K-4th Grades Music

The Lower School music program combines the Orff and Kodály teaching approaches to nurture a love of music while building strong foundational skills. The Kodály method emphasizes singing and follows a child-centered sequence, helping students internalize rhythm and pitch in a natural way. For example, children begin by learning simple rhythms—like quarter and eighth notes—that connect to familiar movements such as walking and running. These patterns form the basis of the folk songs and games used throughout the K-4 program.

The Orff approach invites students to explore music through singing, movement, speech, and instrumental play. Using a variety of pitched and unpitched instruments, students experiment with texture, tone, and rhythm while developing an understanding of pitch relationships and musical structure. Playing in ensembles also encourages focus, collaboration, and the ability to listen carefully to how one’s part fits within the whole.