Monthly Spotlight: Inside the Hausner Music Program

At Hausner, music has always been a joyful thread woven into everyday learning, and this year we are deepening that connection in a powerful way. Classes and curriculum, led by music teacher Matthew Pharisien, are guided by a simple but meaningful mission: to bring music into conversation with Jewish studies, music studies, and tefillot. The melodies taught in our classrooms uplift family spirits during community services and create a seamless bridge between classroom learning and shared spiritual moments. Music is central to our gatherings, whether we are welcoming Shabbat, celebrating holidays, or lifting our voices during school events.

Our music program is built on the Music By Heart curriculum, which emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and community-building. Students explore music in many forms, from vocal and instrumental performance to digital music production, while strengthening cultural awareness and leadership.

As students progress, the curriculum evolves alongside their developmental growth and expanding creative abilities.

• TK and Kindergarten students build foundational skills in rhythm, melody, pitch, and movement through exploratory play that nurtures physical awareness and musical expression.
• Grades 1–3 broaden their skills through singing, rhythmic patterns, early instrument exploration, and cross-curricular connections.
• Grades 4–5 begin composing and performing more complex works, using tuned and untuned instruments to explore diverse cultures and musical styles.
• Grades 6–8 deepen their musicianship by learning instruments, joining choir or band, performing solos, composing for ensembles, and participating in concerts. This all takes place within a supportive, non-audition environment that emphasizes preparation, reflection, and self-assessment.

Jewish learning grows right alongside their musical development. In TK through 3rd grade, students build a rich repertoire of Jewish music that honors traditions from around the world. They sing American Jewish melodies, explore Israeli music, and learn songs from the Abayudaya community of Uganda. These melodies come alive during Havdalah, Kabbalat Shabbat, and daily tefillah, where students joyfully share the music they have learned. Beginning in 4th grade, the curriculum expands to include pop music and contemporary Jewish artists. This year, students are exploring the beloved message of Matisyahu’s One Day, finding balance between timeless tradition and the sounds that resonate with them today.

Student creativity continues to flourish as performance opportunities grow. In the Upper School, choir meets twice weekly during lunch and prepares joint pieces with the band. Matthew reflects on what he sees in these moments: “It’s amazing because you can see them grow more connected to Judaism through the music as they grow up. They get so excited to perform these traditional songs and then discover newer Jewish influences in the upper grades.”

Our band elective allows Upper School students to form a full rock and pop ensemble with guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. In the Lower School, students take pride in their instrumental learning. Third graders perform on xylophones, and fourth graders expand their skills on drums and xylophones. Throughout the semester, the band performs three to four songs, blending rock and pop covers with vibrant, rock-inspired versions of Jewish favorites. From multiple interpretations of Hine Ma Tov to reimagined versions of Lecha Dodi, our repertoire continues to grow across the grades.

The passion students build through music extends far beyond the classroom. During a recent Kabbalat Shabbat, a group of first through third graders stepped forward to share alternative versions of prayers they had learned, simply out of enthusiasm for the music. The curriculum does more than teach melodies. It helps students connect with their voices, confidence, and spirituality. By blending Jewish values with musical exploration, students discover how tradition and creativity can coexist, how prayer can feel personal, and how their contributions help shape the spirit of our school.