Classes for Young Children at Ascencion Music Academy
Our music classes for children are given by teachers degreed in music, educated in pedagogy, and trained in early childhood music education. We guide the development of your child’s musicianship over time in quality music programs. The earlier your child begins, the more abundantly the music flows! It is a wise and wonderful choice. Scroll down for detailed program description.
SIGN YOUR CHILD UP TODAY for 2024 fall semester 9/3/24-12/12/24
WE OFFER MUSIC CLASSES FOR CHILDREN IN 12-WEEK SEMESTERS ON A ROLLING BASIS YEAR-ROUND.
- General Music: Age-appropriate, holistic general music, non-sequential learning.
- Group Instruments: A step along the way between group general music and private lessons, and a gentle introduction to sequential learning.
- Child-Friendly Format: Small groups of between three and nine children, once-weekly. One instructor or two, 30 or 45 minutes, independent learning or parent-participation, sequential learning or non – these things vary with the class chosen. ENROLL today or join the waiting list – tuition payment holds your spot!
Benefits of Music Education for Young Children
Put your child on an exciting path of lifelong music making, starting early in life. The benefits of music education are many. Music immerses the child in cooperative interaction, enhances brain functioning, and fosters physical coordination. Music improves overall development and decreases learning problems. Music has even been connected with resiliency—the ability to bounce back after a disturbing event. And, making music is just tons of fun.
Children’s Music Overview
GENERAL MUSIC Non-sequential learning. Children of the age for Toddler Music (15 to 36 months) learn best through informal play; parents participate fully with their children. Those ready for Early Bird Music (ages three through five) learn with more emphasis on structure and specific skills. Parents participate optionally at this stage. Students in Small Fries (ages four through seven) learn music-making skills independently of parents. While there is a cumulative benefit to a child over time, each class offers unique learning opportunities, and the experience is not damaged if a child misses a class.
GROUP INSTRUMENT CLASSES Intro to Strings, Next Level Strings, and Triple Decker Sampler are offer independent learning for developing musicians, a natural step along the way towards private lessons. The learning is gently sequential, so things build from week-to-week. A little bit of “homework” may be offered, without the formal practice expectations of private lessons. This is a greater level of commitment to the music-learning process. Parents should anticipate a child staying at this level for six months to a year before they are ready for private lessons.
More Details!
TODDLER MUSIC, for children ages 15 – 36 months, with grown-up
Taught by a Musikgarten-certified teacher, with Musikgarten curriculum. Musikgarten is one of the leaders in early childhood music instruction, offering a carefully researched and sequenced curriculum designed to tap into inborn skills of every child – the ability to sing on pitch, imitate gesture, keep a steady beat. Teacher, students and parents wiggle and giggle together on a child-centered path of musical experience.
EARLY BIRDS, for children ages three to five years, with optional grown-up
Children develop early musicianship skills through hands on piano, guitar and drums in each session. Parental participation is optional at this state. We encourage you to sometimes stay and play (space-permitting), sometimes stay and observe, and sometimes drop off!
SMALL FRIES, for children ages four to seven years, drop-off class
Our group general music classes for children really ramp up those early musicianship skills. Piano, guitar and drums are our central instruments of instruction in the classroom. These older pre-schoolers and early elementary schoolers study rhythmic movement, playing by ear, ensemble performance and improvisation. Their musical skills are being readied for more formal music study. Classes are small in size; one lead teacher and one assistant “team-teach” for maximum quality of instruction. Parents drop the children off for independent learning.
INTRO to STRINGS, for children ages six to eight
This class takes young musicians to the next level of music-learning, specifically on the ukulele. Three to six children in a class benefit from the mixture of attentive, personalized instruction and from peer learning. Commitment to the process is expected. Parents, anticipate keeping your young musicians in this class for at least 6 months before stepping up to either NEXT LEVEL STRINGS or private lessons. Intro to Strings eases the transition from the strictly play-oriented environment of group general music to the playful-but-formal expectations of private music study.
NEXT LEVEL STRINGS, for advancing string players ages six to eight
This class takes young ukulele players to the next level of string playing and musical learning, continuing on ukulele or perhaps transitioning to the guitar. Three to six children in a class benefit from the mixture of attentive, personalized instruction and from peer learning. Commitment to the process is expected. Parents, anticipate keeping your young musicians in this class for up to 6 months before stepping up to private lessons. This addition to our children’s music program eases the transition to the playful-but-formal expectations of private music study.
TRIPLE DECKER SAMPLER, for children ages six to eight – NEW in 2024!
This percussion-centered class offers young musicians an opportunity to strengthen their rhythm and ensemble playing skills, while sampling keyboard and guitar. The first four weeks concentrate on percussion and rhythm, the second four weeks bring keyboards into the mix, and the third four weeks in an introduction to guitar. Parents, if your young musician is ready for private lessons, but is on the fence about piano versus guitar, this is the one for you!
All group instrument classes are a 30-minute sessions. In addition to instrument-specific techniques, fundamentals of music are presented – note reading, improvisation, ear-training. etc.