Finding music lessons geared towards infants or preschoolers can be quite challenging, as most programs are designed for older children. And even when you do find a suitable program, your child might find it difficult to separate from you for the duration of the lesson. The obvious solution to this dilemma is to find music classes that you can attend with your child. Across the country, there are a variety of music programs that cater to both parent and child. More than just sitting in on your child's class, these classes teach you new musical skills as well. The following are three examples of parent/child music programs 1. Tot RockMusic educator Aubree Windish founded Tot Rock in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to help children from 6 months to 4 years old develop an early appreciation of music and practice socialization skills. Not only do Tot Rock classes get parents involved with their kids, they come complete with take-home activities for parents and kids to work on together. This collaborative approach helps to strengthen bonds between parents and children while reinforcing the concepts that they learned in class. All Tot Rock classes are 30 minutes long and place an emphasis on learning music theory. Classes can include movement, instruments, songs, and stories, and parents are welcome to join their children or allow them to interact with classmates on their own. For an additional 15 minutes after each class, children engage in free play, which is designed to encourage natural creativity and socialization. Parents also get to make friends and connect with each other in a relaxed, community-like environment. 2. Babies & GrandsDescribed as a multicultural experience for all generations, Babies & Grands classes lay the groundwork for a strong foundation in the fundamentals of music. Children not only learn the basics, but they also get the chance to do so with the help of residents of two nearby assisted living facilities. Of course, other family members are also welcome to attend the classes, and parent participation is strongly encouraged. Led by experienced program director and performing artist Jenny Murphy, Babies & Grands has been working with children and parents in the Yonkers, New York, community for more than two decades. Ms. Murphy leads students in learning music scales and detailing the musical styles of various cultures. The overall mission of Babies & Grands is to narrow generational gaps and help children develop a lifelong love of music. To read testimonials of satisfied parents, view class schedules, or sign up for a free introductory class, people can visit the Babies & Grands website at www.babiesandgrands.com. 3. Music TogetherFounded in 1987, Music Together operates on the assumption that all children are capable of being musical and that children learn music best by watching their parents or other primary caregivers make music. As such, it provides a musically rich classroom environment that encourages interaction between parents and children aged 0 to 7. Music Together also furthers children’s learning by encouraging families to participate in daily musical activities in the home. A pioneer in early childhood musical education, Music Together bases its curriculum on solid research in music and childhood development. The organization currently holds classes in over 40 countries around the world and partners with a wide variety of public and private schools, as well as other groups, to reach out to at-risk and underserved families. For children ages 5 to 7, Music Together offers its Big Kids classes, which let them explore solfège, folk dances, harmony singing, and drumming. Big Kids classes include lots of movement and are specifically tailored to older kids’ sense of self and advancing developmental levels. All parents receive their own song book, recordings, and several other materials to help them augment their child’s learning experience at home. Music Together also accommodates children with special needs, including those with physical, cognitive, or neurological conditions. In accordance with the program’s “accept and include” motto, Music Together’s mixed-age group classes welcome students with dealing with a variety of challenges. These are just a few of the many innovative music programs designed to bring parents and children together. With so many options available nationwide, there is sure to be a parent/child music program in your area. Comments are closed.
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Marina K Caprara