Monday Music at Wolfpit Elementary: Dalcroze Workshops and Instrumental Coaching

On February 12, 2026, Monday Music Education Institute visited Wolfpit Integrated Arts School (Norwalk, Connecticut) to host music workshops for three different age groups: kindergarten, third grade, and fourth grade. Our faculty offered two complementary experiences during the visit: Dalcroze workshops and instrumental coaching led by Yi Charice Tang, Hannan Du, and Siyu Shen.

Dalcroze Workshops (Yi Charice Tang and Hannan Du)

In the Dalcroze workshops, students learned musical concepts through singing, movement and active listening. Using games and guided activities, they explored steady beat, rhythm patterns, tempo changes, dynamics, and musical expression in a hands-on, engaging way. Across all three grade levels, we adjusted activities to meet students where they were. Kindergarten students built foundational pulse and response skills through movement and Orff instruments. Third graders explored rhythm and group coordination. Fourth graders worked with more detailed musical expression, ensemble listening, and improvisation with body percussion.

Instrumental Coaching (Siyu Shen)

Siyu worked with a string duet, third grade bass players, and third grade violin players. In the instrumental coaching sessions, students focused on practical musicianship skills such as listening, body coordination, technique, and ensemble awareness. The coaching emphasized how to play with clarity and confidence while staying connected to the group. Students explored different strategies to overcome technical challenges, such as isolating small musical fragments, listening closely to sound, adding breaks when needed, and improvising with existing musical material.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Wolfpit Elementary School, especially Erin Gardiner, for welcoming us. We loved working with the students!

If your school is interested in hosting a workshop or learning more about Monday Music programs, please reach out at mondaymusic.edu@gmail.com.