The Montessori School subscribes to the Orff Schulwerk music approach developed by the late German composer and educator Carl Orff. This method taps into children’s natural instincts to make music through active participation. The children learn by doing. They’re constantly creating music: playing instruments, improvising, moving and singing.
Early musical training helps develop areas of the brain involved in language, reasoning and problem-solving. Research shows study of music enhances concentration and improves school performance. At the same time, performance art teaches children to overcome their fears and become risk-takers so they can fully develop their potential.
Uninhibited pre-schoolers have a natural love of music and performance, so it is important not to underestimate their capabilities and tap these instincts early. The Orff method is introduced in the 2-year-old Toddler Program and continues as children advance through the Montessori and Lower School music programs.
In the pre-school music program:
- The idea of musical staff and notes is introduced.
- Children learn to differentiate between soft and loud or high and low and practice singing accurately on pitch.
- Diversity is celebrated through exploration of music from a variety of cultures and from around the world.
"We play instruments like the drums. Notes have music in them. The notes give you the music to do. The teachers show us what we can do then I pick what I want to do. They show us the same way Mom shows me how to do my Lego set at home if they’re real hard. But it’s not real hard."
Aidan Jambor
Preschool
