Constructing Informal Experiences in the Elementary General Music Classroom

Abstract

Children often spontaneously yet purposefully sing songs or create rhythms outside the formal classroom setting to reflect the ways in which they naturally engage with music. Researchers have studied these informal music learning practices to incorporate these experiences into the classroom to offer lessons that are engaging and better reflective of children’s out-of-school musical worlds. This article offers strategies for teachers to incorporate these practices into an upper elementary general music classroom through combining elements of constructivism and the research of Lucy Green on informal music learning and popular musicians. Informal music learning offers another way of thinking about music learning and providing joyful and meaningful music-making experiences in the classroom.