Music

Every child gets an opportunity to play xylophones, drums, and other percussion instruments.  We learn dances from around the world and create our own music.  We listen to classical music and identify the elements of music that we hear.

Music is so important for our children.  In music classes at Mar Vista, I challenge our students to make connections with the stories and the cultures of the music that we learn.  There are language arts, science, and math connections in my weekly lessons.  And above all this, music class is a place where children can express themselves and learn to love to perform.

The music curriculum that I teach all students TK-5th grade is comprised of a balanced and sequential program of singing, playing instruments, listening to music, improvising and composing, and moving to music.  Also included are learning experiences designed to develop the ability to read music, use the notation and terminology of music, analyze and describe music, make informed evaluations concerning music, and understand music and music practices in relation to history and culture and to other disciplines in the curriculum.

I love teaching music and take great joy in seeing students excited about learning to read music, sing a great variety of styles, play their Orff instruments, guitars, and perform.  I am a certified Orff teacher.  I have received certification in 2 levels of Orff at Cal State Los Angeles.  I have also taken Music for Children and World Music at Cal State Dominguez Hills.  I am a K-12 Vocal and Instrumental credentialed teacher.  My B.A. is from the University of Nebraska.  I have taken many Music Theory Classes, Conducting Classes, Ear Training, Sight Singing and Performance classes.  I have spent 10 years as a professional actress and director in musical theatre.

- Mrs. Williamson, Music Teacher