Music | PS 52 Staten Island

Welcome to Music!

Teacher: Mr. Savage

My name is Matthew Savage, and I have been proud to teach music at P.S.52 since January 2018. I hold a BA in Music from Kean University, and a MA in Music Education from Hunter College. Like our students, my music journey began as an elementary school band student, and has given me memories and experiences for a lifetime. I have been performing as a percussionist for the last decade with groups such as the Staten Island Philharmonic, the Richmond County Orchestra, GOOD NOISE, and numerous jazz and theater companies. Music has been a huge part of my life, and I hope to make it a part of all of our students lives at P.S.52!

Program Philosophy

Our music program is built on the following beliefs:

Every child has musical potential that can be developed through instruction and experience
Music is a unique form of expression and communication that all students should experience
Musical learning enhances overall academic achievement and social-emotional development
Diverse musical traditions from around the world enrich our understanding of human culture
Music education develops creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills

Curriculum Overview

.52 is the proud recipient of the “Intro to Music”
grant package through the Save the Music Foundation.
The package includes several general instruments, Orff mallet
instruments, 100 recorders and 30 ukuleles that will be used
in our K-5 music curriculum.

Class Schedule

Kind Each class attends music once per week.ergarten

Classroom Expectations

To create a positive learning environment where all students can thrive, we have the following expectations:

Respect the music, instruments, and equipment
Respect yourself and others during music activities
Participate actively and positively in all musical experiences
Follow directions for using instruments and materials
Support your classmates' musical efforts and learning

Performances

Throughout the year, students have opportunities to showcase their musical learning through various performances:

Winter Concert
Spring Concert
Grade-Level Showcases
School Assemblies

Specific dates and details about performances will be communicated well in advance through school newsletters, Class Dojo, and notes home.

Assessment

Student progress in music is assessed through:

Observation of participation and skill development
Performance assessments (singing, playing, creating)
Written and verbal responses to music
Project-based assessments
Self-assessment and peer feedback

Music Resources

Our music program is equipped with a variety of resources:

Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels)
Rhythm instruments (drums, tambourines, rhythm sticks, etc.)
Recorders (grades 3-5)
Keyboards and ukuleles (upper grades)
Digital resources and music technology
Diverse listening library of musical examples

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the music program, please feel free to contact me:

Mr. Savage, Music Teacher

Email: msavage2@schools.nyc.gov

Class Dojo: Please make sure you are connected to your child's class

Curriculum

General Music Concepts (Tempo, Rhythm, Beat, Pitch, etc.)
Instrument play
Music & Movement
In class virtual performances (end of year)

Curriculum

3rd grade General Music

Continuation of K-2 concepts
Instrument play - Recorder
Music Notation (Pitch and Rhythm)
Culminating end-of-year performance

4th Grade General Music

Continuation of our K-3 work
Instrument play (Orff mallet instruments, rhythm instruments, ukuleles)
Continued reading of music notation
Culminating performance(s)- Winter and Spring

4th Grade Band

Band students are selected based on their performance in recorder class,classroom behavior, and performance on their 3rd grade aptitude test. Newadmits will be tested at a date TBD.
Hands on wind ensemble experience with culminating performances at the end of the year.

5th Grade General Music

Continuation of our K-3 work
Instrument play (Orff mallet instruments, rhythm instruments, ukuleles)
Continued reading of music notation
Culminating performance(s)- Winter and Spring

5th Grade Band

Band students are selected based on their performance in recorder class,classroom behavior, and performance on their 3rd grade aptitude test. Newadmits will be tested at a date TBD.
Hands on wind ensemble experience with culminating performances at the end of the year.

Monthly Newsletter

January 2025 Newsletter

Music Program • Mr. Savage