Primary Fine Arts
Our K–3 Music Program Overview
Welcome to the CPS Elementary Music Program! As curriculum creators, our mission is to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of music in every child. Each grade builds musical understanding step‑by‑step, ensuring that students grow in both skill and confidence as young musicians.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Learning to Love Music
In Kindergarten & 1st Grade, children discover the joy that music brings. This year is all about exploration, play, and expressive movement. Students:
- Dance, sing, and move their bodies creatively to music
- Play a variety of rhythm instruments
- Work, play, and create together in music centers
- Explore musical opposites—fast/slow, loud/soft, high/low
- Learn simple rhythm patterns
- Experience the magic of The Nutcracker Ballet
- Discover the instrument families of the orchestra
- Listen to and make music from around the world
Our goal is to open little eyes and ears to the world of music and help children develop joyful, confident musicianship from the very beginning.
2nd Grade: Deepening Musical Understanding
By 2nd grade, students are ready to dive deeper into the building blocks of music. This year focuses on the core elements of rhythm and melody. Students will:
- Learn to sing using solfege (do, re, mi…)
- Play classroom instruments extensively, including Boomwhackers, bucket drums, and bells
- Compose original musical patterns
- Share and apply their knowledge in collaborative music centers
Second graders also receive access to their own personal Quaver Music accounts, connecting them to the same curriculum we use in our classrooms. These accounts support continued learning at home through interactive lessons, games, and creative activities.
3rd Grade: Lyrical Legacies — CPS Auditioned Chorus
For students who are eager to grow further as singers and performers, 3rd graders may audition for CPS Lyrical Legacies, our select elementary chorus.
Members of Lyrical Legacies:
- Develop a healthy vocal technique
- Learn ensemble singing skills
- Perform exciting, age‑appropriate choral repertoire
- Represent our school community at special events and performances
This program gives students an inspiring, confidence‑building opportunity to shine as leaders in music.