Music education develops the students’ auditory sense, their creative potential for working with sound and their ability to express themselves and communicate through music. Music students express their ideas and personal vision of the world, the ideas and vision of their classmates and those of various composers - using music as the medium of expression as they invent, interpret and appreciate musical pieces.

Music Competencies - Elementary

Competency 3: To appreciate musical works, personal productions and those of classmates

The act of appreciation is one of examining (listening to and listening for) and reflecting on a work, whether it is one's own composition, the work of classmates, or professional and amateur work hear inside and outside the classroom. In the arts, teachers are often challenged by time constraints, and wonder how to fit appreciation into tight timelines. Two things to consider are:

- Keep it simple - introduce a framework and use it exclusively for a while

- Do it often - regular moments of appreciation cultivate the appreciation reflex

Keep it simple Ideas	Do it often Ideas
Use post-its on a large Venn diagram on the wall or interactive white board	Build in an appreciation moment at the very start of a composition project, or at the beginning of every period.
Have students discuss in groups and share notes on a single Appreciation sheet	Have an appreciation file or station in your classroom for inspiration, and make sure students leave traces in an appreciation journal
Use the same framework for the Artist Statement for personal creations.	Build in appreciation of finished works at the close of a project or as projects are completed

Student Tools

Appreciating Music - Download

Professional Learning

MAD2 Facebook Group

A group for Quebec teachers in the Arts from the anglophone sector. Go to page

Arts Connection

Online PD for Arts educators in Quebec, hosted by MAD2. A DEEN committee initiative. Online archive available Go to folder

Spotlight on the Arts

An annual effervescent art education happening organized by the MAD2 DEEN subcommittee, featuring guest speakers, workshops in all four Arts subjects, a round-table discussion and on the spot art-making. Go to page

Professional Organizations

QMEA - Quebec Music Educators Association Go to site
CMEA - Canadian Music Educations Association Go to site
Music Makes Us - Coaltion for Music Education Go to site
Quebec Band Association Go to site

Artists in Schools

Having practicing artists and specialized art educators in your classroom enriches everyone's experience of the arts. Students deepen their practice and understanding of the Arts. Teachers expand their arts pedagogy know-how.

ELAN - https://www.quebec-elan.org
English-speaking artists and micro grants for English schools

Culture à l'école - https://cultureeducation.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/repertoire
Quebec government program and database of artists as well as cultural events and outings.

Breaking down the QEP for artists (webinar done for ELAN)