Family Music

Welcome to Family Music! This is a special half hour for you and your little one. I hope you will find that sharing music together creates a unique bond between parent and child.

Class Goals

Children come to us innately "musical". My goal is to help bring out their inner musical gifts. While they are having fun, the children will be

learning a (fresh!) repertoire of childhood songs;
developing a strong internal beat;
learning good listening skills;
developing an ear for rhythm and pitch

--all things which will help their own music-making be satisfying and joyful.

I hope, too, that what we do in class will soon begin to spill over into your days at home. Singing, playing, dancing, or listening to tapes with your children brings a family together in a happy, lasting way.

We will also be talking in class about some specific ways you can use music to help make the everyday routine easier and more special.

Class Contents

In our half hour together we will be singing; learning fingerplays, bouncing and lap songs; and using many simple instruments such as sticks, resonator bars, shakers, the drum and triangle. We introduce some classical music--found to be so wonderful for developing minds--into the children's listening repertoire. Movement games, an important part of internalizing music, include circle dances and creative dance time as well as acting out songs with props such as scarves and hoops. Physical activities are interspersed with quiet rocking time, listening games, and rhythmic and tonal practice.

What to Expect of Your Child in Class?

For many children this will be their first experience in a group setting. Do not be concerned if your normally assertive, ebullient toddler cries and clings to you! This is perfectly natural. It may take a few weeks for your little one to feel comfortable in new surroundings and with new activities.

Please allow your child freedom to participate (or not participate) in the activities at his or her own comfort level and in his or her own way. This is not a performance class. The children will be absorbing and learning whether they choose to "prove" it or not. As long as their mode of participation is not disruptive (prolonged crying or running around), it is fine.

Important Suggestions

	Feed your child ahead of time: Please feed your child a substantial snack (or early lunch) before coming to class. If you must bring an infant, be sure that you also feed the baby and/or recruit a helper! Fussy babies are a major distraction to toddlers.
	Allow your child a break outside the room if necessary: If your child is crying inconsolably or running around the room just to burn shoe rubber, please take him/her outside for a short break. Please reinforce ahead of time that s/he will be staying with you and the other children in the circle during music. While toddlers are certainly not automatons, it is important to give them a few boundaries so that they and others can enjoy the music.
	Reinforce expectations: Please describe to your child before class where you and s/he will be going; what you will be doing during music time; and what is expected of him/her. This can be a one minute reminder on the way to Burton Park. Small children need gentle reminders right before each class. Thankfully, they thrive on repetition!
	Play the Family Music recordings at home: There are two recordings available for purchase. One is a Musikgarten cassette tape which comes with rhythm sticks and parent's book. You may order the tape through Music Matters at 1(800) 216-6864 for $19.95 plus shipping. Check with me to see which Musikgarten unit we will be using this session. Also available now is Miss Jane's Children--a collection of class favorites such as "Short'nin' Bread," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Friends" and "Red Light, Stop!" in arrangements for voice, violin, and piano. Miss Jane's Children CD and parent booklet may be purchased from me directly. The cost for both is $6.95 plus tax.

Class Times & Fees

See Class Schedule