The best-case scenario for teaching music to children is connection in both formal and informal settings. For example, when thinking about the children who learn music in a more complete sense, they have both formal instruction as well as informal exposure on a regular basis. Thus, as a teacher, the best-case scenario would include seeing the students for longer periods of time quite often, as well as having parents be involved in teaching their children informally. For example, being able to give access to good music and instrument exploration in the home. However, since that is not always possible, the second best would be to use the time with the kids in class to explore different music and have each student find an instrument or style they can connect with. This is difficult to do with each student when time is limited, so I feel either daily instruction or longer periods of time every other day would be ideal. Additionally, I would want to have one-on-one time or small group time with students to encourage learning instruments or improving their voice.
With an unlimited budget, I would purchase time and unlimited qualified instructors. Or at least, high quality instruments and spaces for music exploration. This could include classroom pianos or keyboards, a wide variety of percussion instruments, basic classroom instruments like recorders and ukuleles, and practice rooms or large spaces so that the children can explore independently more frequently.
Objective-wise, I would want students to be able to both read and play music notes and rhythms, but also be able to create and analyze music in a general sense. For example, be able to compose simple melodies on an instrument or voice, as well as recognize musical qualities in a variety of music. These objectives would be carried into intermediate grades with a continued emphasis on music exploration and listening.
Now, though I made a sort of list of what would be ideal, I think each program needs something different. For example, not all kids will love to explore or analyze music. Just enjoying it is enough. Regardless of all the different things that would be ideal, the real best-case scenario would be to have kids who enjoy music and a teacher who can connect with those music students, regardless of budget, abilities of students, and time constraints. Music is for everyone!
