"Young Child" prepares the 5 to 7 year old who is eager for first experiences with musical symbols and instrument discovery but is not yet ready for formal lessons and traditional music reading with an instrument. Parents and siblings join in the final 10 minutes of each one hour class.

This Two Year program includes:

Singing and vocal development It may sound like a foreign language when a child sings "ta" and "ti-ti," but this is the language of professional musicians and composers and getting young children ready to read and write simple rhythm patterns. Lots of singing games and fun songs!
Movement Dancing expressively to music, giving children the practice they need to coordinate their body movements to the sound of music. This kind of musical play not only improves musicianship, but physical coordination as well. Folkdances and also exploring the world of jazz, tap, and ballet!
Reading and writing Young children will learn notation on the treble clef staff, note and rest values, and dynamics. Eventually children even compose their own music!
Focused listening Children will learn to identify a range of orchestral instruments and their sound qualities, while also gaining an early awareness and knowledge of composers and masterworks in Western arts tradition.  The second year of the program explores world music through musical storytelling.
Exploring and playing musical instruments Authentic percussion, string, pre-keyboard, and woodwind instruments expose children to the many choices for future musical study, and at the same time provide them with the opportunity to musically succeed before taking on more formal instruction.  Children learn how to play their own glockenspiel (a barred instrument with mallets) and in the second year, their own two string dulcimer and recorder!

January to May 2010 Level Two and Level Four are available:

Level Two for children ages 5 and 6 includes 16 one hour lessons, and Home Materials (tote bag, glockenspiel, Home Activity Folder, and Pages, rhythm sticks, attendance stickers and Games Bag.)

Tuesdays 4 - 5 pm (1 space left!)                         Fee: $360 (or two payments of $180)

Level Four for children age 7 includes 16 one hour lessons, and Home Materials (tote bag, soprano recorder and case, Home Activity Folder and Pages, attendance stickers, rhythm sticks and Games Bag.)

Mondays 5:15 - 6:15 pm (1 space left!)                          Fee: $350 (or two payments of $175)