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Why Art and Music Matter in Education
Art and music are forms of communication. And through art and music students acquire deeper learning techniques and better understanding of the world they live in. Art and music were our first forms of communication and continue to play a large role in brain development. Teaching music at a young age enhances the classroom environment while adding new dimensions and deeper meaning to learning. At Dominican University of California our Art and Music professional development courses are designed for teachers to use these medium in a creative way that will reinforce, introduce or review required Common Core Language learning curriculum standards.
Art and Music Courses 
Art is Essential
Art came before written language as a form of communicating and preserving cultural and historical knowledge. As such, it is an ideal outlet for young children to use their imagination and develop their creativity. For thousands of years we have been using art to tell stories. According to Parents Magazine, “as kids manipulate a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve. By counting pieces and colors, they learn the basics of math. When children experiment with materials, they dabble in science. Most important perhaps, when kids feel good while they are creating, art helps boost self-confidence.” Learning how to develop a comprehensive art curriculum provides the ability to design projects for elementary and High School students. And it can be easily integrated into any teacher’s existing training and instruction. There are many factors to take into consideration when gearing up for the activities you wish and plan to teach. This includes learning color terms and art vocabulary. You also have to think about your grade/subject level, your teaching situation — urban, rural, suburban, etc. — your level of comfort with and your own personal appreciation of art. Art is also a way to teach other subjects, such as Geography. Art is a unique way for children to enjoy learning about the world and its cultures through art projects. The idea of students learning geography in the classroom via art, research and hands-on activities will enhance how they visually place order in the world in which they live.
Theater in the Classroom
Drama increases concentration and comprehension through engagement. And using theater in the classroom – acting out scenes related to the instruction – has been shown to increase interest in learning. Acting instills a sense of fun. It is interactive and thereby keeps kids active. It is hard to forget what is being taught when you have been rolling on the floor or acting out a scene on top of a chair. Acting has long been used as a means to release emotion, but also ingrain instructional lessons. Doing, rather than memorizing, is successful for many reasons and leads to a more enjoyable classroom experience. Theater has been used over the course of history from the time of Aristotle to the beginning of the progressive movement in education, where emphasis was placed upon “doing” rather than memorizing. Integrating drama helps children in various ways. It is part of real life and prepares students to deal with life’s problems. Theater in the classroom engages students in creative problem solving and decision-making and develops verbal and nonverbal communication that can enhance students’ psychological well-being. We will teach you how to use theater, along with art and music, to create effective teaching plans that develop empathy and new perspectives and build cooperation and develop social skills. For teachers, particularly teachers in K through 6, understanding how to teach art is an important skill to craft. You don’t need a Master of Arts in teaching, but professional development courses like the ones we provide online at Dominican University of California.
Why Music Matters
Music is a language that involves the creative practices of investigation and reflection. Learn how to use recorded songs to aid in developing a positive learning environment that incorporates the art of music as a means of language communication and creative personal realization. You can also learn to teach the making of musical instruments out of everyday materials.
Art and Music Courses
Courses by Subject
If you are not an art and music teacher, we also offer many other subject areas to choose from.
All Courses by Subject Affordable. Accredited. Anytime. Anywhere. Visit www.dominicancaonline.com today! Dominican University of California • The School of Liberal Arts and Education
50 Acacia Avenue • San Rafael, CA 94901 • (800) 626-5080
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