Level 4 classes provide a fun‐filled, yet structured environment where children can build a strong musical foundation and prepare for a successful future of formal musical training. In class, children develop their singing voice and sense of pitch, learn to read and write rhythmic patterns, learn about instrument families and musical “moods,” and are exposed to the music of some of the world’s greatest composers. Children also learn to identify notes on the staff and then play simple melodies on their very own glockenspiel. But, perhaps the most important benefit of the class is the sense of pride and ownership that all of these newfound skills provide for your child. S/he can now see himself as a “real” musician and is excited to learn more!
Level 4 is a four‐semester sequential program, intended for children aged 5-8 years old. While each semester builds on the previous, children may join the program at any time. Each class is 60 minutes and includes a 45-50 minute session for students alone, followed by a 10-15 minute sharing time, during which parents, caregivers, and siblings join the class. Each semester is 15-weeks long.
Level 4 is unfortunately not being offered at this time. We hope to offer classes for this age group in the near future. Please check back for updates.
Specifics for each Level 4 semester:
Semester 1 — Everything your child learns later in semesters 2, 3, and 4 begins with this early introduction to singing, reading, and writing music and rhythm. Through dances and games that focus on rhythmic development, we’ll learn a keyboard instrument—the glockenspiel—which will be used throughout all the Young Child classes. Your At Home Materials provide the music, instruments, stickers, and activities for a home version of the same playful activities you’ll hear about from class, so your child—and you!—can learn where you’re most comfortable: at home.
Semester 2 — Playing simple musical patterns and songs on the featured instrument from the first session—the glockenspiel—is a central focus this semester. While learning to sing a melody, and then play the pattern on the glockenspiel, we’ll delve deeper into the understanding of musical concepts such as piano and forte through orchestra-style music such as the William Tell Overture and Peter and the Wolf. Music appreciation and understanding continues with a complete introduction to the instruments—and the families in which they’re grouped—of the orchestra.1
Semester 3 — Appalachian music is a featured musical style this semester. First, you and your child will build a two-stringed dulcimer instrument with materials that we’ll provide. Then in class we’ll learn to play chords and simple melodies on the instrument you built together. We’ll also explore rhythm concepts through dance with an introduction to the basic steps in jazz, ballet, and tap dances. Your Home Materials include dulcimer-making materials, activity cards, and music that features recordings from Appalachia, African-America, and Native American music, as well as the Western Art music of the Nutcracker Suite.
Semester 4 — In this final semester, we’ll introduce the recorder instrument. As your child is introduced to basic methods of playing simple melodic patterns and songs on this wind instrument, we’ll also incorporate the instruments, concepts, and songs from previous semesters. With a special emphasis on multicultural music, your child will learn to improvise and write music, as well as experience the musical styles of the Pacific Islands, Europe, and Africa; plus play special dances and children’s games from around the world, including Alpine dances, Mexico, and Ecuador.