You likely know that a Montessori school takes a unique approach to education, but you may not know that music often plays an integral role. Montessori schools aim to provide a holistic education that exposes children to the arts, including music, from an early age. This helps foster a lifelong appreciation and love for music.
Encouraging Exploration and Creativity
In Montessori classrooms, children as young as three years old are encouraged to explore musical instruments hands-on. The rooms contain a variety of accessible instruments like xylophones, drums, maracas, and bells for children to pick up and experiment with, allowing them to learn about musical concepts like rhythm, tempo, and pitch through play. Teachers observe the students’ natural curiosity, allowing them to guide their own musical discovery. Rather than dictating lessons, they facilitate the learning process. This creativity lays the foundation for a passion for music.
Integrating Music Into the Curriculum
Music isn’t a separate subject in a Montessori education. Teachers seamlessly integrate it throughout lessons and activities. When learning math, students may tap out numerical patterns. During reading time, they might sing songs that reinforce phonics rules. Music helps cement what they’re learning across disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach helps students make connections and engage more deeply with academics. With music woven through the day, children come to intrinsically understand its value.
Cultivating Skills and Confidence
A Montessori school often offers supplementary music instruction, too. While participation is always voluntary, teachers encourage students to enroll in age-appropriate music classes like choir, band, orchestra, or small group lessons. These programs allow those interested in pursuing music to further hone their skills under the guidance of professionals. Not only does this bolster their musical technique, but it builds confidence that carries over to other areas of life. Performances also teach poise under pressure.
The Montessori approach plants the seeds early on for flourishing musical ability. By facilitating hands-on exploration, integrating music across subjects, and providing skill-building opportunities, a Montessori school inspires children to develop a genuine, heartfelt appreciation for music that motivates them to continue pursuing it passionately. According to AMI Canada, from coast to coast, there are over 1,000 Montessori schools throughout Canada. If you’re looking for a school that is right for your student, call us today to learn more about our facility.
