Preschool Music Curriculum Made Easy

First Month Preschool Music Lesson Plans & Ideas

Angela’s Advice: “During the first week, choose activities that are easy to explain, easy to repeat, and easy to adjust for different class lengths or extra wiggly days.”

When I’m in Music Class – Build classroom routines and community with this interactive opening chant that uses printable picture cards to teach Music Class Promises.

Let’s Meet Our Notes – An early literacy and music introduction that teaches students their first rhythms, “ta” (quarter note) and “rest.”

Preschool Rhythm Bingo – A high-engagement listening game where students aurally and visually identify simple rhythmic patterns.

Preschool Music Routines and Expectations

The Entry Routine – How students enter, where they go, and what they do first can make the rest of class easier. A predictable hello routine helps preschoolers settle in and instantly understand behavioral expectations.

Setting Expectations – Keep expectations simple, concrete, and consistent. Preschoolers do best with repeated routines and short, action-oriented cues rather than long verbal reminders. At CMR, we refer to expectations as community-building promises!

Managing Movement and Instrument Play – Preschool music should absolutely include gross motor movement and instrument exploration. However, both require clear boundaries. Students must master how to freeze, how to move safely, and how to handle materials before instruments are passed out.

The Goodbye Routine – A short, consistent closing song serves as an audio cue that helps preschoolers transition out of music class calmly and gives the lesson a clear ending.

FAQ’s

What is included in the Preschool Music Curriculum?

The Preschool Music Curriculum begins with a monthly curriculum guide with our ready-to-teach lesson plans as well as hello songs, circle time activities, movement games, rhythm activities, musical stories, routines, and seasonal lessons. Everything is designed for ages 3-5 to help build routines, encourage active participation, strengthen classroom community, and keep children learning through hands-on music and movement instead of screens. All resources can be downloaded, saved to your computer, and reused year after year.

Can I really plan an entire month with these lessons?

Yes! Simply download the September Curriculum Content Guide, which maps out your first month of preschool music with suggested activities for each week. Each activity is linked directly to the lesson, song, game, or printable you need, so you can download everything in one planning session. Save the guide and all of your downloaded resources to your computer to use again year after year. Many teachers follow the guide as their September plan, while others mix and match activities throughout the year.

Is this curriculum good for new preschool music teachers?

Absolutely. In fact, if you’re brand new to teaching preschool music, be sure to check out our “How to Teach 2- 3- and 4-Year-Olds” guides. It’s the perfect place to start.

Whether you’re teaching preschool music for the first time or simply want fresh ideas, our lessons include clear teaching directions, printable materials, and classroom-tested activities that make planning easier. Experienced teachers also use the resources to save planning time and add new activities to their existing curriculum.

Why Can’t They Make a Circle?!

Because making a circle is not an easy task when you’re three or four years old. Preschoolers are still learning spatial awareness, personal space, and how to move as part of a group. Use spot markers or visual clues to help them.

Why Do My Preschoolers Keep Wandering?!

Usually because they’re curious, over-stimulated, or unclear on where they’re supposed to be. Short directions, visible boundaries, and repeated movement routines make a big difference.

(Here’s the…and then some!)

Your Simple 1st Quarter Preschool Music Roadmap
We have created for you a plan for the first quarter (September – November)!

September
Learn names, build routines, establish behavioral expectations, create a safe & fun community, and introduce simple, repeatable songs and lessons.

See September Content Guide.

October
Add seasonal fall songs, introduce formal note values, play interactive rhythm games, and explore storytelling through Rhythmic Tales.

See October Content Guide.

November
Deepen steady beat and rhythm work while introducing expressive singing, seasonal holiday activities, and simple performance experiences.

See November Content Guide.