• FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
    students and parents.
    1. When are the concerts this year?
    2. What are students learning in music?
    3. How early should children have music instruction?
    4. Where can I buy musical instruments, books, videos, CDs, and musical toys?
    5. How can I help my child in music if I didn't have a music education?
    6. My child doesn't like singing. Is he/she going to fail music?
    7. My child wants to learn how to play an instrument. How do I get my child started?
    8. My child is very theatrical. Are there performing opportunities for my child?

     

    When are the concerts this year?

    See the calendar page for a full list of musical activities.
     

    What are students learning in music?

    Click on the appropriate grade level on my home page to see the district 
    music outcomes.
     

    How early should children have music instruction?

    There is no such thing as too early. In the womb is a great time to start. Get
    your child involved in an early childhood music program before his/her first 
    birthday. Music is just like language - the earlier the child hears music, 
    the better rhythmic and pitch vocabulary your child will have. If you 
    would like more information about early childhood music classes please contact me.
     

    Where can I buy musical instruments, books, videos, CDs, and musical toys?

    There are several great websites/catalogs to purchase music products. 
    1. www.musicmotion.com  2. www.friendshiphouse.com  3. www.westmusic.com
    4. www.musiciselementary.com   www.interstatemusic.com
     

    How can I help my child in music if I didn't have a music education?

    Please call me or e-mail me if your child is frustrated with a subject we are 
    learning in music. I can teach you how to help your child even if you haven't 
    had a musical education. Most of the time children struggle with reading 
    music during the xylophone and recorder units. That is when we combine rhythm 
    and pitch. I can give you the basics to help your child become a fantastic 
    reader!
     

    My child doesn't like singing. Is he/she going to fail music?

    No. Although, I would want to know why your child doesn't like to sing. Most 
    children sing from the day they can speak. Just listen to children on the 
    playground or when they are by themselves; often they will be singing. It is 
    a very natural way for children to express themselves. We do many things in 
    music (see outcomes). Singing is just one aspect of what we do. Ask your 
    child on a weekly basis what he/she is doing in music. I am sure that your child
    will have a lot to share with you. Ask your child to write you a rhythm or 
    sing you a song that he/she has learned.
     
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    My child wants to learn how to play an instrument. 
     
    In general music, your child will learn how to play many
     
    different percussion instruments throughout 
     
    elementary school. In 4th grade, every child learns
     
    how to play the recorder. At the end of 4th grade,
     
    every child will have the opportunity to choose an instrument
     
    to play in the 5th grade band or orchestra.
     
    Information is sent home in the spring regarding sign ups.
     
    If your child had expressed interest in
     
    playing the piano or guitar, I can recommend many
     
    wonderful teachers. Please send me an e-mail and
     
    I will send  you back a list of all the teachers I recommend! 
     
     
     
    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
     
     My child is very theatrical. Are there performing opportunities for my child?
     
    There is an after school theater program offered through
     
    Wappingers. Sometimes the program is offered right here 
     
    at Gayhead. We have a very special tradition here at Gayhead.
     
    In the 5th grade, every student can audition for the 5th grade musical.
     
    We do a full length musical. Students can
     
    participate on stage or backstage. Every child that
     
    wants to participate gets a part! It is truly magical.
     
    We perform the show for the entire school!
     
    There are many opportunities for children as young as
     
    4 to be in a show or to take theater classes.
     
    We have so many local children's theaters. Please e-mail me
     
    and I will send you a list comprising
     
    of many wonderful programs for your child! I highly encourage
     
    every child to have a theater experience.
     
    I have done shows with several of our kindergarten teachers!