Practical Arts | Music

Visual Arts

In a Waldorf school, all students study drawing, painting, and the rudiments of clay modeling. In grades one through six, visual arts are taught by the class teacher. Drawing is part of the main lesson, while painting is taught in a separate period, although the themes are generally taken from main lesson subjects. The finest materials are always used, including high-quality watercolor paper, beeswax crayons, and artist’s colored pencils. The overall purpose of the visual arts program is not only to teach students to draw and paint, but also to teach them how to observe carefully.

In fourth grade, colored pencils are introduced. With these the students learn to draw maps, and are also able to complete accurate sketches and diagrams for their science classes, especially botany and physiology. Form drawing continues in fourth grade with intricate Celtic knots and in fifth grade with Greek frieze patterns. Calligraphy is introduced in sixth grade. From sixth through eighth grades, students also use their pencils to create the complex forms they study in geometry. In painting classes, older students begin sometimes to paint on dry paper, allowing them to return to their work over several days. They also pre-mix their own colors and study veil and layer painting techniques. Students are challenged to develop skill in creating fuller, more detailed compositions. Seventh-grade students no longer paint with the class teacher but take classes in the art studio. In these grades, the children often work with clay during main lessons, creating animals, cuneiform tablets, and other figures based on main lesson subjects.

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Practical Arts

Woodwork

The woodwork curriculum begins in fourth grade, with students spending a double period each week in the shop. The woodworking program teaches the use of basic tools, but it also teaches many other skills, including the important ability to carry out a project from start to finish, from design to completion. The children learn to take responsibility for their projects, to do their tasks thoroughly, and to take pride in a job well done.

Handwork

In fourth grade, students learn the cross-stitch, one of the basic stitches in embroidery. Each child designs and makes a small pillow in colors he or she has chosen. If time remains, the children sew handwork bags to hold next year’s handwork projects.

Fifth-grade students return to knitting, making a pair of socks on four needles. This challenging project requires them to follow complicated instructions and to persevere in the face of difficulty. Those who complete this project will make a pair of mittens, a hat, or a knitted bag. Students of this age often work on their projects independently, between regular classes or at home.

Sixth graders make a stuffed animal out of fabric. They are required to create a pattern, then to sew and stuff the animal, and finally to add appliquéd or embroidered details.

Student Art Gallery

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Music

Every main lesson throughout the elementary school begins with music. The children may sing or play the recorder. Often they work on songs that relate to the material they will be studying in the main lesson itself. In addition, there are two or three weekly music lessons taught by the music teacher. By fourth grade, all students participate in the instrumental music program. Older students often join the InterSchool Orchestras of New York City or sing in the choruses of the Metropolitan Opera or the New York City Opera.

In fourth grade, every student chooses an orchestral instrument for concentrated study. Weekly lessons are given at school, and daily practice on the instrument is expected. Students who have already started studying an instrument may join the fourth- and fifth-grade orchestra. In addition, students receive choral and recorder music books and are expected to read music. Fourth graders are eligible to join the Junior Chorus, a volunteer choral group that rehearses once a week and gives concerts.

Fifth-grade students continue with their chosen instruments, now moving on to private lessons. They play in the fourth and fifth grade orchestra, where they learn to listen to several instruments at once and to follow a conductor. Many students now choose to play alto or tenor recorder in their daily classroom ensemble work. Students are still eligible for Junior Chorus.

Sixth graders continue individual lessons and join either the orchestra or the band, both of which offer challenging repertoires and give concerts during the year. Vocal work continues as well. Discipline, focus, and diligence are expected in singing and in three-part recorder music. Sixth grade students are still eligible for Junior Chorus.

Music Performance Sound Clips

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