For Texas elementary teachers

Music is required by TEKS.
Nobody trained you to teach it.

Every song in your hands. Every song on video. Walk into your music block on Monday with total confidence — no music degree required.

Start Your Free Trial See how it works
Kodály-aligned methodology
K–5 sequenced repertoire
Demonstrated on video
Used by teachers in all 50 states and 100+ countries
The Texas reality

Music is a district accreditation requirement.
And often it's on you to deliver it.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) mandate music in every elementary classroom — K through 5, every year.

It's not optional. It's not a "specials" add-on. The Texas Education Agency requires districts to provide TEKS-based instruction in music as a condition of accreditation.

For many Texas elementary teachers — especially in smaller districts, charter schools, and private schools — that means the classroom teacher is teaching music. With no specialist support. With no music degree. With one prep period and 30 kids waiting to sing something.

That's not a failing on your part. It's a structural reality of how Texas elementary schools are staffed. The Singing Classroom was built to make that reality manageable — and even joyful — for the teachers carrying it.

K–5 Music TEKS instruction required in every Texas elementary grade as a condition of district accreditation.
How it works

Watch. Learn. Teach.

Every song is demonstrated on video, so you can learn it in minutes and teach it with confidence.

1

Pick your song

Browse by grade level (Kindergarten through 5th), by musical concept, or by song name. Every song is demonstrated on video, many with Deborah walking you through it.

2

Watch it demonstrated

See exactly how to introduce the song, run the game, and develop the musical concept. Every gesture, every cue — demonstrated on video. You know what to do before you walk in.

3

Walk in confident

You're not improvising. You're not hoping it'll work. You've seen it work. Your class sings, plays, and learns — and you're the teacher who made it happen.

See it in action

Watch it demonstrated, then do it yourself

Every song in the library is demonstrated on video. Here are three examples.

SaraspondaGrades 4–6  ·  Stick game  ·  Rhythmic coordination
Oh Row the Rattlin' BogGrades 1–5  ·  Folk song  ·  Cumulative form
Apple TreeGrades K–2  ·  Singing game  ·  Solo singing
The repertoire

Songs your students already know.
And ones they'll never forget.

The Singing Classroom includes 150+ folk songs and singing games — sequenced for musical development, demonstrated on video, ready to teach in your classroom.

Apple Tree Sarasponda Lemonade Crunchy Ice A Tisket A Tasket Engine Engine Number Nine Alabama Gal Doggy Doggy Diamond Oh Row the Rattlin' Bog Baa Baa Black Sheep Scotland's Burning Wee Willie Winkie Oliver Twist The Thread Follows the Needle All Around the Buttercup Bounce One Bounce Two Come Through the Sawmill Shalom Chaverim All Round the Brickyard Draw a Bucket of Water Bobo Ski Watten Taten Four White Horses Concentration 64 Jump In Jump Out Come and Pass the Sticks Around How Many Miles to London Town In and Out The Dusty Bluebells 150+ songs total

Each song above links to its own song page with lyrics, game instructions, and teaching notes. All songs are pedagogically sequenced and Kodály-aligned, and tagged by concept and grade.

In the classroom

Songs and games you can use across all grades.

Foundations: music literacy

Steady beat, rhythm, melody, pitch, form. Songs are organized by concept and grade level to build these foundational skills.

Creative expression

Singing, playing, moving — students participate actively in music rather than just hearing about it. Folk songs and singing games are the most natural vehicle for elementary creative expression.

Historical & cultural relevance

The folk song repertoire connects students to American and global musical traditions.

Built on Kodály principles. Accessible to every teacher.

Kodály methodology puts the singing voice first — which means it's the most natural approach for a classroom teacher with no instrumental background. You don't need to play piano. You don't need to read music. You need to sing with your class, and we show you exactly how.

The songs are sequenced for musical development, not just enjoyment. Each one builds specific skills — steady beat, pitch matching, rhythmic awareness, form — in an order that makes sense for how children learn.

D
Deborah Skydell, Co-founder

Master's degree in Choral Music (University of Illinois). Kodály certified. Orff and Dalcroze trained. 30+ years teaching music to children from Pre-K through 8th grade.

What's included

Everything in one place.

Full teaching videos

Every song demonstrated on video, many with Deborah teaching it from start to finish — including how to handle the moments when students need redirecting.

Printable materials

Sheet music, lyric sheets, classroom posters, and manipulatives — all printable, so the materials for each song are ready when you are.

Lesson planner

Build your unit plan with drag-and-drop simplicity. Organize songs by grade level, musical concept, or theme. Print it or access it on any device in the classroom.

Search by concept or grade

Find the right song for your lesson in seconds. Search by grade level (K–5), musical concept, or song title.

Pricing

One subscription. Every song.

Full access to the entire library — all songs, all videos, all printables, the lesson planner — for less than the cost of one set of photocopied worksheets a week.

7-day free trial

Full library access

$199.95

per year  ·  cancel any time

  • 150+ songs, every one demonstrated on video
  • Sequenced K–5 elementary repertoire
  • Printable materials for every song
  • Lesson planner included
  • Works on any device
Start Your Free Trial
Questions

A few things people ask.

Do I need a music degree to use this?+
Not at all. The videos show you exactly what to do — every gesture, every cue, every word. If you can watch a video and follow along, you can teach these songs.
Will this work if I only have music once a week or every other week?+
Absolutely. The lesson planner lets you plan your music instruction around whatever schedule your district uses — whether that's daily, weekly, or a rotation.
What happens after the free trial?+
After 7 days, your subscription starts at $199.95 per year. Cancel any time before the 7 days are up and you won't be charged.
Can I use this on my classroom projector or whiteboard?+
Yes — The Singing Classroom works on any device with a browser. You can use it directly on your classroom projector or interactive whiteboard during the lesson.
Is this a deductible educator expense?+
A subscription to The Singing Classroom is the kind of professional development resource that may qualify for the IRS Educator Expense Deduction (Form 1040). Limits and eligibility apply — check with your tax preparer for guidance on your specific situation.