Beyond the Notes: How Music Education Shapes Young Minds

By Michael Tauscher

A performing arts education isn't just about learning to sing, dance, or play an instrument—it's about shaping young minds. Walk past the music rooms at University School of Milwaukee on any given day, and you’ll hear joyful voices, rhythmic beats, and the unmistakable energy of young musicians at work. For Tracy Huffman, who teaches prekindergarten, junior kindergarten, kindergarten, and 5th grade music classes, this daily soundtrack is more than just music—it’s a reflection of growth, discovery, and community.

With 13 years at USM and 17 years in education, Huffman has seen the profound impact of music on students of all ages. “Music is a language that speaks to every child differently,” she explains. “It’s incredible to watch a student go from exploring music in Preschool to truly expressing themselves through music in Middle School and Upper School.”

Huffman’s role allows her to witness this transformation firsthand, as she guides students from their earliest experiences with rhythm and melody to more advanced choral performances. Her perspective, shaped by years of working with every age group, underscores the importance of a strong foundation in music education.

Laying the Foundation: Music in Early Childhood

One of the cornerstones of USM’s early childhood music program is Music Together, an internationally recognized approach to early music education. Huffman has championed this program at USM, believing in its ability to build not only musical skills but also confidence and cooperation among young learners.

“Music Together gives our youngest students a chance to explore sound, movement, and rhythm in a way that feels natural to them,” Huffman says. “They don’t realize they’re learning—they just know they’re having fun.”

Through interactive songs, movement activities, and exposure to a variety of musical styles, Preschool students develop essential skills like pitch matching, steady beat recognition, and expressive movement. But the benefits go beyond music. “I see kids learn how to take turns, how to listen, and even how to express emotions they might not have words for yet,” she adds. “It’s really powerful.”

Another standout feature of Music Together is its global approach. The program introduces students to melodies, tonalities, and rhythms from around the world, broadening their understanding of different musical traditions. “One day we might be singing a song in Spanish, and the next, we’re clapping rhythms originating from western African countries,” Huffman says. “It’s amazing to see how naturally young children absorb and appreciate these diverse sounds.”

A Journey of Growth: From Preschool to Middle School Choir

As students progress through USM’s music program, their relationship with music evolves. What starts as playful exploration in Preschool becomes more structured and expressive in Lower School and Middle School. Huffman has the unique privilege of guiding this transition, watching students build upon the musical foundation they developed in their early years.

“In Lower School, we start to introduce more formal concepts—reading rhythms, recognizing notation, and singing in tune as a group,” Huffman explains. “By the time they get to Middle School, they’re ready to take ownership of their music, to explore harmony, and to connect emotionally and historically with what they’re singing.”

Middle School choir, in particular, is a transformative experience for many students. It’s a time when music shifts from being primarily teacher-led to student-driven. “In Preschool, I’m guiding them every step of the way. In Middle School, I step back more," said Huffman. "I want them to feel the music, to think critically about what they’re singing, and to collaborate with their peers.”

She recalls a recent choir performance where students had a breakthrough moment. “We were working on a song in German with a deeply emotional text, and for a while, they were just singing the notes and baffled about why we were singing a song in a different language from the 1700s. As we explored the meaning of the text and considered the perspective of the composer, there was a palpable shift in their performance. You could see it in their faces, in their body language. That’s when I knew they understood the transcendence of the music.”

The Power of Concerts: More Than Just a “Cute” Performance

For Huffman, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching music is watching her students take the stage. Concerts are more than just an opportunity to showcase what students have learned—they are transformative experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

“There’s something magical about a concert,” Huffman says. “It’s that moment when everything comes together—the hard work, the nerves, the excitement. You see students standing a little taller, singing a little stronger. It’s an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime.”

Concerts at USM are intentionally designed to celebrate student growth. Each performance reflects the developmental stage of the students, from playful and engaging Lower School programs to more sophisticated and expressive Middle School and Upper School choir concerts. Huffman emphasizes that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.

“I tell my students all the time: it’s not about hitting every note perfectly. It’s about feeling the music and sharing that with your audience,” she explains. “When students realize that, you can see the shift. They stop worrying about mistakes and start focusing on the joy of performing.”

Huffman also believes that concerts create a sense of community among students. “When they stand on that stage together, they’re part of something bigger than themselves. They rely on each other. They support each other. And in the end, they share a moment of pride that’s completely their own.”

One of her favorite moments happens after the final song, when the students take their bow. “You can see the relief, the excitement, the pride—it’s all there,” Huffman says. “They walk off that stage knowing they accomplished something special.”

The Heart of USM’s Performing Arts Program

One of the things Huffman appreciates most about USM is the trust placed in its educators to shape their programs in meaningful ways. “I have the freedom to adapt lessons based on the students in front of me, rather than following a rigid curriculum,” she says. “If I see a group really connecting with a particular genre or style, I can lean into that and let them explore it more deeply.”

That flexibility extends to performances as well. Each year, USM’s school music programs showcase not only technical skills but also creativity and personal expression. “It’s important that our students feel a sense of ownership in their performances,” Huffman says. “When they feel connected to the music, it becomes more than just a concert—it becomes a moment of real artistic expression.”

Huffman also values the collaboration that happens across divisions. “I love when our Middle Schoolers get to see the Upper School musicians perform,” she shares. “It inspires them. They see what’s possible, and they realize that music is something they can continue to grow with.”

Why Music Education Matters

When asked about the lasting impact of music education, Huffman is quick to respond. “Music teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. But more than that, it gives kids a way to express themselves,” she says. “Not every child is going to grow up to be a professional musician, and that’s okay. What matters is that they leave here with an appreciation for music and the confidence to use their voices—whether that’s on stage, in the classroom, or in life.”

For Huffman, the joy of teaching music at USM isn’t just about the notes and rhythms—it’s about watching students grow, take risks, and find their own voices. “Music is one of the few things that can truly bring people together,” she says. “And being able to share that with my students every day is the best part of my job.”

About Michael Tauscher:

Michael Tauscher has served as the head of Preschool and Lower School at University School of Milwaukee since 2015. Born and raised on a family-owned farm in Pulaski, Wisconsin, he holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. With 24 years of experience as an educator, including 17 years as an administrator, Tauscher has worked in early childhood, elementary, and middle school settings, including teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and gaining international teaching experience in Kyoto, Japan.