CA Arts Standards (VAPA) · 2019 · 140 standards
California Elementary Music Standards, Pre-K to Grade 5
Every California Arts Standards (2019) music standard for Pre-K/TK through Grade 5, still called the VAPA standards in most districts, grade by grade, with the Prodigies lesson that teaches each one.
California adopted the California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve on January 9, 2019, replacing the older VAPA standards. Music follows the four artistic processes of the National Core Arts Standards: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting.
The Arts Education Framework (Chapter 5 is Music), adopted in July 2020, explains how to teach them. Most district pages still say “VAPA,” so you'll see both names.
| Official name | California Visual and Performing Arts: Music Standards |
|---|---|
| Published by | California Department of Education |
| Adopted | 2019 |
| Grades on this page | PK–5 |
| Standards on this page | 140 |
| Code format | PK.MU:Cn10 |
| Organized by | Connecting, Creating, Performing, Responding |
| Official source | cde.ca.gov |
California Pre-K music standards
18 standards. Pre-K page, with more lesson ideas →
Connecting 2
PK.MU:Cn10With substantial guidance explore how personal interests connect to creating, performing, and responding to music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Mi Sol La Intro (PK, Wk 21); Beet & Avocado (PK, Wk 26)
PK.MU:Cn11With substantial guidance explore connections between music and culture.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hi High C (K, Wk 11); C Major Scale Review Part II (2, Wk 2)
Creating 5
PK.MU:Cr1aWith substantial guidance, explore and experience a variety of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Left C, Right c (K, Wk 12); Hand Signs (K, Wk 28)
PK.MU:Cr2aWith substantial guidance, explore favorite musical ideas (such as movements, vocalizations, or instrumental accompaniments).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Beet & Cherry (PK, Wk 25); Do Mi Sol Slide (PK, Wk 5)
PK.MU:Cr2bWith substantial guidance, select and keep track of the order for performing original musical ideas, using iconic notation and/or recording technology.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Beet & Shh (K, Wk 6); C Major Solfege Hand-Sign Review (2, Wk 25)
PK.MU:Cr3.1With substantial guidance, consider personal, peer, and teacher feedback when demonstrating and refining personal musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
PK.MU:Cr3.2With substantial guidance, share revised personal musical ideas with peers.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hot Cross Buns (PK, Wk 19); Mi Sol Stars (PK, Wk 20)
Performing 7
PK.MU:Pr4.1With substantial guidance, demonstrate and state personal interest in varied musical selections.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hot Cross Buns (PK, Wk 19); Mi Sol Stars (PK, Wk 20)
PK.MU:Pr4.2aWith substantial guidance, explore and demonstrate awareness of musical contrasts such as high/low, loud/soft, fast/slow.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C and Shh (PK, Wk 3); Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36)
PK.MU:Pr4.3With substantial guidance, explore music’s expressive qualities (such as voice quality, dynamics, and tempo).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
PK.MU:Pr5aWith substantial guidance, practice and demonstrate what they like about their own performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale (PK, Wk 32); Recorder Squire 5 - Merrily We Roll Along (4, Wk 11)
PK.MU:Pr5bWith substantial guidance, apply personal, peer, and teacher feedback to refine performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
PK.MU:Pr6aWith substantial guidance, perform music with expression.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 34); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
PK.MU:Pr6bWith substantial guidance, demonstrate performance decorum appropriate for the audience.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 34); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36)
Responding 4
PK.MU:Re7.1With substantial guidance, state personal interests and demonstrate why they prefer some music selections over others.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome to Music (K, Wk 1); Harmonizing Part II (3, Wk 30)
PK.MU:Re7.2With substantial guidance, explore musical contrasts in music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36); Recorder Squire 5 - Merrily We Roll Along (4, Wk 11)
PK.MU:Re8With substantial guidance, explore music’s expressive qualities (such as dynamics and tempo).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Hello Am Chord Part I (5, Wk 13)
PK.MU:Re9With substantial guidance, talk about personal and expressive preferences in music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Sound vs Noise/Bell or Boomwhacker? (K, Wk 23); Song Form Review (2, Wk 20)
California Kindergarten music standards
19 standards. Kindergarten page, with more lesson ideas →
Connecting 2
K.MU:Cn10With guidance share how personal interests connect to creating, performing, and responding to music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Trading 4s in C Major (2, Wk 24)
K.MU:Cn11With guidance share connections between music and culture.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hi High C (K, Wk 11); C Major Scale Review Part II (2, Wk 2)
Creating 6
K.MU:Cr1aWith guidance, explore and experience music concepts (such as beat and melodic contour).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Tuning your Ukulele (5, Wk 4); Mi Sol Stars (PK, Wk 20)
K.MU:Cr1bWith guidance, generate musical ideas (such as movements or motives).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Wheels on the Bus (2, Wk 32); Do Mi Sol Slide (PK, Wk 5)
K.MU:Cr2aWith guidance, demonstrate and choose favorite musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Major Chords (2, Wk 18)
K.MU:Cr2bWith guidance, organize personal musical ideas using iconic notation and/or recording technology.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Beet & Shh (K, Wk 6); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
K.MU:Cr3.1With guidance, apply personal, peer, and teacher feedback in refining personal musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
K.MU:Cr3.2With guidance, demonstrate a final version of personal musical ideas to peers.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome to Music (K, Wk 1); Twinkle Twinkle (PK, Wk 28)
Performing 7
K.MU:Pr4.1With guidance, demonstrate and state personal interest in varied musical selections.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hot Cross Buns (PK, Wk 19); Mi Sol Stars (PK, Wk 20)
K.MU:Pr4.2aWith guidance, explore and demonstrate awareness of music contrasts such as high/low, loud/soft, same/different in a variety of music selected for performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Birds Fly (K, Wk 14); Hand Signs (K, Wk 28)
K.MU:Pr4.3With guidance, demonstrate awareness of expressive qualities (such as voice quality, dynamics, and tempo) that support the creators’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Adagio, Andante and Moderato (K, Wk 22); Soft & Loud (K, Wk 15)
K.MU:Pr5aWith guidance, apply personal, teacher, and peer feedback to refine performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
K.MU:Pr5bWith guidance, use suggested strategies in rehearsal to improve the expressive qualities of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part III - Rehearsal (2, Wk 35); Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36)
K.MU:Pr6aWith guidance, perform music with expression.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
K.MU:Pr6bWith guidance, demonstrate performance decorum appropriate for the audience.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 34); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36)
Responding 4
K.MU:Re7.1With guidance, list personal interests and experiences and demonstrate why they prefer some music selections over others.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome to Music (K, Wk 1); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
K.MU:Re7.2With guidance, demonstrate how a specific music concept (such as beat or melodic direction) is used in music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Mi Sol Stars (PK, Wk 20); Itsy Bitsy Spider (2, Wk 31)
K.MU:Re8With guidance, demonstrate awareness of expressive qualities that reflect creators’ and performers’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36); Lightly Row Performance Part III - Rehearsal (2, Wk 35)
K.MU:Re9With guidance, apply personal and expressive preferences in the evaluation of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
California Grade 1 music standards
20 standards. Grade 1 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connecting 2
1.MU:Cn10With limited guidance, discuss how personal interests connect to creating, performing, and responding to music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Rhythm (2, Wk 22)
1.MU:Cn11With limited guidance discuss connections between music and culture.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hi High C (K, Wk 11); Chromatic Intervals (3, Wk 33)
Creating 6
1.MU:Cr1aWith limited guidance, create musical ideas (such as answering a musical question) for a specific purpose.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17)
1.MU:Cr1bWith limited guidance, generate musical ideas in multiple tonalities (such as major and minor) and meters (such as duple and triple).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Solfege Hand-Sign Review (2, Wk 25); Rhythm (2, Wk 22)
1.MU:Cr2aWith limited guidance, demonstrate and discuss personal reasons for selecting musical ideas that represent expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Mi, Sol, La (1, Wk 8); Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27)
1.MU:Cr2bWith limited guidance, use iconic or standard notation and/or recording technology to document and organize personal musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Melodies, Lines and Spaces (1, Wk 4); C Major Solfege Hand-Sign Review (2, Wk 25)
1.MU:Cr3.1With limited guidance, discuss and apply personal, peer, and teacher feedback to refine personal musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
1.MU:Cr3.2With limited guidance, convey expressive intent for a specific purpose by presenting a final version of personal musical ideas to peers or informal audience.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 34)
Performing 8
1.MU:Pr4.1With limited guidance, demonstrate and discuss personal interest in, knowledge about, and purpose of varied musical selections.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
1.MU:Pr4.2aWith limited guidance, demonstrate knowledge of music concepts (such as beat and melodic contour) in music from a variety of cultures selected for performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Tuning your Ukulele (5, Wk 4); Recorder Squire 2 - Warm Up #1 (4, Wk 8)
1.MU:Pr4.2bWhen analyzing selected music, read and perform rhythmic patterns using iconic or standard notation.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: 5 Note Melodies (1, Wk 28); Beet & Shh (K, Wk 6)
1.MU:Pr4.3With limited guidance Demonstrate and describe music’s expressive qualities (such as voice quality, dynamics and tempo) that support the creators’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Dynamics (2, Wk 23)
1.MU:Pr5aWith limited guidance, apply personal, teacher, and peer feedback to refine performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
1.MU:Pr5bWith limited guidance, use suggested strategies in rehearsal to address interpretive challenges of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Lightly Row Performance Part III - Rehearsal (2, Wk 35)
1.MU:Pr6aWith limited guidance, perform music for a specific purpose with expression.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
1.MU:Pr6bWith limited guidance, demonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate for the purpose.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 35)
Responding 4
1.MU:Re7.1With limited guidance, identify and demonstrate how personal interests and experiences influence musical selection for specific purposes.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Holiday Songs (1, Wk 17); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
1.MU:Re7.2With limited guidance, demonstrate and identify how specific music concepts (such as beat or pitch) are used in various styles of music for a purpose.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Strumming Basics (5, Wk 22); Itsy Bitsy Spider (2, Wk 31)
1.MU:Re8With limited guidance, demonstrate and identify expressive qualities that reflect creators’ and performers’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36); Recorder Squire 4 - Gently Sleep (4, Wk 10)
1.MU:Re9With limited guidance, apply personal and expressive preferences in the evaluation of music for specific purposes.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
California Grade 2 music standards
20 standards. Grade 2 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connecting 2
2.MU:Cn10Describe how personal interests, and experiences connect to creating, performing, and responding to music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale Review Part II (2, Wk 2); Trading 4s in C Major (2, Wk 24)
2.MU:Cn11Describe connections between music, society, and culture.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale Review Part II (2, Wk 2); Compound Meter Part III (3, Wk 21)
Creating 6
2.MU:Cr1aImprovise rhythmic and melodic patterns and musical ideas for a specific purpose.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19); Itsy Bitsy Spider (2, Wk 31)
2.MU:Cr1bGenerate musical patterns and ideas within the context of a given tonality (such as major and minor) and meter (such as duple and triple).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Pizza Rhythms (2, Wk 9); Compound Meter Part I (3, Wk 19)
2.MU:Cr2aDemonstrate and explain personal reasons for selecting patterns and ideas for music that represent expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Wheels on the Bus (2, Wk 32); Song Form Review (2, Wk 20)
2.MU:Cr2bUse iconic or standard notation and/or recording technology to combine, sequence, and document personal musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Steps (2, Wk 5); C Major Solfege Hand-Sign Review (2, Wk 25)
2.MU:Cr3.1Interpret and apply personal, peer, and teacher feedback to revise personal musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Color Coding Your Ukulele (5, Wk 7)
2.MU:Cr3.2Convey expressive intent for a specific purpose by presenting a final version of personal musical ideas to peers or informal audience.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27)
Performing 8
2.MU:Pr4.1Demonstrate and explain personal interest in, knowledge about, and purpose of varied musical selections.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale Review Part I (2, Wk 1); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
2.MU:Pr4.2aDemonstrate knowledge of music concepts (such as tonality and meter) in music from a variety of cultures selected for performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Pizza Rhythms (2, Wk 9); Compound Meter Part I (3, Wk 19)
2.MU:Pr4.2bWhen analyzing selected music, read and perform rhythmic and melodic patterns using iconic or standard notation.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Rhythm Review (2, Wk 11); Rhythm (2, Wk 22)
2.MU:Pr4.3Demonstrate understanding of expressive qualities (such as voice quality, dynamics and tempo) and how creators use them to convey expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Muffin Man (2, Wk 29)
2.MU:Pr5aApply established criteria to judge the accuracy, expressiveness, and effectiveness of performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part III - Rehearsal (2, Wk 35); Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36)
2.MU:Pr5bApply rehearsal strategies to address identified interpretive, performance, and technical challenges of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part III - Rehearsal (2, Wk 35); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
2.MU:Pr6aPerform music for a specific purpose with expression.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
2.MU:Pr6bDemonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate for the purpose.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 35)
Responding 4
2.MU:Re7.1Explain and demonstrate how personal interests and experiences influence musical selection for specific purposes.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Welcome to Music (K, Wk 1)
2.MU:Re7.2Describe how specific music concepts are used to support a specific purpose in music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Itsy Bitsy Spider (2, Wk 31); Finding notes on the Treble Clef (1, Wk 3)
2.MU:Re8Demonstrate knowledge of expressive qualities and how they support creators’ and performers’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
2.MU:Re9Apply personal and expressive preferences in the evaluation of music for specific purposes.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Lightly Row Performance Part III - Rehearsal (2, Wk 35)
California Grade 3 music standards
21 standards. Grade 3 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connecting 2
3.MU:Cn10Identify and demonstrate how personal interests, experiences, and ideas relate to creating, performing, and responding to music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Trading 4s in C Major (2, Wk 24)
3.MU:Cn11Identify and demonstrate connections between music and societal, cultural, and historical contexts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Chromatic Intervals (3, Wk 33); Compound Meter Part III (3, Wk 21)
Creating 6
3.MU:Cr1aImprovise rhythmic and melodic ideas and describe connection to specific purpose and context (such as personal and social).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19)
3.MU:Cr1bGenerate musical ideas (such as rhythms and melodies) within a given tonality and/or meter.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part I (3, Wk 19); Compound Meter Part II (3, Wk 20)
3.MU:Cr2aDemonstrate selected musical ideas for a simple improvisation or composition to express intent and describe connection to a specific purpose and context.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17)
3.MU:Cr2bUse standard and/or iconic notation and/or recording technology to document personal rhythmic and melodic musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Seconds - Part I (3, Wk 8)
3.MU:Cr3.1Evaluate, refine, and document revisions to personal musical ideas, applying teacher-provided and collaboratively developed criteria and feedback.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
3.MU:Cr3.2Present the final version of personal created music to others and describe connection to expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27); Welcome to Music (K, Wk 1)
Performing 9
3.MU:Pr4.1Demonstrate and explain how the selection of music to perform is influenced by personal interest, knowledge, purpose, and context.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Introduction to Intervals (3, Wk 6); C Major Scale Review Part I (2, Wk 1)
3.MU:Pr4.2aDemonstrate understanding of the structure in music selected from a variety of cultures for performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
3.MU:Pr4.2bWhen analyzing selected music, read and perform rhythmic patterns and melodic phrases using iconic and standard notation.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: The Itsy Bitsy Spider (1, Wk 30); Rhythm Review (2, Wk 11)
3.MU:Pr4.2cDescribe how context (such as personal and social) can inform a performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Solfege Hand-Sign Review (2, Wk 25); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
3.MU:Pr4.3Demonstrate and describe how intent is conveyed through expressive qualities (such as voice quality, dynamics and tempo).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35); Dynamics (2, Wk 23)
3.MU:Pr5aApply teacher provided and collaboratively developed criteria and feedback to evaluate accuracy of ensemble performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36)
3.MU:Pr5bRehearse to refine technical accuracy, expressive qualities, and identified performance challenges.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
3.MU:Pr6aPerform music for a specific purpose with expression and technical accuracy.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
3.MU:Pr6bDemonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate for the context and venue.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36); Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16)
Responding 4
3.MU:Re7.1Demonstrate and describe how selected music connects to and is influenced by specific interests, experiences, or purposes.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Holiday Songs (1, Wk 17)
3.MU:Re7.2Demonstrate and describe how a response to music can be informed by the structure, the use of the elements of music, and context (such as personal and social).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Seconds - Part III (3, Wk 10); Aloha Kakahiaka Performance (5, Wk 35)
3.MU:Re8Demonstrate and describe how expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, and timbre) are used in performers’ personal interpretations to reflect creators’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hello Am Chord Part I (5, Wk 13); Recorder Squire 4 - Gently Sleep (4, Wk 10)
3.MU:Re9Evaluate musical works and performances, applying established criteria, and describe appropriateness to the context.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); Recorder Knight 3 - Doggie, Doggie (4, Wk 14)
California Grade 4 music standards
21 standards. Grade 4 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connecting 2
4.MU:Cn10Describe and demonstrate how personal interests, experiences, ideas, and knowledge relate to creating, performing, and responding to music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
4.MU:Cn11Describe and demonstrate connections between music and societal, cultural, and historical contexts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6); Recorder Lord/Lady 4 - Jingle Bells (4, Wk 21)
Creating 6
4.MU:Cr1aImprovise rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic ideas, and explain connection to specific purpose and context (such as social and cultural).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Lord/Lady 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, A, B, D (4, Wk 22); Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17)
4.MU:Cr1bGenerate musical ideas (such as rhythms, melodies, and simple accompaniment patterns) within related tonalities (such as major and minor) and meters.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Semitones (3, Wk 32); Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19)
4.MU:Cr2aDemonstrate selected and organized musical ideas for an improvisation, arrangement, or composition to express intent, and explain connection to purpose and context.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17); Trading 4s in C Major (2, Wk 24)
4.MU:Cr2bUse standard and/or iconic notation and/or recording technology to document personal rhythmic, melodic, and simple harmonic musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Seconds - Part I (3, Wk 8); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
4.MU:Cr3.1Evaluate, refine, and document revisions to personal music, applying teacher-provided and collaboratively developed criteria and feedback to show improvement over time.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 36); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36)
4.MU:Cr3.2Present the final version of personal created music to others and explain connection to expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
Performing 9
4.MU:Pr4.1Demonstrate and explain how the selection of music to perform is influenced by personal interest, knowledge, context, and technical skill.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 1 - Let Us Play E G A (4, Wk 12); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
4.MU:Pr4.2aDemonstrate understanding of the structure and the elements of music (such as rhythm, pitch, and form) in music selected for performance.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Song Form Review (2, Wk 20); Lightly Row Performance Part II- Song + Analysis (2, Wk 34)
4.MU:Pr4.2bWhen analyzing selected music, read and perform using iconic and/or standard notation.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Beet & Shh (K, Wk 6); Key of G Major (3, Wk 34)
4.MU:Pr4.2cExplain how context (such as personal, social and cultural) informs a performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Aloha Kakahiaka Performance (5, Wk 35)
4.MU:Pr4.3Demonstrate and explain how intent is conveyed through interpretive decisions and expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, and timbre).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 4 - Gently Sleep (4, Wk 10); Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27)
4.MU:Pr5aApply teacher provided and collaboratively developed criteria and feedback to evaluate accuracy and expressiveness of ensemble and personal performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
4.MU:Pr5bRehearse to refine technical accuracy and expressive qualities, and address performance challenges.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
4.MU:Pr6aPerform music, with expression, technical accuracy, and appropriate interpretation.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
4.MU:Pr6bDemonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate for the context, venue, and genre.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 36)
Responding 4
4.MU:Re7.1Demonstrate and explain how selected music connects to and is influenced by specific interests, experiences, purposes, or contexts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Holiday Songs (1, Wk 17)
4.MU:Re7.2Demonstrate and explain how responses to music are informed by the structure, the use of the elements of music, and context (such as personal, social and cultural).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Page 1 - Basic Techniques (4, Wk 1); Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6)
4.MU:Re8Demonstrate and explain how expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, and timbre) are used in performers’ personal interpretations to reflect creators’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 4 - Gently Sleep (4, Wk 10); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
4.MU:Re9Evaluate musical works and performances, applying established criteria, and explain appropriateness to the context.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); Recorder Knight 3 - Doggie, Doggie (4, Wk 14)
California Grade 5 music standards
21 standards. Grade 5 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connecting 2
5.MU:Cn10Explain and demonstrate how personal interests, experiences, ideas, and knowledge relate to creating, performing, and responding to music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Aloha Kakahiaka Performance (5, Wk 35)
5.MU:Cn11Explain and demonstrate connections between music and societal, cultural, and historical contexts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6); Chromatic Intervals (3, Wk 33)
Creating 6
5.MU:Cr1aImprovise rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic ideas, and explain connection to specific purpose and context (such as social, cultural, and historical).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6)
5.MU:Cr1bGenerate musical ideas (such as rhythms, melodies, and accompaniment patterns) within specific related tonalities, meters, and simple chord changes.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Chord Theory Part III (5, Wk 32); Hello C Chord Part II (5, Wk 9)
5.MU:Cr2aDemonstrate selected and developed musical ideas for improvisations, arrangements, or compositions to express intent, and explain connection to purpose and context.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Chord Progressions Part I (5, Wk 18)
5.MU:Cr2bUse standard and/or iconic notation and/or recording technology to document personal rhythmic, melodic, and two chord harmonic musical ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Seconds - Part I (3, Wk 8); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
5.MU:Cr3.1Evaluate, refine, and document revisions to personal music, applying teacher-provided and collaboratively developed criteria and feedback, and explain rationale for changes.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
5.MU:Cr3.2Present the final version of personal created music to others that demonstrates craftsmanship and explain connection to expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hello Am Chord Part I (5, Wk 13); Hello C Chord Part I (5, Wk 8)
Performing 9
5.MU:Pr4.1Demonstrate and explain how the selection of music to perform is influenced by personal interest, knowledge, and context, as well as their personal and others’ technical skill.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); Triad Part I (PK, Wk 29)
5.MU:Pr4.2aDemonstrate understanding of the structure and the elements of music (such as rhythm, pitch, form, and harmony) in music selected for performance.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Hello C Chord Part I (5, Wk 8); Hello C Chord Part III (5, Wk 10)
5.MU:Pr4.2bWhen analyzing selected music, read and perform using standard notation.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Beet & Shh (K, Wk 6); Key of G Major (3, Wk 34)
5.MU:Pr4.2cExplain how context (such as personal, social, cultural, and historical) informs performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Aloha Kakahiaka Performance (5, Wk 35)
5.MU:Pr4.3Demonstrate and explain how intent is conveyed through interpretive decisions and expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, timbre, and articulation/ style).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hello Am Chord Part I (5, Wk 13); Recorder Squire 4 - Gently Sleep (4, Wk 10)
5.MU:Pr5aApply teacher provided and established criteria and feedback to evaluate the accuracy and expressiveness of ensemble and personal performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
5.MU:Pr5bRehearse to refine technical accuracy and expressive qualities to address challenges and show improvement over time.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
5.MU:Pr6aPerform music, alone or with others, with expression, technical accuracy, and appropriate interpretation.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 35)
5.MU:Pr6bDemonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate for the context, venue, genre, and style.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 35)
Responding 4
5.MU:Re7.1Demonstrate and explain, citing evidence, how selected music connects to and is influenced by specific interests, experiences, purposes, or contexts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Strumming Basics (5, Wk 22)
5.MU:Re7.2Demonstrate and explain, citing evidence, how responses to music are informed by the structure, the use of the elements of music, and context (such as personal, social, cultural, and historical).
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Aloha Kakahiaka Performance (5, Wk 35); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
5.MU:Re8Demonstrate and explain how expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, timbre, and articulation) are used in performers’ personal interpretations to reflect creators’ expressive intent.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hello Am Chord Part I (5, Wk 13); Recorder Squire 4 - Gently Sleep (4, Wk 10)
5.MU:Re9Evaluate musical works and performances, applying established criteria, and explain appropriateness to the context, citing evidence from the elements of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Aloha Kakahiaka Performance (5, Wk 36); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
Free printable
The California PK–5 music standards checklist
Every standard on this page as a one-page-per-grade PDF with a box to tick, ready for your curriculum map, your evaluation binder, or the next time someone asks “how is this standards-aligned?”
From the folks who built this page
Teach every one of these with Prodigies PK-5
Prodigies PK-5 has a lesson for 138 of the 140 California standards on this page (99%). 252 open-and-go video lessons, PK through Grade 5, with plans, printables and assessments, taught by Mr. Rob with colorful bells your kiddos can play from day one.
- Every lesson is already tagged to your state's codes
- No music degree needed to press play
- 30 days free, no credit card, nothing to cancel
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Questions teachers ask
Are the VAPA standards and the California Arts Standards the same thing?
The 2019 California Arts Standards replaced the 2001 VAPA standards. People still say “VAPA” (Visual and Performing Arts) for the whole subject area, so district documents often use both names for the 2019 set.
What are the California music standards called?
California Visual and Performing Arts: Music Standards, published by the California Department of Education (2019).
How many elementary music standards does California have?
This page lists 140 standards: 18 in Pre-K, 19 in Kindergarten, 20 in Grade 1, 20 in Grade 2, 21 in Grade 3, 21 in Grade 4, 21 in Grade 5.
Does California use the National Core Arts Standards?
Yes. The CA Arts Standards (VAPA) are built on the NCAS artistic processes, with California's own codes and wording.
Where can I find the official document?
The official source is https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/vapacontentstds.asp. This page copies the standard text word for word and adds grade-by-grade navigation and lesson matches.
Is there a music curriculum aligned to the California standards?
Prodigies PK-5 has a lesson for 138 of the 140 standards on this page (99%). Every lesson is tagged to these codes. Try it free for 30 days.