Making Music in the Elementary School equips music educators with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to teach general music in grades PreK–6.

Designed to align with a semester-long methods course for pre-service teachers—and a rich source of inspiration for those already in the classroom—this text offers practical strategies, real-life scenarios, and sample repertoire for crafting engaging, student-centered lessons.

Structured into three sections—(1) Who We Teach and Why, (2) How We Teach, and (3) What We Teach—this comprehensive resource covers all essential topics, including:

• An overview of elementary general music, how to build relationships with students and proactively manage behaviors, and teaching with an inclusive lens
• How to plan lessons and assess students based on national, state, and district standards
• An overview of the major approaches to music education, including Kodály, Orff, Feierabend, Gordon, Dalcroze, World Music Drumming, and others
• How to sequence musical skills in the areas of singing, playing instruments (recorder, ukulele, percussion), movement, musicianship, and reading notation

Short interludes between chapters address often-overlooked but important aspects of the profession, such as finding your teacher voice, incorporating music from other cultures, imposter syndrome, and planning for concerts. In addition, the worksheets, assignments, reflection questions, and repertoire found throughout the book are available as free downloadable documents.

Rooted in real classroom experience and infused with heart and practicality, this resource offers a clear pathway to becoming the music teacher all students deserve.

Mari Schay is the Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Portland State University (PSU). Prior to joining the faculty at PSU, Mari taught elementary and middle school music for twenty-three years and is a passionate advocate for serving students through a broad curriculum of both traditional and modern approaches to music.