students in music Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

Many educational researchers believe that music lessons improve class grades and IQ. At Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), we recognize the importance of music education and its positive impact on the educational development of children. Researcher E. Glenn Schellenberg completed work that indicated that when “6-year-olds were given a year of voice or piano lessons, they saw a significantly larger increase in IQ than a control group that waited a year for musical instruction.” Click here for more information on this study.

Students playing the keyboard during music class at RMS

At RMS, students are involved in music classes from a very young age. Informal music lessons begin in Pre-Kindergarten Montessori to Prep-ONE (Senior Kindergarten). Formal music classes begin in Grade 1. Each grade level studies music theory at their appropriate level, and has an element of practical application in creating music as well.

Grade 1 students learn note and rest names and values, and they express their creativity through singing, percussion, and music games. Grades 2-4 increase their theory knowledge, and begin learning how to play the glockenspiel. The glockenspeil is a keyboard-based percussion instrument that encourages keyboard knowledge and group performance.

Starting in Grade 5 and continuing to Grade 8, the students transition to piano keyboards and learn how to apply their theoretical knowledge to learning to read and play both treble and bass clefs. Grades 7 and 8 also learn about pre-1950 composers and have the opportunity to compose and create their own music on a technology-friendly Google App.

Our commitment to music ensures that students are given the opportunity to reap the benefits of music education and its positive effects on learning. The students are prepared for further education and leave Rowntree Montessori Schools as well-rounded individuals.