What is it that makes Music Together unique? I’d love to share about it. There are many programs for early childhood music, all of which I’ve researched, and I strongly believe in these specific points about Music Together:
– Based on Dr. Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, the most current research about how we learn when we learn music. We learn music like it is a language, so that is how we teach it! Lots of variety – tonal and rhythmic – the more variety a child hears, the deeper their musical understanding. We use songs without words to put the focus on the melody and not allow words to distract children. Music development has stages and our class supports each child’s innate music aptitude and allows it to grow! Your music aptitude can increase between birth- age 5, but if you don’t use it by making music, it will decrease, and stay that way! Our class encourages kids to make the best use of their music aptitude while they can, and it impacts the rest of their life.
– Parent Education: We value parents as the best musical model and teacher for their child, you are who your child has an emotional connection with. Parents are given tools to participate with understanding in each class. In every class I strive to offer 2 planned education moments, to help parents know more of the research and background of why we do what we do. I also point out any musical responses I see from kids during the class to encourage parents to recognize musical behaviors in their children. In additon we plan to begin offering a “Parent Education Night” once every semester, starting with Spring 2011. An example of a parent education moment may be: “Did you know you can be the worst singer in the world and still be the best music teacher for your child? Your participation is the most important catalyst for musical growth. So just keep participating and singing!”
– Pioneer of the Mixed-Age Model: Music Together is the first program to use a birth-5 yrs old class. Research shows that children respond most strongly to other children’s singing voices. Older children can be the models, and younger kids will benefit from watching an older children. It is also a developmental environment, with no age-comparisons between kids. Kids develop in music differently and this environment allows for that. We also stress that music is a fun, family event that all should be a part of, and that all can make valuable contributions too. Siblings can attend class together, and Grandma and Grandpa are welcome too!
Sincerely,
Sarah Boyd
Director/Teacher – Music Together of Grosse Pointe
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