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| We
feature a full line of MusikGarten programs. Each one is carefully
designed by internationally respected early music specialist Lorna
Lutz Heyge, Ph.D. to be truly developmentally appropriate. Children
will enjoy the pure fun of these classes. Parents will appreciate
the educational value. |
| "Babies!"
(ages
Birth - 15 mo.) |
| Babies
as young as “brand new” benefit from music classes with
a caregiver. Gentle singing bonds parent to baby. Rocking and swaying
stimulate the brain’s vestibular system. Older babies wiggle
and bop, babes in arms dance and spin. Instruments are demonstrated
(touching allowed!). We meet for 30-minute classes, once a week
for 15 weeks. Like any language, the language of music is best learned
from birth. Why wait? |
| “It
is fun to hear how Betsy links the importance of music and the
vestibular system, and the child’s development. As an
Occupational Therapist, the vestibular system is a critical
sensory system for my client’s (pediatrics) development
and learning, as well!”
Vicki Gaddis, mother of Luke |
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| "Family
Music"
(ages
16 mo. - 3 1/2 yrs) |
| Children
sing, dance, play rhythm instruments, do finger plays, and actively
listen to sounds. And because adults participate right along, the
children get to see their parents modeling their own appreciation
of music. Classes meet for 30 minutes each week for 15 weeks. This
class is not only an introduction to music; it is also a chance to
begin working on some basic musical concepts such as keeping a steady
beat, fast vs. slow, high vs. low, etc. An all-around fun class! |
| "This
was a perfect time to start (18 mo.) because she is just exploding
with her language development! She learned so many new words
due to the class and songs!" Joanie Gerberich, mother
of Kendall, age 2 and Grace, age 6 mo. |
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| "Cycle
of Seasons"
(ages
3
- 4 1/2 yrs) |
| During
this 45-minute class, students and teacher sort out some major musical
concepts using themes from nature - a subject that fascinates this
age group! We sing, dance, play instruments, act out musical stories,
and carefully listen to sound qualities. Tempo, dynamics, expression,
and the ever-important steady beat are covered; special care is given
to the development of the singing voice, especially the often-neglected
upper or head register. The class ends with a family sharing segment
- a wonderful mix of young students, adoring parents, and siblings
of all sizes joining together in singing with gusto and swinging in
circle dances! Each 15-week semester centers on a different season's
natural sights and sounds. |
| "Excellent
teacher. Doesn't allow class to get out of control. Very patient
with the children (and parents)." Kim Dickens, mother of
Delaney, age 3 1/2 |
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| "Music
Makers at Home in the World"
(ages
4
- 5
1/2
yrs) |
| Wow!
Music Makers! This is the class where it all comes together - vocal
development, movement, listening, and instruments. Fantastic natural
settings (The Woodlands, The Cattail Marsh, The Seashore) prompt discussions,
imitations of animals (in movement and sound), related poetry (a neglected
art form!), singing and dancing. Before the children know it, they're
composing and orchestrating their own pieces, mastering melodic and
rhythmic fragments (for use as musical building blocks), and identifying
instruments by sight and sound. Kids become musicians and creativity
blossoms! Orff Instrument ensembles guarantee a balance of challenge
and comfort for each child, but with an impressively layered end result.
Classes are 1 hour long, grouped into four 15-week sequential semesters
spanning two years. |
| "I
think it's wonderful that there is such a good music program
out there that teaches kids about music basics and theory at
such an early age." Carol Byron, mother of Matthew,
age 5, and Kelly, age 8 |
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| "Music
Makers Around the World"
(ages
5
1/2 - 7
yrs) |
| This
is Year 2 of the sequential Music Makers program. Learning-through-play
continues, with different cultures as the themes (British Isles, Native
America, Germany). The cultures provide the songs, dances, stories
and ensembles to aid in vocal development (always concentrating on
the often-ignored upper or head voice), movement (wonderful, intricate
dances help coordination and concentration), listening (music and
instruments of each culture widen the aural repertoire), and instruments
(teamwork brings the layered-pattern ensembles to life). There is
more writing than in Year 1, and more melodic and rhythmic patterns.
Students dissect song to find patterns: reading music begins!
Graduates
are now ready for private instrumental instruction, and will progress
faster than their peers. |
| "In
two++ (three!) years, he's never said, 'I don't want to go to
class.' Betsy understands children and how to tap into their
innate affinity for music. Our son has learned so much - about
rhythm, theory, notes, songs, instruments, etc., and the learning
is fun and natural." Patty Gropp, mother of Chris,
age 6 |
|
For
more info: 630-778-8038
singgrizzell@comcast.net |
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