At Parkridge Christian Academy, Music Teacher Dirk Taylor leads a comprehensive music program that aims to inspire a lifelong love for music in students from pre-k through 8th grade. The program covers a wide range of topics, including musical theory, history, and appreciation, as well as solfeggio, sight-singing, and ear training. While students have the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments, the guitar seems to be a favorite among them. As students embark on their guitar-playing journey, one crucial step they must master is guitar tuning. Fortunately, they can learn this skill from their music teacher or through various tutorial sites, which allow them to learn at their own pace. The music program at Parkridge Christian Academy consists of a comprehensive curriculum to inspire students and hopefully instill a life long love for music. Designed to serve nine different classes as well as a band program, these programs serve both the elementary and middle school, and are led by Music Teacher Dirk Taylor. His passion for music and the children he teaches is evident throughout our interview. “I really enjoy seeing a child grow in their ability, not just in their instrumental proficiency, but in their love of music overall.” A musician from a young age, Mr. Taylor is comfortable on many instruments, but the guitar happens to be his personal favorite. At the elementary level, pre-k through 1st grade students learn musical theory and movement to music, increasing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they sing songs, dance and exercise. Energetic and positive learners, this is the perfect age group to expose to music in many forms. Students in the lower grades are encouraged in their classes by answering questions in group discussions, participating in songs and completing their work assignments. Mr. Taylor is especially encouraged that the school believes in the importance of beginning musical education at such formative ages. Additionally, 2nd through 8th grade learns musical theory, application, musical appreciation and history. Students are also taught solfeggio and sighting singing to prepare them for future musical programs, as well as ear training to distinguish between different notes, rhythms and dynamics. Mr. Taylor is particularly proud of the musical curriculum that is extremely well-rounded and serves to propagate a love and appreciation for music in every one of Parkridge’s students. Children enjoy practicing, singing songs, and learning different techniques on the instruments that the school provides. If you want your child to start learning how to play the violin, check out the Fiddlersguide for buying advice on the equipment you’ll need to get started. Mr. Taylor says that, “One of the best assets of the music program is the band.” Children are able to spend a majority of their time learning more techniques and developing their “voices” on the instruments. Students in band are also taught to play a variety of instruments as they rotate through the ukulele, guitar, piano and the yamaha electric cello. Concentrating on the fundamentals of technique and application of the theory they learn in their general music classes, the strength of the musical program at Parkridge is that its curriculum has been created to meet the needs of every student. Mr. Taylor concludes by saying, “As the school grows, I would like to see our music program grow with it.” He looks forward to a future that includes a piano lab, guitar ensemble and a marching band.
JOIN?US OPEN?FOR HOUSE May 16th at 6pm, rsvp: info@parkridgeca.org or call 954-345-0236
Parkridge Christian Academy • 5600 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs 33076
