Elementary General Music Methods
Date
September 14-December 4, 2026
Online
Hybrid: 6 Sessions TBD based on participant availability
Course Number
MECA: 8376C | MMEd: 555*
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2*
Tuition
$1,224
Course Description
Elementary General Music Methods is designed to get you FIRED-UP for the amazing opportunity that awaits YOU as a K-5 music teacher: to inspire an entire generation of students to embrace a lifetime of love for music! While still respecting and exploring key approaches to the field of general music education, the modules ahead are designed to help stir the PASSION and unique GIFTINGS that YOU possess as a teacher. YOU and your PASSION are the best gifts you could give to your students, and they deserve it! We will read portions of two fantastic texts: “Teaching General Music” (ed. Abril & Gault) and “Learn Like a Pirate” (Solarz). These books serve different purposes in our course: one surveys best practices in general music education (TGM), while the other (LLAP) ignites our passion for fostering student creativity, collaboration, and empowerment. They are both engaging and enjoyable reads that provide a backbone for the following topics:
- Elementary General Music: What Really Matters?
- Student Empowerment, Collaboration and Creativity
- Key Influences: Orff, Kodaly, Social Constructivism, World Music, Dalcroze, Digital Music
- Passion-Driven, Eclectic Teaching
- The Daily Grind: Formative Assessments, Routine Skill Builders, Engagement
- The Curricular Ecosystem
- Recorder Ace!
- The “Young Composers Club” Concept
- Elementary Chorus
- Elementary Music Unit Design
*This course is available at two levels:
-
MMEd Program Students: If you’re enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook, register for the 500-level course in the student portal.
-
MECA Continuing Education Students: If you’re not in the MMEd program but wish to earn graduate credit, register for the 7000/8000-level course.
The difference in credits earned and tuition costs reflects the varying tuition rates between the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you’re unsure which section is right for you, feel free to reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
Instructor
Ryan Henry graduated Summa Cum Laude from Millikin University with a degree in Vocal Music Education, where he studied conducting under Dr. Brad Holmes and composition under Dr. Jeremy Brunk and John Stafford II at Millikin. He earned his MMEd from Vandercook College of Music and has since continued his graduate studies at the University of St. Francis.
Ryan has been an active and beloved music teacher in Indian Prairie School District 204 in Aurora/Naperville for 17 years. At Nancy Young Elementary, he taught K-5 general music, chorus and founded the “Young Drum” percussion ensemble. Ryan joined the music staff at Waubonsie Valley High School teaching music theory, directing the Concert, Treble, and Varsity Singers choirs, and co-directing vocals for the spring musicals. He and his students had the unforgettable experiences of touring New York City and Sydney, Australia. At WVHS, he founded and directed an all-female ensemble for 9th-10th graders called “Una Voce” that is still thriving today. Ryan currently teaches general music and directs the choruses at Fry and Clow Elementary schools. He created Clow and Fry’s “Young Composers Club” program where fifth-grade students compose music for local musicians and hear their music performed in a live recital! These students also interact with composers worldwide throughout the year, receiving video feedback on their music.
In 2011, Ryan joined the artistic staff of Young Naperville Singers and launched the region’s first boys choir. Now the program has three different boys choirs and serves over 70 boys! He currently directs the Ragazzi boys choir and Dolce Singers. In 2020, Ryan founded and taught “Songwriters, IGNITE!”, a unique online course that taught students the art of songwriting. He and his SI students collaboratively composed a song that six YNS ensembles would later premiere. Ryan has loved composing specifically for YNS choirs and special guest artists. He has been invited as a clinician for ACDA and NAfME conferences and district music festivals, and has presented at the National NAfME Conference for TI:ME.
Above all, his pride and joy is his family. He has been married to his bride for 17 years, and together they have seven amazing children who all love music. Ryan is passionate about his community, frequently hosting block parties and special events in his neighborhood. He has been a part of his church family since 2007 and serves on the pastoral team. Ryan is also a podcast host, interviewing people and hearing their stories from around the world! In his free time, he loves to woodwork, garden, spend time with his family, and “throw down” in Nine Square and Gaga Ball!