Teaching 'Mainly Mozart' and More

In a time of declining budgets for public schools—which often leads to cuts in arts programs—SDSU students are helping bridge the gap.

Partnership with Mainly Mozart

SDSU professor Nan McDonald, head of the Music Education program in the School of Music and Dance, has been coordinating with San Diego-based Mainly Mozart’s Educational Outreach program for 10 undergraduate SDSU music majors and liberal studies majors.

This paid internship program, entitled “Joyful Noise,” incorporates the developing teaching leadership of SDSU students who will become music teachers and/or elementary classroom teachers.

Through its imaginative curriculum created by musician and educator Monique Mead, “Joyful Noise” allows selected SDSU interns to actively assist practicing elementary teachers at school sites within San Diego Unified School District.

A reciprocal relationship
   
By incorporating direct participation in sequenced lessons and leadership in individual classrooms, teacher training and culminating “Joyful Noise” concerts, SDSU students bring fresh ideas and approaches to the elementary teachers and young students involved in the program.

In turn, SDSU students learn the realities of how to teach music to young students. The lasting impact of “Joyful Noise” will be passed on to many others in future music and
elementary general classrooms throughout our area.   

This year's participating students

Participating SDSU students include:

• Calvan Christ
• Asa Williams
• Briana Perez
• Michael Gray
• Ian Lewis
• Sebastian Blachy
• Mark Gonzales
• Chris Mena
• Victoria Williams
• Maya Aquino