CAN’T I JUST PLAY CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR MY CHILD INSTEAD OF CLASSES?

Why not just listen to music? Research shows that for benefits such as music making children smarter, increasing spatial reasoning abilities, increasing standardized test scores, etc. to be long lasting, they must be obtained through active music making. Passively listening to music only results in temporary benefits sometimes lasting for only a few minutes. Active participation – singing while playing instruments, keeping the beat, analyzing the patterns – is the key!

DO EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC CLASSES PREPARE CHILDREN TO STUDY AN INSTRUMENT?

Yes! The Little MusicMaker program is designed to build a strong foundation is music so that a child is prepared for their first year of an instrument study. Music theory concepts included on Music Teachers National Association theory exams are introduced to children in our classes from day 1. Learning to speak the language of music provides for a much more positive first experience in instrument study.

MUSIC EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 – IS THAT POSSIBLE?

On a daily basis, we see evidence that music education for children under the age of five is not only effective, but vital. Children are introduced to sign language, shapes, symbols and letters from a very early age. Why should we wait to introduce them to the language of music along with the associated symbols? “Research shows that music is among the first and most important modes of communication in infants. As young children grow and develop, music continues not only as a form of communication, but as a form of self-expression as well. Music expands memory and assists in crucial language and reasoning skills. We have learned much in recent years about the human brain and cognitive growth that has yet to be incorporated into educational offerings and planning-at all levels. The fact, for instance, that the “infrastructure” of the brain is already half developed by age 5 is rarely factored into the nation’s educational planning.” Report from the Early Childhood Music Summit, MENC, June 14-16, 2000.

WHAT SETS APART LITTLE MUSICMAKER CLASSES FROM OTHER CLASSES?

• Our innovative program is designed to for children as young as 18 months old.
• Children receive an actual music education – learning to read music through active music making.
• Our classes are all live music making. We do not use prerecorded music. Research shows children must be actively making music, not passively listening, to receive all of the wonderful benefits such as music making children smarter.
• While our classes are dynamic, high energy, full of laughter and fun, our goal is education, as opposed to entertainment.
• Whether it be for hobby or career, we want to nurture our little musicians as early as possible so they can enjoy the many benefits of making music for life.

If a class of two year old children can identify a quarter note, tell you it receives one count and clap the count, while laughing uncontrollably at Max the puppet holding the quarter note in his mouth, we know it’s a success!