Primary Music TK-3rd:
Supported by the Irvine Public School Foundation (IPSF), kindergarten through third grade students are provided a centralized music curriculum taught by credentialed music specialists. This program provides students with a solid foundation in musical concepts in a fun, supportive environment.
Music 4th-6th:
Vocal and instrumental music are a district-provided program for students in fourth through sixth grades. Upper grade music instruction is given in a "block music" system. Unlike the more common "pull-out" system, students do not miss regular classroom instruction to participate in the music program. At Deerfield, all students receive music education and music is considered as important as all other curricular activities. Students receive two forty-minute lessons a week.
In fourth grade, each student has the option of either participating in the vocal music program or learning to play a string instrument (violin, viola, or cello). Fifth grade students may participate in either the vocal music program, continue to play a string instrument if they played one the previous year, or begin a wind instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or baritone). Sixth grade students are given the opportunity to participate in the vocal music program or continue with a more intensive study on their chosen instrument.
The music curriculum is based on the Irvine Unified School district's Music Scope and Sequence, as well as the California State Framework. The elementary music program and staff are highly regarded throughout the County, and are used as a benchmark of quality for other school Districts. Each respective school provides a culminating concert at the end of the year.