The Harding Academy music programs strive to provide an environment in which students may learn to understand and appreciate music, may be inspired to develop their individual talents, and may share those talents with others through musical performance.  Through participation, students will experience the joy of music.  Having the knowledge, appreciation, and joy for many different kinds and styles of music instills within the Harding student the confidence to pursue further musical opportunities. Our music teachers encourage students to be careful, diligent musicians regardless of their talent, while also challenging their musical experiences.  It is our belief that musicians can be enthusiastic, energetic, motivated by challenge, patient, understanding, creative, and adaptable.

In the Lower School Music program, students sing, chant, and play drums and xylophones. Students develop musical concepts by listening to a variety of musical  works. This development allows them to strengthen their knowledge of form, melodic passages, harmony, and expression, while gaining knowledge of different genres and periods of music. Students in fourth grade learn to play the recorder and strengthen their notation and reading skills. Each grade participates in a grade level play where students have speaking parts. This also creates the opportunity to learn to sing together and to use skills in breathing, diction, and phrasing.  

As a collaborative endeavor—with opportunities to step into the spotlight—chorus encourages students away from anonymity and toward full participation.

Harding’s chorus singers become ambassadors for the school, performing in school plays, at assemblies, and concerts for the Harding community. 

Singing everything from musical theater numbers to pop songs from various eras, our middle-school singers learn to connect period music with history and culture, and they learn what makes a great song.

Like chorus, band fosters a participatory spirit, and students experience a true sense of community immersed in the beauty and transcendence of music.

Starting in fifth grade, every Harding student selects an instrument to learn and joins the school band. They meet twice a week, working through music method books and perfecting concert pieces ranging from classical compositions to popular movie themes.

The Harding school band performs through the year at pep rallies, assemblies, and winter and spring concerts.