Music Together® Classes ~ Children 0-5 and their Grown-up/s
A group of six to twelve children and their parents and caregivers meet for 45 minutes each week to enjoy a variety of playful musical activities. The Music Together teacher guides the class through traditional and original songs and chants with a broad mix of tonalities, meters and cultural styles. A dozen experiences are included in each class including singing, small and large movement, instrument play, props, dancing, improvisation and more. The approach is fun and interactive and incorporates informal instruction, allowing the children to engage at their developmental level. It's a relaxed atmosphere that invites and encourages participation by both children and adults, regardless of musical skill, talent or training. In a Music Together class, families rediscover the pleasure and educational value of informal, homemade musical experiences.
At what age should I start class with my baby? Now! Babies learn music the same way they learn language; by being immersed in it. Just as it is never too early to start talking to your baby, it is never too early to start singing with your baby.
Child development researchers recommend mixed-age groupings because it fosters natural, family-style learning. Younger children enjoy observing and imitating the older ones; older children benefit from singing to, moving with and being appreciated by the younger ones. Each child is given the freedom to participate as he or she chooses, without being burdened by age-specific expectations, and siblings can attend together. The mixed-age format is central to the Music Together® approach, which is specifically designed for early childhood - a time when children use the magical process of play to essentially teach themselves the things they need to learn.
Rhythm Kids® Classes ~ Children 0-8
Grown-up Class Participation Optional
In Rhythm Kids®, children ages 4-8 dig deeper and gain a richer understanding of how music works.
Each week we drum, sing, dance, play rhythm instruments and music-based games that reinforce, in a fun, playful manner, the rhythm patterns that we learn in class. Rhythm Kids™ guides children toward developmentally appropriate music and movement activities, where they can begin to take charge, lead others, and be musically creative, as they:
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make up their own drumming patterns
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invent new ways to play rhythm instruments (shakers, sticks, etc.)
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create movement ideas for songs
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practice soloing, ensemble play and conducting!
Rhythm Kids™ carries on the Music Together® vision to help children complete the pathway of early childhood music development from birth through age eight. Classes include:
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10 weekly, 45-minute classes (6 in the Summer)
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Songbook, CDs and Download Codes
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Access to online drum-play videos and other material
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8 unique musical collections, or 2-years full of material from 6 continents!
Children will:
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Explore the world of rhythm through movement, instrument play, and song
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Improve their rhythmic skills, like keeping a variety of levels of beat,
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Learn to create, improvise, cooperate, and express themselves musically
In a Rhythm Kids™ class, parents are welcome to stay and participate or children may attend on their own, if they're ready. When parents and caregivers choose to attend class, too, they not only amplify their children’s learning, but also have a great time singing, moving, and dancing. Either way, we ask parents to remain onsite, even if the children are attending alone.
Classes are now available in New Paltz, Stone Ridge & Beacon!
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Whether as a stand-alone music class or as a companion to formal instruction, Rhythm Kids® helps children develop the facility, repertoire, and creativity that will allow them to unleash their own music-making potential.