Music

Primary & Lower School
In our Primary and Lower Schools, the music curriculum is based on the educational philosophy of Zoltán Kodály and also incorporates the Orff and Dalcroze methods. Children develop musical skills through activities that include singing, movement, music reading and writing, improvisation, and playing instruments.

In fifth and sixth grade, students choose to participate in Chorus, Band, or Beginning Strings. The Lower School Chorus is a treble choir that sings pieces in unison and two parts. Students also practice music reading and listening skills through the use of movable do solfege and rhythm syllables. In Beginning Band, students choose from flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and baritone horn, while in Beginning Strings, students choose from violin or cello. In both groups, students learn the basics of playing their instruments and play beginning-
level music as an ensemble. No previous instrumental experience is necessary.

Upper School
In the Upper School, students choose a music course each year from an array of options that include Chorus, Hand Bells, Strings, Band, and Music Exploration. These courses extend the theory and performance skills developed in the Lower School, but students new to Fay will also find that they can succeed in an ensemble placed at an appropriate level. Click here to read about our Upper School music offerings.