1. ELC (Early Learning Centre)
The 2009-2010 music programme for ELC students between 4 to 5 years, aims to develop in students a curiosity about themselves and their environment through the medium of music.
The programme focuses on developing a language of body movement through both singing and playing instruments. The language of body movement provides an alternative form of expression to spoken or written language, which is particularly relevant within an early childhood setting. Using parts of the body during music is a form of emotional expression. Playing with beat, rhythm and singing are all forms of this language of body movement. These movements can also prepare children for playing simple musical instruments.
Children are given experiences of both singing and playing instruments.
Listening skills are an important component of the ELC program, as they are needed for the development of the ability to follow instructions and for enhancing musical awareness.
2. RECEPTION
The 2009-2010 music program for students between the ages 5 to 6 years focuses on character building, i.e. the confidence to perform in front of a crowd, as well as the development of the fine and gross motor skills necessary for the playing of a variety of percussion instruments.
The students make various movements which are designed to develop their imagination and motivate them to engage with the instruments. The use of percussion instruments (particularly membranophones) develops the students understanding of rhythm and beat.
3. GRADE 1 – 2
The 2009-2010 teaching program for students between the ages 7 to 8 years starts to move towards the introduction of melody in combination with rhythm and beat.
Students of this age have better concentration and can begin to appreciate and play softer songs with musical instruments such as idiophone instruments, which focus more on melody.
Students learn traditional Indonesian musical notation and then how this relates to Western musical notation. This helps students to see the connections between music across cultures and develops tolerance and appreciation of all types of music.
The students continue to develop their confidence and enthusiasm for performing music in front of an audience.
4. GRADE 3-4
The 2009-2010 teaching program for students between the ages 8 to 10 years starts to move towards the introduction of combined melodies. At this level, it is expected that students are able to identify different styles of music.
Students continue to develop and explore their techniques in instrument playing. The ability to read musical notation correctly is emphasized, as this supports their ability to compose their own musical pieces. Students at this level are encouraged to be creative and experiment with making new combinations of sounds with the instruments they are being taught to play.
Students are encouraged to explore and realize their individual musical potential.
5. GRADE 5 - 6
The 2009-2010 teaching program for students between the ages 10 to 11 years starts to move even further towards the students being creative and producing new sounds and compositions, whilst at the same time continuing to develop their technique for playing conventional traditional instruments and pieces.
Students at this level have the ability to play instruments well. They also have the ability and curiosity to create new sounds and compositions by adapting both music and the instruments.
Students are encouraged to create musical instruments and compositions to suit particular contexts and audiences.
