The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) will offer a free online workshop focused on curriculum design for elementary music instructors. According to NAfME, classrooms differ significantly due to factors like school size, funding, and available materials, making a standardized curriculum challenging to apply effectively.
Music educator Christopher Cavarretta, who holds degrees from Aaron Copland School of Music and New York University, will lead the session. Initially, Cavarretta had a substantial collection of instruments, including guitars, drums, and xylophones, and new teachers were directed to incorporate instrument playing into weekly lessons. He subsequently created a curriculum utilizing a level-up system to engage students.
Cavarretta’s teaching experience encompasses K-5 general music, brass instruction, modern band, and strings, and he works within a school that incorporates a New York State Department of Education Inclusive Program for students with learning differences. The workshop will feature strategies for creating inclusive music-making activities, reflecting Cavarretta’s experience in adapting instruction for diverse learners.
NAfME Academy maintains a collection of archived webinars for ongoing professional development. The workshop itself is provided as a complimentary service, and those who register will have access to a recording for a limited time. It is important to note that the presenter’s perspectives do not necessarily align with the viewpoints of NAfME.
For more information, visit nafme.org.