"The benefits of music education are immense and highly beneficial to students. Music positively impacts a child’s academic performance, assists in developing social skills, and provides an outlet for creativity that is crucial to a child’s development."
— Amanda Martin, "The Importance of Music Education in Schools"

Every LASD student in 4th through 6th grade receives a foundational music education. 

LASD's Annual "Strictly Strings" Concert

A Stellar Music Team at the Helm

Five fully credentialed teachers provide music instruction to our students. The LASD music program is designed to inspire an appreciation for music, teach musical concepts, develop life skills, and reinforce a core curriculum that will foster a growth mindset for all students. Our talented teachers play multiple instruments, perform in community groups, and arrange, compose and record music in their spare time.

LASD Music Teachers: Jason Braun, Corrie Dunn, Jason Locsin, Joanna Dahl, and Joe Chan

Overview of the LASD 4th-6th Grade Music Curriculum

4th Grade Music

Students in 4th grade build a musical foundation.

• 30 minutes of music instruction per week
• Students learn:
  • basic music terms and notation
  • correct vocal technique
  • singing in two or three parts
• Two concerts per year: winter and spring
• Recorder unit in the spring
• Instrument Quest
  • students choose from seven instruments for 5th Grade Music
  • online this year

5th and 6th Grade Music

Students in 5th and 6th grade can choose to participate in Orchestra, Band, or Music Exploration.

Orchestra

Students can choose to play the violin, viola, or cello.

• Orchestra students receive 60 minutes of instruction each week
• 5th grade has a ½ hour sectional and ½ hour of ensemble
• 6th grade has 1 hour of ensemble, once a week
• Technique — bow hold, posture, bowing (slurs, staccato, legato, martelé), pizzicato
• Notation — note reading, tempo, dynamic markings, accidentals, rhythm
• Playing one octave scales (D, G, A Major)
• Repertoire — historical, geographical, cultural connections
• Listening/Playing together in 4 part harmony
• Concerts — Strictly Strings, String Fling, School Concerts in winter and spring

Band

Students can choose to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone.

• Band students receive 60 minutes of instruction each week
• 5th grade has ½ hour of sectional and ½ hour of ensemble
• 6th grade has 1 hour of ensemble
• Band Nights at Egan and Blach
  • preparation for the band at junior high and high school
• 6th graders from all seven elementary schools perform at Junior Olympics

Music Exploration

For students who choose not to participate in Band or Orchestra.

• 5th grade meets twice a week for 30 minutes of class
• 6th grade meets once a week for 60 minutes of class
• Interest-based projects/lessons
  • theme projects
  • composing music
  • ukulele
  • bucket drumming
  • music created through technology (Garage band, Google Slides, etc.)
• Quaver Online Curriculum

7th and 8th-grade students can continue to pursue their interests by taking LAEF funded music electives in junior high.

LAEF funds LASD music teachers. 
Thank you to all who have donated to LAEF this school year. You are giving every 4th-6th grade student access to an excellent music education.

2023 Spring Music Concerts

Oak – Friday, May 19, 2023, at 1 pm
Almond – Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 1 pm
Santa Rita – Monday, May 15, 2023, at 1 pm
Covington – Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 1 pm
Springer – Monday, May 22, 2022, at 1 pm
Gardner Bullis – Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 1 pm
Loyola – Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 1 pm

Learn more about why music education benefits our students. 

"The Importance of Music in Education— 13 Benefits", Nord Anglia, 2020
"The Importance of Music Education in Schools", Amanda Martin, 2020

"How playing an instrument benefits your brain", Anita Collins, TEDEd Lessons Worth Sharing

Find out what's happening in other LAEF funded programs this school year.