East Lansing Public Schools

Elementary
Music Program

Music in 3rd grade

How Children Learn Music

At Donley students experiences in music class are based in Music Learning Theory, a sequential
curriculum based in research of how children learn music. Children learn music and language in a
similar way; first through listening, then singing and speaking, then reading, then
writing. Troy Union students sing, chant, move, and play instruments as part of a
whole-part-whole approach, in which students experience music in a holistic way
as well as study its parts by learning a vocabulary of rhythm and tonal patterns.
Students tonal and rhythm aptitudes are used to differentiate instruction based on
each students unique abilities and needs.

Miss Anderson

Music teacher at Donley Elementary

Kaitlin.Anderson@elps.us
I am happy to be your childs new music teacher! Let me briefly introduce myself. A graduate of MSU in
music education and psychology, I have been teaching music since 2012. I come to East Lansing after teaching
elementary music in the Troy School District. Before that, I worked as Interim Director of the MSU Childrens
Choir program, where I directed four choirs with students in 1st-8th grade, including performances with MSU
ensembles and professional orchestras. I am a pianist, guitarist, and singer, but above all, a teacher! Some of my
greatest joys are seeing my students thinking, discovering, and developing new knowledge and skills.
Our class is a fun, nurturing place to learn music. I believe all students can learn music and grow in their
understanding. Music can be enjoyed now and for the rest of their lives.

Be sure to check out the Donley Music Class Website throughout

the year to stay updated on what your students are learning!
DoReMiDonley.weebly.com