How does a "mini-Berkeley" music class work?

Music provides a wonderful opportunity for students at HD Qingdao to develop their creativity and express themselves. We would like to introduce our two Music teachers to you. Mr. Joshua Natal, an international music teacher who graduated from Berklee College of Music in the United States, and Mrs Sandy Shen, a bilingual music teacher who graduated from Portland State University in the United States.

Joshua

Sandy

01    Main Content

Music classes follow a theme based approach and offer engaging topics for our students at each phase of the school.

From Grades 1 to 3, each class in the school receives at least 2 hours of music instruction each week. We teach music theory and music history through English songs. Children not only improve their rhythm and ability to sing but they also improve their English vocabulary and spoken English.

From Grades 4 and above, our students receive at least one Music class per week and have the option to engage in extra music and choir classes as part of our after-school club programme.

Music at HD Qingdao offers our students the opportunity to enter a new world of personal expression and creativity.

One of our key aims at the school is to ensure that all students gain confidence and experience of performing music as an ensemble by the time they enter the middle school. Students should feel confident enough to sing or perform an instrument on stage to a good standard during school performances and concerts. We hope our students also develop a lifelong appreciation of music.

02    How we take music class 

The different features of Music education at HD Qingdao:

Basic music theory: notes, rhythm, beat, musical terms and musical vocabulary.

When teaching English music theory we use“Air Orchestra”songs -This introduces the arrangement of each instrument family in the symphony and explores the structure of each instrument through fun, engaging songs.

Composition series courses:

We teach our students to compose songs with rhythm, melody and lyrics all considered. Our students compose music according to the requirements of the ABRSM Music theory test.

Music instrument performance:

We reinforce music theory such as understanding of notes, rhythms and beat by playing different instruments.

Music Appreciation ：

We teach musical appreciation through fun Interactive content, which vividly introduces the composer Vivaldi's music, historical context and music works.

In-Class Talent Show

All Primary students have the opportunity to show their talents in class and through our in-class talent shows. Our students are encouraged to express positive comments using English.

03    Primary Choir Club 

The Primary Choir Club annually recruits students with advanced vocal skills from Grade 2 or above in the primary school. The Choir Club teaches the students a repertoire of English songs, professional vocal techniques and explores harmony and musical styles.

At the 2022 ASDAN International Youth Music Festival our Primary Choir won the third prize for our singing performance and was successfully selected for the 2022 finals in Vienna, Austria. The choir will go to Vienna, Austria, to participate in the final of the International Music Festival in the summer of 2023.

Meeting the needs of English Second Language Learners:

Our Music classes are primarily taught in English with sections of lessons and instructions translated into Mandarin where required.

Our bilingual music lessons provide ESL/EAL students with a rich and professional musical vocabulary though our different teaching techniques. By singing English songs, our English learners have a positive experience of English in the classroom and this has a positive impact on their spoken English.

04    Summary

At HD Qingdao we are passionate about Music. We love seeing our students perform with confidence during drama productions, assembly performances and concerts. We hope that our students develop a love of Music that will last their lifetimes!