Music

Create. Perform. Captivate.

The Dalton K-12 Music curriculum builds foundational skills, inspires creativity, and fosters a lifelong love of music. Whether picking up an instrument for the first time or refining their craft in an ensemble, students develop technique, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Our mission is to help students of all levels experience the feeling of pride, responsibility, and joy that comes from composing and performing music in a safe and inclusive environment.

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Finding Your Voice through Music

The Dalton Music program nurtures self-expression and creative exploration at every stage of the journey. Through composition and performance, students deepen their understanding of themselves and others, cultivating empathy and appreciation for diverse cultural music.

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Community of Musicians

As students progress in the music journey, they learn the art of musical collaboration through ensembles, performance groups, and guest artist workshops. From school concerts to opportunities to attend citywide performances at venues like the New York Philharmonic, Harlem Stage, and The Met, students engage with the broader musical community, developing both their artistry and appreciation of other artistry.

Music Curriculum

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First Program

The First Program Music Program nurtures active music-making through movement, singing, speech, dramatic play, and instrumental exploration. Rooted in the Orff-Schulwerk methodology, it emphasizes collaborative music creation while fostering individual creativity. Students engage with rhythm, melody, harmony, and form.

A diverse repertoire of songs, dances, and musical games introduces students to global traditions while group assemblies reinforce connections and the joy of communal singing. Programming goals include the ability to sing in tune, compose, read basic rhythmic and pitch notation, sing two-part music, listen attentively and critically to music, and appreciate diverse musical styles.

To learn more about the music program, please click on the First Program curriculum guide.
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Middle School

The Middle School musical journey begins in 4th grade with a general music curriculum that brings together singing, playing the recorder, and learning to read music, all leading to a vibrant performance of global folk songs. As students move into 5th and 6th grade, they embark on a more personalized musical path, choosing an instrument to study – strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion – or singing in a chorus. By 7th and 8th grade, students can deepen their interest by participating in ensembles, like jazz, band, orchestra, chorus, or percussion ensemble, and even delve into the study of music composition. Their hard work and creativity come to life on the Martin Theater stage, where they perform one to two times a year, with opportunities to collaborate with guest artists or participate in interdisciplinary projects.

For those seeking to refine their craft further, Dalton offers private lessons after school on various instruments or voice with our accomplished music faculty. To ensure that every student can fully engage in this musical journey, Dalton provides all necessary instruments and materials.

To learn more about the music program, please click on the Middle School curriculum guide.
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High School

At the core of the High School music curriculum is a dynamic world of performing ensembles, from jazz groups and wind ensembles to orchestras, choruses, and percussion workshops, that bring music to life with year-round performances. For students looking to explore non-performing options, courses in topics like music theory, history, composition, and technology are offered. Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to immerse themselves in rich musical experiences like attending live performances, collaborating with guest artists, and leading student-run music clubs. The music journey culminates in an optional Senior Capstone, where accepted students craft individualized research and creative projects.

For those seeking to refine their craft further, Dalton offers private lessons after school on various instruments or voice with our accomplished music faculty. To ensure that every student can fully engage in this musical journey, Dalton provides all necessary instruments and materials.

To learn more about the music program, explore the High School course catalog.
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