How Spanish Helps Kids Learn Music

Using español to Enhance Elementary Music Lessons

One way that I support the self-empowerment of my Spanish-speaking students is by highlighting the many ways their knowledge of this language is an advantage.  Having been in the situation where I am teaching recent arrivals (no English), Dual Immersion classes (all Spanish, many non-native speakers), and 2nd+ generation Latine students that have not been encouraged to dominate Spanish, I feel very fortunate to be able to share these beautiful moments of connection during our music lessons.  Here is an example of some musical terms that are useful to know when teaching these groups.  

I would add agudo (high pitched) and grave (low pitch) to this list

 

Using a world map, I always make sure to point out that Spanish speakers such as myself can probably learn "cousin" languages such as Portuguese, French and Italian, and that we have many words in common with Tagalog.  This helps inspire students' curiosity about history, language and geography. I enjoy sharing this map that shows Spanish speaking countries because it always inspires students to share and helps them feel seen and valued.

Here are some of the musical terms that are extra fun to teach because I incorporate Spanish (even when my class is a regular class): 

• Accelerando - Acelerando 
• Allegro - Alegre
• Andante - Andar
• Crescendo  - Creciendo 
• Forte - Fuerte 
• Fortíssimo - Fuertísimo 
• Largo - Same
• Lento - Same
• Tempo - Tiempo  

Of course, the very presence of musical activities that involve language arts in any way (reading, writing, speaking) supports students' language acquisition in both languages.  

 

Putting up a Spanish language alphabet or displaying a collection of books that includes titles in Spanish are two ways to inspire your students to fall in love with language arts and general knowledge as they fall in love with music. 

 

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