Classroom music instruction in the Tredyfrin-Easttown School District focuses on singing, music reading, classroom instruments, music appreciation, improvisation and composition, and movement.

    Fifth grade students use individual vocal range in two-part singing. They read simple melodies and rhythms, and apply them to the creation of music on classroom instruments, including the recorder. Students arrange simple pieces for voice or for instruments other than those for which they were written. They learn about musical theater, experiencing various real works. Finally, students learn and perform dances from different cultures and time periods.

    Sixth grade students sing with expression and technical accuracy in two parts. They read increasingly complex melodies and rhythms, and apply them, or play by ear, on classroom instruments, including the recorder. Students arrange simple pieces, with increased use of music notation, for voice or for instruments other than those for which they were written. They learn about musical theater and other musical genre, experiencing various real works. Finally, students learn and perform dances from different cultures and time periods.

    In seventh grade, students continue to become familiar with their own vocal range. Additionally, they expand their music reading skills, with opportunity to use standard notation to record musical ideas. Students improvise simple melodies and harmonies by ear on various classroom instruments. The continue their investigation of music as an art form, comparing the capacity of various forms of art to express ideas and emotions. Seventh graders can recognize dance movement as a separate form of expression, and show awareness of the relationship of movement to different styles of music and other art forms.

In eighth grade, students sing accurately with good breath control and expression, alone and in small and large ensembles. They read basic notation in various meters, identifying standard notation for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation and expression. Students evaluate the quality of performances, compositions, arrangements and improvisations, applying specific criteria. They reproduce melodies and rhythms on classroom instruments. Students show awareness of the relationship of movement to different styles of music and other art forms.