When considering the layout of a music classroom, there a many things to consider. The three main areas of music education, choral music, band and general music will be displayed in a few examples of a successful classroom layout attached below.
Choral Layout:
Audio-
The number one priority in the choral classroom set up is finding the answer to the question 'can I hear my students, and can they hear each other." This question also takes into account the acoustics of the room, which are often out of your control as an educator. However, seating and arrangement can immensely improve your situation. Seating the students in an arched formation is conducive to the sound and balance of the choir, placing the teacher in the center of the arches and the accompanying instruments around the choir.
Visual-
Another extremely important aspect in the choir classroom is the visibility of the choir. 'Can they see me directing? Can I see, and make eye contact with each section?
Blend-
Typically you will seat your singers in the formation of SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) This will help you get the most balanced blend from your choirs, and help them have a confident group sound.
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General Music Layout:
When considering a layout for the general music classroom, a few key aspects to consider are visibility, accessibility (group space) and storage.
Visibility:
In any music classroom, including the general music classroom, it is crucial that your students can see your whole body at all times. Teaching my example, and call and response are huge parts of the music classroom.
This particular example has risers that are also storage units! This gives the students the option to perform and practice as a group while being seen and heard in an effective manner.
Accessibility:
Answer the question, 'Can my students comfortably engage in the lessons with and without their instruments?
Storage:
Finding effective ways to store your instruments is an important way to value the resources that you have, and keeping order in your classroom. Be able to store and organize all of you instruments and materials so you can have them ready for any lesson, any time.
Band Classroom Layout:
Percussion Layout:
When considering a set up for the band classroom, being sure that your percussion section is in order is an important part of having a successful layout. This example shows a set up that gives the band the ability to engage with a balanced sound coming from the percussion section that essentially carries the groove and feel for each piece performed.
Arched Formation:
Having the woodwinds, and brass seated in an arched formation will also increase the ability for the band to see and hear both the conductor and each other.
