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General Music
General music teachers in Washoe County School District provide general music instruction to every student in grades K-5 and state-funded PK, CLS, and Strategies programs. This instruction is aligned with National and State Music Education Standards and our district Skills, Scope, & Sequence.What is general music?
Students in general music engage in developmentally-appropriate music learning through singing, instrument-playing, movement, reading/writing, listening, discussion/analysis, improvisation, and more. By the time general music students leave 5th grade, they will be prepared to participate in 6th grade music and appreciate music as a well-rounded individual outside their school music experience.
WCSD General Music Resources
Curriculum & Instruction:
Our district-adopted curriculum is Share the Music. General music teachers are empowered to augment their instruction with standards-based materials and lessons that align with their unique instructional approach. A variety of curricula and pedagogical texts are available for check out from the WCSD VAPA lending library for teacher use.
General music instruction in WCSD is based on our four content strands: Rhythm, Pitch, Form, and Expressive Qualities, which are expanded upon in our Skills, Scope, and Sequence. While learning, students will participate in the four strands of the National and State Music Standards: Create, Perform, Respond, and Connect.
Instruments:
Our general music classrooms may contain a variety of instruments, including but not limited to:
- Barred Instruments (xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels)
- Tubanos
- Ukuleles
- Recorders *required for 4th grade
- Unpitched Percussion
Additionally, general music teachers may borrow the following from the VAPA warehouse for temporary use in their classrooms:
- World Drumming Set
- Hand Chimes
- Ukuleles
- Guitars
- pBones
- Violins *required for 5th grade
Professional Development:
General music-based professional development, offered by volunteer general music teachers, is occasionally offered as WCSD in-service credit for licensed teachers. Additionally, these local chapters offer ongoing professional development opportunities:
Novice teachers participate in The General Music Mentee Program, which is shaped to give new general music teachers support, resources, and guidance through their beginning years. We are here to help new general music teachers grow into their best teacher selves and develop skills that are necessary as a Music Educator. Read more about how we support novice teachers HERE.
