Music with Alan Weintraub 

Dear Parents and Guardians,                                                                                                                                                        
 
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your child in my music class. My name is Mr. Weintraub and I am very excited to start a new chapter as the elementary Music Teacher at Spruce Street. As a teacher and musician, I look forward sharing and creating music with your child. Before I began teaching at P.S. 397, I worked as a full time teacher at a school in Brooklyn where I built a music program from the ground up. I also co-directed a music program for children in Los Angeles and expanded the program across the country, taking on the role of New York coordinator. My primary instrument is guitar and I have performed with a Flamenco Dance Company and a Theater Company. I received my Masters Degree in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and I also have experience working as an applied guitar instructor at Teachers College. I will utilize my experience and knowledge as an educator and musician to provide a nurturing and challenging learning environment for all students.
This year, I will be working to build an instrument, singing and movement based curriculum. Students will learn percussion, guitar, keyboard, recorder and modern band. Below are some of the skills and concepts your child will learn: 
  • Knowledge of written music; they will learn how to read, understand and perform from written and/or iconic notation.
  • Students will learn proper instrumental playing and singing technique.
  • Students will apply music theory to performance practice and develop listening skills.
  • Students will create and perform original compositions utilizing learned concepts and skills.
  • Students will embody musical concepts and skills through dance and movement activities.
  • Students will connect repertoire to historical and cultural contexts.
 This course will uphold the nine content areas in the National Standards for Music created by National Association for Music Educators (www.nafme.org).
You are always welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. I will strive to provide the least restrictive environment for your child and pledge to always act in his or her best interest. Below are some fun and educational musical resources:  
Sincerely,

Mr. A. Weintraub
Elementary School Music Teacher
Spruce Street School - P.S. 397

 Music with Daniel Mauck - Pre-K - K

The middle school music program will emphasize genuine musical experiences, student-led projects, and music making in authentic contexts. Students will learn keyboard, guitar, and percussion, perform a wide variety of music, and explore the music's historical and cultural context. They will also learn the basics of reading musical notation. The overall aim of the curriculum is to make students into independent musicians, so that if they choose to further pursue musical interests either in or out of school, they will have the tools to do so.