Music
Please describe the music instruction program at Dawson.
Music instruction at Dawson is based on a cognitive approach to teaching music known as the Kodaly method of teaching. Instruction involves sequential teaching of concepts with a combination of singing, creating/playing/singing rhythmic and vocal accompaniments, active listening, and movement.
Can children learn to play a musical instrument at Dawson?
Students begin playing simple percussion instruments such as hand drums, rhythm sticks, and maracas in kindergarten. Xylophones are explored at the end of kindergarten, learning about high and low sounds on short and long bars. Students play simple rhythms and chords on xylophones in first grade, with more advanced playing taking place as they progress. Students begin playing recorder in fourth grade and continue through fifth.
What kind of music do the children learn?
Learning of musical concepts is based on knowledge of traditional American folk songs that contain those concepts and skills. Students are also exposed to other genres of music through featured artists each nine-week session, through participation in Music Memory, through visiting artists such as Austin Jazz Workshop and the Austin Opera, through singing and moving to songs related to various holidays and celebrations, and through movement activities such as barn dancing and marching. We hope to bring a performance from One World Theatre next year.
Do the children learn to read music?
Music literacy is included at the beginning of each lesson, Kindergarten through second grade, with "sing-a-book" time. Twice a year, students have a sing-a-book day. All of the song books are placed around the room. Students sit with partners and read/sing the books together. It is so much fun to hear five or six different songs all being read/sung at the same time around the room!
Using the Kodaly method, students begin reading, writing, and playing basic music patterns in first grade. Each year new concepts are added, so that by the end of fifth grade, the students are ready to participate successfully in middle school band, choir, or orchestra.
How many days/hours a week do children have music class?
All students in kindergarten through fifth grade receive music instruction at Dawson for 45 minutes every third day.
Are there any musical performances parents can watch?
Performances vary from year to year, but have included singing at businesses of education partners, singing at the Trail of Lights, singing at Travis High Expo, and of course school performances such as the Veterans' Day assembly, and the winter assembly.
Visit these websites for more information about the Kodaly method of music education.
http://www.fineartsaustin.org/cli
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kod%C3%A1ly_method
https://www.oake.org/about-us/the-kodaly-concept/
Please contact Winnell Chinn for more information: 512.414.2070.