I've taught music privately for over 10 years...and YES! There is a huge need for this type of curriculum. Sign me up! I've tried to put together my own over the years...so have other teacher friends of mine...but it always ends up being pretty scattered.
First of all, please please please don't follow the 4-year rotation. :tongue_smilie: Music is more like...math. Especially the music theory route. I think it's the only way to actually teach what "music" IS. Music theory is what music is on paper (off the instrument). It's the grammar of music - crazy important too because if you're going to put the music puzzle together you have to understand how the pieces all work together.
Sooo...teach theory, but build in music appreciation and music history as you do it. You always need music examples, right? You could teach music form (AB vs ABA), music notation, basic composing, compound/simple time (feel 3 or 2?), and on and on. Check out a college-level Music 101 class, look up their contents and then simplify it for kids. You could include a CD of the classics, or even just put in required listening (gotta love youtube) to make it cheaper.
I always have to be careful when asking kids to research different composers...their lives weren't always all that...uh...research-worthy. :tongue_smilie:
btw...first time post to the boards here. I've been stalking for awhile. Hi everyone! :001_smile: