Recorders in Schools
Recorders in Schools
Recorders in Schools is a year-long program designed for fifth graders that focuses on building foundational music and creative skills through weekly recorder classes. Over 24 weeks, students learn recorder playing techniques, music notation and ensemble performance, culminating in a student concert.
Led by trained MTM teaching artists in partnership with classroom teachers, the program emphasizes the connections between music, math, history and culture, helping students understand how music enhances their learning in other subjects.
In addition to developing musical skills, students gain valuable life skills like focus, discipline and collaboration as they work towards a shared performance goal. Classroom teachers receive professional development and resources to integrate the program’s music curriculum with broader academic content, enriching their teaching and reinforcing key concepts in history, culture and mathematics. This program offers an extensive cross-curricular approach to music education, fostering both academic growth and personal development.
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“…I thought I would never be able to learn how to play the recorder, but now I know how. I am pretty proud of myself… I thought I would never do it, now till this very day I will try my best on anything that may seem hard.”
“[What I enjoy about being involved in Recorders in Schools is] students participating in the arts and understanding the importance of community and working together and creating music.”
“Even though [my students] don’t speak much English yet, they excelled in learning the recorder. In just a few short weeks they caught up to the level of playing by their peers. They can feel confident through music.”
