Arts
Music
General Music
The Lower School Music Program provides an excellent and comprehensive musical foundation for every child in Preschool – Grade 5. Students develop individual and collaborative skills in singing and on instruments, and develop sensitivity, and cultivate character. The Lower School Music Program includes General Music, Suzuki Violin, Leading Tones Choir, Traditional Flute, and Suzuki Guitar classes.
General Music is all about creating, performing, responding to, and making connections with music! Suzuki Violin is a unique extension of the General Music program and deepens students’ application of instrumental skills. The Suzuki Violin program runs concurrent with the General Music curriculum for all students in Kindergarten – Grade 3.
The cumulative musical foundation and experiences provided across the Lower School Music Program enrich and equip students as they transition to musical endeavors in Middle School and beyond.
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Preschool - Grade 1
Preschool-Grade 1 music utilizes the First Steps in Music curriculum by John Feierabend. This curriculum is grounded in folk music and cultivates “tune-ful, beat-ful, and art-ful individuals.” Students explore and experience foundational con-cepts in singing, steady beat, and creative movement. -
Grade 2
Grade 2 is a cornerstone year as students transition from experiential learning to theoretical understanding. Early music literacy skills and differentiating beat from rhythm are primary focuses. Students continue to expand their singing voice range, develop aural skills, and engage with simple harmony through partner songs. -
Grades 3 - 5
Read MoreIn Grades 3-5, independent music literacy and expression (vocally and instrumentally) become the primary learning goals. Music literacy skills are applied with increasing complexity across all musical modalities. Vocally, all students in Grades 3-5 meet weekly for Leading Tones Choir.
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Vocal Music
The vocal music program at The Master's School provides students with a rich, spiritually centered musical experience, emphasizing the importance of bringing glory to God through song. From foundational training in large ensemble singing to advanced vocal techniques, our choirs focus on musical excellence, collaboration, and personal growth. Students engage with a diverse repertoire, including classical works, sacred anthems, and contemporary music, while learning to sing in harmony and develop skills in music literacy and performance. With a strong emphasis on using their talents to honor God, students participate in both school performances and community outreach, fostering a love of music and a spirit of service.
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Leading Tones
Grades 3-5
The Lower School choir is designed as an introduction to large ensemble singing. Vocal production, music literacy, ear-training skills, and performance etiquette are the focus of each rehearsal. Leading Tones sings in unison and two-part harmony and often includes cross-discipline projects with both instrumentalists and drama. Students perform in our Christmas Concert and Spring Concert as well as at other campus events. -
Cantante Deo
Grade 6-12Read More
This large choir is the centerpiece of The Master’s School vocal program. Cantante Deo (“Sing to God”) includes students from both the Middle School and Upper School. Classical works, sacred anthems, gospel music, and contemporary pieces are included in the choir’s repertoire. Experience singing in a foreign language, singing in three and four-part harmony, and music theory are examples of what students will experience throughout the school year. -
Aria
Grades 9-12
Upper School students in Cantante Deo also sing in our school's chamber choir, Aria, and enjoy the experience of a more intimate ensemble while learning challenging repertoire and more advanced vocal techniques. A Capella singing and tight harmonies are the focus of this ensemble. Aria takes part in all concerts while primarily focusing on community service and outreach. -
CMEA
Grade 6-12
Middle and Upper School choir students are encouraged to audition for CMEA (Connecticut Music Educators Association) Northern Regionals Honor Choir. Upper School students have the opportunity to audition for All-State Honor Choir after being accepted to Regionals.
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Instrumental Music
The instrumental music program at The Master’s School offers students the opportunity to develop their musical talents while fostering discipline, creativity, and collaboration. With a focus on both individual and ensemble performance, students experience a well-rounded musical education that begins as early as kindergarten and continues through the Upper School. The instrumental music program nurtures students' passion for music, preparing them for lifelong enjoyment and engagement with the arts while cultivating a spirit of excellence and teamwork. The program emphasizes musical growth, technical skill, and the joy of creating music to honor God.
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Suzuki Violin
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki sought to bring joy to the children of Japan in the wake of the World Wars. He used what was available to him – his violin. Dr. Suzuki developed a pedagogical approach to teaching music that mirrors the process of language acquisition (sound before sight). If every child can learn to speak their native language, then they can learn to play the violin. Kindergarten-Grade 3 students learn to play the violin using the Suzuki method adapted for classroom instruction. The Suzuki Violin program compliments and augments the goals of the Lower School Music curriculum as students develop instrumental performance skills, problem solving, critical thinking, and creative expression. -
Traditional Flute
Grade 4 students selecting flute as their instrument of study begin with a basic overview of flute playing, including how to hold the instrument, produce a sound, and read simple musical notation. Grade 5 students will build on their foundational flute skills, focusing on improving tone quality, technique, musicality and learning new concepts and repertoire. Grade 4 and 5 flute students engage in ensemble playing both in the classroom and especially the Spring concert, as well as opportunities to perform at additional school events.Read More -
Suzuki Guitar
Beginning in Grade 4, and extending through the Middle School, students have the option to study guitar using a modified Suzuki approach for their music class. With an emphasis on proper technique, developing the student's ear, and learning to read music, students will develop a repertoire of solo pieces as well as work on ensemble music. Students will have the benefit of working within a large group, receive more individual attention in a small group setting, and be involved in performances. -
Chamber Music
Chamber Music is open to students with at least 2 years of study on their instrument and approval by the music director and the director of fine arts. Students will perform in a large ensemble, smaller groups, occasionally accompany the choral groups and have opportunities to perform at various campus events.Read MoreEveryone in the ensemble is expected to collaborate, contribute, respect and support each other to create a musical and harmonious experience and cohesive performances.
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The Master's School
The Master’s School is an independent, college-preparatory, non-denominational Christian day school enrolling children in preschool through post-graduate in West Simsbury, CT.
The Master's School is fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The Master's School opens its doors to all qualified students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national affiliation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs.
The Master's School is fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The Master's School opens its doors to all qualified students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national affiliation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs.
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