On April 26, Cal State Fullerton music majors taught over 90 elementary school students in a series of music assemblies at Tustin Memorial Elementary School. Students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first and second grade learned children’s songs, rhythmic movement, instrumental pieces and singing practices. CSUF students also performed with string, percussion, woodwind and brass instruments for the elementary students.
The School of Music’s highly regarded music education and teacher training program provides thorough preparation for students who want to become music teachers in TK-12 schools.
“As a part of the curricular experience, we aim to have our Titan music educators teaching in classrooms throughout their pre-service education and not just in student teaching,” said Gregory Whitmore, assistant professor of music.
The program boasts a nearly 100% post-graduation job placement rate.
Tustin Memorial Elementary School students left the CSUF student-led music assemblies excited to learn and play music. The principal and faculty were very impressed with the student educators and complimented their well-designed, well-planned and well-implemented lessons. They also appreciated their energy and enthusiasm. As a result of these impactful early classroom experiences, students broaden and develop their teaching skills and create meaningful collaborative opportunities for the schools and school districts they partner with.
Future collaborations between local schools and Cal State Fullerton music education students are planned for 2024-25 and include the Orange County Arts & Learning Organization and Rancho Cañada Elementary School in Lake Forest.