Music Curriculum
Music at the Johann-Hinrich-Fehrs-School
Music lessons at the Johann-Hinrich-Fehrs-School promote the creative, emotional, and social development of the students. Music is understood as a form of expression, a cultural asset, and a communal experience. The children learn not only to listen to music but also to actively shape it – through singing, making music, moving, and creative work.
The lessons are based on the subject requirements of the IQSH for primary level and take place for one hour per week in all four school years. Central goals are the joy of music, the conscious handling of sounds, and the development of own musical ideas.
Central Content and Focuses
The music lessons are competence-, action-, and experience-oriented and include the following areas:
• Singing
• Songs for seasons, festivals, and special occasions
• Welcome and ritual songs
• Songs from different countries and cultures
• Singing together at school events
• Making music
• Getting to know and playing different instruments
• Orff instruments, staff games, boomwhackers, drums
• Accompaniment of songs and simple melodies
• Inventing own musical accompaniments
• Listening to and understanding music
• Distinguishing between sounds, rhythms, and tempi
• Getting to know different music styles and traditions
• Listening to and experiencing great musical works (e.g., Carnival of the Animals)
• Movement and design
• Moving and dancing to the music
• Painting and designing to musical impressions
• Translating music into pictures, language, and movement
Musical and interdisciplinary skills
In addition to subject-specific content, the following are specifically promoted in music lessons:
• Listening and perception skills
• Sense of rhythm and musical expression
• Teamwork and consideration
• Concentration and endurance
• Cultural openness and diversity
The musical terminology is introduced in an age-appropriate manner and is initially based on German terms such as loud, quiet, high, low, fast, or slow.
Learning with instruments, rituals, and projects
The lessons mainly take place in the music room, which is equipped with a variety of instruments (including piano, e-piano, guitars, ukuleles, Orff instruments). Regular rituals such as vocal exercises and welcome songs structure the lessons.
Music also plays an important role beyond the subject lessons, e.g. at:
• Advent singing
• School celebrations and events
• Concerts of the musical working groups
Differentiation, assessment, and media competence
All children are supported according to their abilities, e.g. through:
• instrument parts with different levels of difficulty
• simplified or extended tasks
• Support from fellow students
The performance assessment is primarily based on active participation, making music, creative design, and social behavior in the classroom. Digital media and recording devices are used in addition.
Aim of the music lessons
The aim is that the students experience music as an enriching part of their lives, can express themselves creatively, and develop joy in making music together – inside and outside of the classroom.
