Abstract
This chapter describes ways of building human connections in the general music classroom and argues for its centrality in the music curriculum. The authors do so by providing theoretical background, as well as concrete, practical examples in the forms of vignettes and lessons that are relevant to elementary- and secondary-school-age students. The chapter expands upon the ways “connecting” has been traditionally conceived in the music education curriculum to include the self, peers, teacher, and community, as well as musical cultures around the world. It also addresses ways to facilitate culturally informed connections in and through music.