Experiencing Music Composition in Grades K–2

Michele Kaschub and Janice P. Smith bring over 50 years of experience in music composition research and pedagogy to the creation of the Experiencing Music Composition approach. As authors, editors, clinicians, and workshop leaders, they have worked with educators throughout the United States and abroad to expand the compositional opportunities available to K–12 students and their teachers.

This book is a valuable resource for building a student-centered classroom as a general music educator. The authors provide engaging visual representations, lesson plans, and pedagogical approaches that connect with the national standards. By sharing valuable project-based learning examples, readers are better prepared to facilitate opportunities for students to collaborate, deepen their understanding, create with intent, and participate in constructive feedback.

• About the Companion WebsitePart I Introduction to Experiencing Music CompositionWelcome to Experiencing Music CompositionChapter 1: The Experiencing Music Composition ProgramExperiencing Music Composition and the National Arts Standards for Music Teaching Music Composition with the National Arts Standards for MusicChapter 2: What to Expect from Very Young ComposersTypical Characteristics of Composers in Grades K–2Typical Qualities of Works by Composers in Grades K–2Chapter 3: How to Use This BookPart II Facilitating the Work of Very Young ComposersChapter 4: Compositional CapacitiesOn ComposingFeelingful IntentionDeveloping the Capacity of Feelingful IntentionMusical ExpressivityMore About the M.U.S.T.S.Developing the Capacity of Musical ExpressivityArtistic CraftsmanshipTechniques and Etudes for Grades K–2Developing the Capacity of Artistic CraftsmanshipFinal ThoughtsChapter 5: Using SketchpagesGuiding the JourneyIntroducing Sketchpages to Young ComposersSketchpages as Multi-taskersChapter 6: Creative Positive Compositional ExperiencesComposition Requires a Different Kind of TeachingWorking with “In-process” ComposersIdea GenerationIdea Development or ExtensionAnchoring Knowledge, Inviting InspirationGuidelines for Sharing Compositions – Giving and Receiving FeedbackSetting Expectations and Creating GuidelinesComposer’s CirclesWorking with Reluctant SharersPutting Feedback to Good UsePost-performance ReflectionsMaking the Most of Limited TimeframesChapter 7: Teacher Guides and Student SketchpagesTeacher GuidesCurricular OrganizationProjects for KindergartenChapter 8: Songwriting and Choral Music – Teddy Bear Lullabies Chapter 9: Composition and Visual Media – Sonifying Characters: The Gingerbread ManChapter 10: Instrumental Music – Stormy WeatherChapter 11: Electronic Music and Digital Media – Achieving Artistry with AppsChapter 12: Music Theater – Birthday WishesProjects for Grade 1Chapter 13: Songwriting and Choral Music – Field Trip SongChapter 14: Composition and Visual Media – Background Music for StorytellingChapter 15: Instrumental Music – Duets with Two Sounds: A Musical ConversationChapter 16: Electronic Music and Digital Media – Sound Blocks and PatternsChapter 17: Music Theater – Making a “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be” SongProjects for Grade 2Chapter 18: Songwriting and Choral Music– A Song for Grandparent’s DayChapter 19:Composition and Visual Media – Exploring Leitmotif: The MittenChapter 20: Instrumental Music – Chamber Music TriosChapter 21: Electronic Music and Digital Media – Terrific Textures Chapter 22: Music Theater – Incidental Music for Puppet TheaterAppendix: Sketchpage Notation TemplatesIndex