Classroom Music Education
Each week in the 2023-24 school year, Cantare’s 9 teaching artists provide 95 music lessons to Oakland Unified School District children from transitional kindergarten through second grade at Cleveland, Franklin, Greenleaf, La Escuelita, Laurel, Lincoln, Melrose Leadership Academy, and Piedmont Ave. Elementary Schools.
Our experienced teaching artists offer joyful, energetic, and enriching classes that build fundamental music skills and an appreciation for music from diverse cultures. Cantare’s programs are designed to engage all students, including English language learners, children with learning differences, and students with special needs.
We fill a void in public school education, providing students with no-cost, year-round musical instruction for an age group not served by the district.
Our in-school programs include:
Program administration: hiring, training, and mentoring teaching artists
Sequential, age-appropriate curriculum
Teaching materials and supplies
Student progress assessment
Active partnership: music class is an integral part of the school day
Concerts and music class demonstration/sing-alongs for school community
Social studies-integrated, eight-week units: Music from Around the World (3rd grade), Music of California History (4th grade), Music of U.S. History (5th grade), and Turn the World Around: The Voices of Ancient Civilizations (6th grade).
“We work with many partners at Cleveland, but Cantare more than anyone else so directly supports our school values of inclusiveness and responsibility, folding directly into the work we are already doing and supporting it in another dimension that we would not be able to support without Cantare!”
Curriculum
Our curriculum includes:
Singing
Creative movement
Ear training
Music literacy
Instruments
Social and cultural studies
Cantare programs complement the National Core Arts Standards. Our school partners report that this experiential musical making enhances students’ fundamental musical skills, social and cultural appreciation, language development, and social-emotional learning.
Bring the benefits and joy of music education to your school. We welcome new school partners.
SPOTLIGHT
Cantare’s Interdisciplinary Special Units combine music, social studies, and even natural sciences. Special Units include:
Music from Around the World (3rd grade)
Music of California History (4th grade)
Music of US History (5th grade)
Turn the World Around: The Voices of Ancient Civilizations (6th grade).
