Literacy and Music An exploration into how literacy and music can live harmoniously in a classroom. Give a brief description of how this project came about and an outline of what will be discussed.

What does it mean to be literate in music? In today’s music classroom, there are many different ways in which a student can become literate in music. The must important thing is that they must know how to read music to be properly trained in music. As time passes, the idea of literacy is changing. As the world is surrounding itself with an increasing amount of technology, music students should be aware of this technology and how it can be used to enhance their skills as a musician. Discuss how being able to read music and being proficient on your instrument are the basis of literacy in music, but, there are other aspects of literacy in music in today’s technologically growing world.

Music technology can increase a young students creative skills Music technology can increase a young students creative skills. By using technologically based music programs, like “Audacity,” students are encouraged to edit and create new sounds. The ability to be creative will not only aid a student’s musical ability, but will help to aid in the development of other areas in education. Give a brief description of some of the programs out there for music like audacity and itunes. Bring in the connection between music and literacy in other subject areas.

Brief description of how music can aid in developmental skills. A child’s ability to read, write and think analytically are developed as they grow. These skills are shaped by the environment in which they are taught. Being taught music from a young age can aid in the development of these critical skills.

Music can greatly enhance language skills Music can greatly enhance language skills. Young children, especially, are influenced by what they are surrounded by. When teaching children new songs, they learn new words. Learning music at a young age can help in language development and enhance a child’s skills. Discuss how learning music from a young age can aid in language skills. Children who learn music from a young age can develop linguistic skills quicker than ones who don’t.

Music can also be very useful in developing memorization skills Music can also be very useful in developing memorization skills. In order for a child to be literate and proficient on their instrument, they must memorize the proper fingerings and positions. The skills that are needed for music can enhance how a child learns to memorize and enhance memory size. Discuss how learning music can help memorization skills and memory size. Also, go into how music can help aural skills.

Music can without a doubt be combined with literacy Music can without a doubt be combined with literacy. Music educators should be responsible for making each of their students literate in the subject as well as collaborate with other subject teachers to use music as a tool for literacy. Music can be combined with many different subjects, like history and science, to help create literacy in other areas. Wrap up. Briefly go through each point.

Some Useful Links Dealing with Music and Literacy http://www.menc.org/networks/genmus/litarticles.html Music Educators National Association’s webpage for Music and Literacy http://webhost.bridgew.edu/m5connolly/web/researchproject.htm Music and Oral Language Skills http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/81 Music and Literacy Resources for Parents