In many homeschools, music naturally drifts in and out of the daily routine. It may be on quietly in the background of a meal, or it may play in the car on the way to an outing. Music appears spontaneously and brings emotion and comfort. Before music is a formal subject, it is a part of everydaylife.
As a homeschool parent, you may wonder: what is music education, and how should it look? Do we need instruments? Do lessons need to be formal? Is music a requirement for graduation?
A good homeschool music curriculum gives shape and structure to what already occurs naturally. In this article, we’ll explore what music education can include, how requirements vary, and how to build a program that will support your child's musical growth from the early years through high school.
What Is a Homeschool Music Curriculum?
Music is something that children intrinsically absorb and enjoy from a young age. Children sing along to favorite songs, clap to the rhythm, and move their bodies to sounds as soon as they are developmentally able. Music has a pull that can easily be leveraged into structured learning.
A well-rounded homeschool music curriculum supports understanding, creativity, and confidence. Children learn how music works and how to be a meaningful participant in the musical process.
What music education can include
Music education can include listening, movement, singing, rhythm games, basic music theory, and exposure to instruments. Children may learn about pitch, tempo, melody, and harmony as they explore different musical styles and cultural traditions.
As students grow, music education may include composition, performance, and music history. According to the National Association for Music Education, strong programs support both musical skills and personal expression. A strong program will help students grow as performers, listeners, and musical creators.
Homeschool music instruction vs. in-school music instruction
Homeschool music instruction is often more flexible and moves at a gentler pace than a traditional classroom program. Children can linger on a musical piece that speaks to them or return to more challenging concepts when they feel ready.
For example, a homeschool child may spend two weeks exploring rhythm with drumming activities and then shift to piano basics, all while learning about a composer they find intriguing. Music and language arts lessons can intersect by studying lyricism and comparing themes in popular songs. The flexibility of homeschooling allows music to grow naturally and evolve as interests and passions develop.
Do Homeschoolers Need a Music Curriculum or Credits?
Some states list music as part of fine arts requirements, while others leave it up to parents' discretion. Requirements vary from state to state, so it is essential to do your research. Review your state's homeschool laws to better understand your local expectations.
Even when not required, you may choose to include music for its developmental benefits. Studies have shown that active engagement in music, such as singing or playing an instrument, can support emotional regulation and well-being in learners of all ages (Kreutz). Data from national education research also suggests that music coursework can increase scores in standardized reading and math assessments (Ruppert).
Common Types of Homeschool Music Curricula
Music education can look different in every home. These standard approaches allow families to choose a rhythm that fits their schedule, budget, and comfort level.
- Music appreciation-focused programs: These emphasize listening, composer studies, cultural traditions, and musical storytelling. These programs work well for younger children and for families looking for a low-pressure entry into the world of music.
- Instrument-based programs: These focus on building technique and performance skills through structured lessons. Instrument-based programs can teach piano, guitar, voice, and other instruments.
- Book-based curricula: These provide lesson plans, listening guides, and written activities that guide families through music concepts and history.
- Lifestyle-based learning: Music becomes part of the daily routine through singing, games, and listening rather than formal lessons.
- Hybrid approaches: Many families blend appreciation, instrument study, and creative play to build a balanced program.
Topics Covered in Homeschool Music Education Curricula
Music education will change as your child grows, both in skill level and in how they experience music. A strong homeschool curriculum will support the progression over time from playful exploration to more intentional practice, consumption, and reflection.
For preschoolers
Preschoolers benefit from repetition, whether it be songs, repetitive movements, or simple instruments. Repeating activities will increase language development, coordination, and emotional regulation while building a relationship to sound and music.
For elementary school students
Elementary learners begin to connect basic music concepts with sounds and listening. They may learn to recognize patterns and tempo, and even begin to read simple notes. Instrument exploration often starts here with instruments like the recorder, piano, or guitar.
For middle school students
Middle school music education becomes more reflective and skill-based. Students may begin more formal instrumental lessons and learn to read music. Music history and theory are included in the coursework, and students experiment with performance and digital music tools.
For high school students
High school music study becomes more intentional and perhaps also goal-oriented. Students may work towards a specific final performance or composition, or perfect lyric analysis and recognition of common themes in music. At this level, students can articulate personal music identity and preferences. Music can become a space for honing self-expression and discipline.
What to Look for in a Homeschool Music Curriculum
Music training and education have been linked with stronger executive function skills, including planning and self-control. (Moreno et al.) Because of this, the resources you choose can shape how your child approaches learning. Most of all, you want to look for a curriculum that fits into your family's daily rhythm and allows music to be a source of enjoyment for you and your child.
Age appropriateness
Look for materials that fit your child's developmental stage and allow for gradual skill building. You can check the National Core Art Standards for music to see what they recommend for each grade level.
Supplies and cost
Consider how much prep and investment you are willing to commit to. Many programs offer free or affordable resources with minimal equipment requirements.
Flexibility
Choose a program that allows for breaks, pacing adjustments, and pivots. A good curriculum will enable you to slow down, reset, revisit, and even pause without falling behind.
Balance of skill and creativity
Strong programs will include both technique and space for creative expression. Skill building should feel purposeful and consistent, rather than overwhelming or an unwanted chore.
Cultural and historical exposure
Children will benefit from the opportunity to explore styles and traditions from around the world. Enrich the learning experience by researching composers, time periods, and different locations.
What a Day-to-Day or Weekly Routine for Homeschool Music Can Look Like
Instead of a formal music block, homeschool families may choose to weave music into the day. A favorite song may be played each day at breakfast, followed by listening to a new composer after a challenging math block. You may include a short piano practice during dinner prep, or a dance party to an African drum band to add energy to cleanup time.
Some days may include focused practice time, while others are lighter, built around exploration and enjoyment. Over time, children will begin to associate music with comfort, creativity, and routine rather than pressure.
You may choose to keep instruments out and easy to access so you can invite spontaneous play. Your homeschool music program can also become a tool used for emotional regulation.. For example, when learning gets frustrating, press play and dance out complicated feelings.
How to Create Your Own Homeschool Music Curriculum
Music develops naturally with consistency. You do not need to be a formally trained musician to support your child in their music education journey. Create a simple structure that includes listening, practice, and exploration, and watch the world of music light up your child's life.
Step one: Choose a musical focus
Start by deciding how music will live in your home. Which part of the day or week will you incorporate music, and how? Some families will focus on singing and listening, and others may choose to focus on one instrument. Pick one primary focus at a time, and the learning will be more approachable.
Step two: Establish a practice rhythm
Set a realistic practice schedule. For younger students, it may be just 10 minutes a few days a week; for older students, it may be a daily block of practice time. Consistency builds comfort and progress.
Step three: Build listening into daily life
Create playlists that align with what your child is learning. Listen during meals, car rides, or walks. Talk about what you hear to build awareness and musical vocabulary.
Popular Homeschool Music Curricula
As a homeschooler, the flexibility to build your own routine is a benefit, and often outside resources can be the added inspiration and support you need to complete the learning process.
Outschool’s online classical curricula and classes
Outschool offers a wide variety of high-quality and flexible music classes designed specifically for homeschoolers. Classes on singing, guitar, piano, music appreciation, and more are available for you to choose from.
Older students can dive deeper with multi-week programs in composition, music theory, and portfolio development. For students who aren’t drawn to instruments, dance, or singing, but appreciate music, Outschool offers a variety of classes on lyric analysis and music history.
Classes are taught in small groups, which allows for discussion, introspection, and connection. With a wide variety of class types, Outschool courses will seamlessly weave into your homeschool day.
Museums and cultural institutions
Many museums and cultural institutions offer free music resources that homeschool families can use as the backbone of their curriculum. Offerings like curated listening collections, virtual performances, and downloadable family guides can introduce children to different types of music and cultures.
Museum-based resources work well for interdisciplinary projects in which students connect music to a particular time in history or a historical figure.
Digital tools and interactive resources
Interactive platforms help make abstract music concepts more tangible. Without the prep or cost, students can learn by experimenting with rhythm, harmony, and editing. Chrome Music Lab is a free resource for elementary and middle school students that combines play with music techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions: Homeschool Music Curricula
Implementing a homeschool music program can be overwhelming. Here are a few frequently asked questions that may help simplify the process.
Do you need instruments to teach music at home?
Not necessarily. Listening, singing, and music history all support a music education. Many families begin with voice and simple movement as a foundation for musical awareness. With younger children, instruments can be handmade and used to create new sounds and songs. Older children who may not be drawn to musical instruments themselves are able to study and reflect on lyric analysis or music history to expand their knowledge.
Do concerts count as music instruction?
Yes! Concerts, performances, and musical discussions are all enriching parts of a music program. If you cannot attend in person, watch a concert virtually and discuss the music style and techniques.
Do private music lessons count as music instruction?
Yes, private lessons incorporate all aspects of music education and are excellent for credit documentation.
The Soundtrack of Learning
Music often becomes a thread that weaves itself through childhood. Music can trigger lifelong memories of road trips, family traditions, and small moments that may otherwise go unnoticed. When you make space for music in your homeschool, you give your child a new set of skills, a way to express emotion, a way to build focus, and a way to connect with the world around them.
Sources
Google. Chrome Music Lab. Google Experiments, 2024, https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com.
Kreutz, Gunter. “Does Singing Facilitate Well-Being? An Experimental Study on the Effects of Choral Singing on Mood State and Heart Rate Variability.” Psychology of Music, vol. 39, no. 1, 2011, pp. 123–135, https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735610375061.
Moreno, Sylvain, et al. “Short-Term Music Training Enhances Verbal Intelligence and Executive Function.” Psychological Science, vol. 22, no. 11, 2011, pp. 1425–1433, https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611416999.
National Association for Music Education. What Music Students Should Know and Be Able to Do. NAfME, 2024, https://nafme.org.
National Coalition for Core Arts Standards. National Core Arts Standards: Music. NCCAS, 2014,https://www.nationalartsstandards.org/.
Ruppert, Sandra S. Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement. National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, 2006.
Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Learning Lab. Smithsonian Institution, 2024, https://learninglab.si.edu.
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