruments, moving, and a
variety of creative activities.
6. Use a variety of appropriate teaching strategies and evaluation techniques.
Course Outline
A. Introduction
1. Why teach music
2. Responsibility for music programs; specialist, consultant, supervisor,
coordinator, teacher, supervisor
B. Overview of major methodologies
1. Kodaly
2. Orff
3. Dalcroze
4. Gordon
C. Vocal music
1. Characteristics of the child voice
2. Teaching a song by rote or by note
3. Part singing
D. Chording and melodic classroom instrumental music
1. Classroom instruments ( recorder, autoharp, and guitar).
2. Coordinating with the instrumental program
E. Listening
1. Developing perceptive listening
2. Guided listening experiences
F. Movement
1. Folk dances, games
2. Eurhythmics and creative movement
G. Creating
1. Creative thinking
2. Activities to encourage creativity in music
H. Curriculum design
1. Goals and philosophy
2. Planning and implementing a curriculum
I. Exceptional learners
1. Introduction to characteristics of various populations
2. Strategies for providing appropriate instruction
Assessment
Assessment of each student’s level of accomplishment with reference to the course objectives will be based
upon the following:
1. Demonstrate the ability to plan, implement, evaluate and reflect on effective lessons
that into account the factors that influence learning and teaching.
2. Implement successful management strategies.
3. Write and implement acceptable lesson plans.
4. Create effective assessments.
5. Create effective learning materials and integrate technology.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of student diversity, including issues of exceptionality
and adapt lessons accordingly.
7. Demonstrate the elements of professional behavior.
8. Successful participation in the field experience. This requires a satisfactory
recommendation from field experience cooperating teachers and the university
coordinator.
Instructional Resources
Althouse, Jay. Copyright: The Complete Guide for Music Educators, 2nd ed. Reston, VA: Music
Educators National Conference, 1997.
Anderson, William M. and Patricia Shehan Campbell. Multicultural Perspectives in Music Education (with
recordings), 2nd ed. Reston, VA: Music Educators National Conference, 1996.
Anderson, William and Moore, Marvelene. Making Connections: Multicultural Music and the National
Standards (book and CD.). Reston, VA: MENC, 1997.
Andrews, Laura J. and Patricia E Sink. Integrating Music and Reading Instruction: Teaching Strategies
for Upper-Elementary Grades. Reston, VA: MENC, 2002.
Barrett, Janet et al. Sound Ways of Knowing: Music in the Interdisciplinary Curriculum. New York:
Schirmer Books, 1997.
Bennett, Peggy, and Douglas Bartholomew. SongWorks II: Singing from Sound to Symbol. Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth, 1999
Brandt, Ronald S., ed. Assessing Student Learning: New Rules, New Realities. Reston,VA: MENC, 1998.
Bruner, J. Toward A Theory of Instruction. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1966.
Campbell, Patricia Shehan. Lessons from the World: A Cross-Cultural Guide to Music Teaching and
Learning. New York: Schirmer Books, 1991.
Campbell, Patricia and Carol Scott-Kassner. Music in Childhood: From Preschool through the
Elementary Grades, 2nd ed. New York: Schirmer Books, 2002.
Choksy, L., et al. Teaching Music in the Twenty-first Century. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall,
2002.
Dark, Ida et al. Music for All Children. Parsippany, NJ: Silver Burdett Ginn, 1996.
Duffy, T. M. and D.Jonasson. Constructivism and the Technology of Instruction. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence
Erlbaum, 1991.
Eisner, E.W. Cognition and Curriculum: A Basis for Deciding What to Teach. New York: Longman,
1982.
Gardner, H. Frames of Mind: A Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books, 1983.
Gelineau, Phyllis. Experiences in Music, 3rd ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995 .
Gordon, E. and D. Woods. Jump Right In! The Music Curriculum. Chicago: G.I.A. Publications, 1990.
Jaques-Dalcroze, E. Rhythm, Music and Education. London: The Dalcroze Society, 1970.
Jessup, L. World Music: A Source Book for Teaching. Danbury, CT: World Music Press, 1992.
Kantorski, Vincent. A Bibliography of Source Readings in Music Education. Warren, Mich.: Harmonie
Park Press, 1997.
Lehman, Paul, ed. Teaching Examples: Ideas for Music Educators. Reston, VA: MENC, 1994.
MacGregor, H. Listening to Music: Elements Age 5+. London: A&C Black, 1995.
Mead, V. Dalcroze Eurythmics in Today's Music Classroom. New York: Schott, 1994.
Music Educators Journal. Reston, VA: MENC.
Reimer Bennett, ed. World Musics and Music Education: Facing the Issues. Reston, VA: MENC, 2002.
Sobel, Elise. An Attitude and Approach for Teaching Music to Special Learners. NewYork: Pentland
Press, 2001.
National Standards for Arts Education. Reston, VA: MENC, 1994.
Steen, A. Exploring Orff. New York: Schott, 1992.
Taylor, Jack et al. Music and Students at Risk: Creative Solutions for a NationalDilemma. Reston, VA:
MENC, 1997.
Thomson, W. Comprehensive Musicianship through Classroom Music. Belmont, CA: Addison-Wesley,
1974.