Kansas Music Standard #7: The teacher of music has an understanding of music in relation to various historical periods and cultures.

Knowledge

• The teacher understands musical events and characteristics of various historical periods and culture.

Performance

• The teacher demonstrates effective strategies for developing student exploration of the music of various historical periods and cultures as appropriate for various developmental stages.

To me, the most important element to music is learning about the music. This door opened behind the pages is necessary to develop musicality and emotional connection to it. As human beings, we are drawn to stories and the plight of the common man. As musicians, we are drawn to the craftsmanship that goes into developing and creating music. These elements need to be taught much younger in the music classes. Such of an example is for a Kindergarten class, teaching them the meanings of new Spanish words through a song ("Pimpon") and visual reinforcement with picture cards and written words. Research has proven time and time again that students learn and retain other languages better if they know the meaning to the words they are saying. The lesson plan I created does just that for the younger grades. Another example of this important standard is found in a lesson plan I created to develop understanding and appreciation of  bluegrass music, highlighting Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass. The lesson also included a PowerPoint as well as a graphic organizer to help sudents further understand and follow along. It is of immeasurable importance to stress how music and its creators came about. After all, by not knowing the past, we can never create our future.