Two years ago I came across a fantastic piano and music appreciation method designed especially for 4, 5 & 6 years olds, Music for Little Mozarts. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing this method with my youngest students and it has become a mainstay in my studio. Through Music for little Mozarts, the skills of singing and listening are fostered at the same time with an appreciation for a variety of musical styles and genres. The materials offered in this method include Music Lesson Books, Music Workbooks, Music Discovery Books, flash cards, and compact disc recordings. These elements combine to help create a stimulating and creative learning atmosphere for both at home and during lesson time.
Most parents have quite a few questions when it comes to music instruction for their youngest children. Here are a few answers to the most common questions.
Why should my child study music at a young age?
Recent studies suggest that playing and listening to music at a young age improves learning, memory, reasoning ability and general creativity. Research also supports the theory that young children who are exposed to music develop enhanced cognitive skills. Music teachers are aware that influences of music go far beyond the intellectual and physical development of the child. Studying music contributes to the growth of a well-balanced child in sensitivity, expressiveness and the spirit essential for functioning in a complicated world.
What will my child learn in the Music for Mozarts course?
Music for Little Mozarts combines general musicianship activities with those that develop performance skills at the piano. Skills taught in the course focus on keyboard performance, listening, pitch matching, keyboard technique, singing, rhythm, movement and music appreciation. Children will play pieces at the piano throughout each level.
What is my role as a parent in music study?
Parents play a very important role in music lessons for young children. Lessons are a total partnership between the child and the parents. I encourage all parents to attend each lesson with their child. Parents music supervise practice and read directions to the student. In addition to practice sessions at the piano, parents should discuss the pictures in the books with the child, read the story in the Music Lesson book to him/her, and listen to the compact discs together as a family.
What types of things can I expect to happen in a typical lesson?
Each lesson will include a variety of activities chosen from keyboard performance, singing, music appreciation, coloring, movement, activities with magnetic/dry erase board, listening and rhythm activities. The activities that occur in the lesson are structured to take into consideration the young child's small hands and limited attention span.
How often and how long should my child practice?
After each lesson, your child will get an assignment for the week. Children should practice daily for 10-15 minutes at a specific time with no interference from the T.V., computer or other family members. It is wise to practice as early in the day as possible, keep a record of practice time and establish a reward system for effective practice. Two brief practice times are preferable to one longer session. The parent should sit near the child during the practice time so that the child doesn't feel isolated.
What is unique about Music for Little Mozarts?
The entire Music for Little Mozarts series was designed to develop creativity in the young child. The story of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse continues through the entire series and the use of the stuffed animals in the actual piano instruction brings the story to life. The integration of the three books, the compact discs and flashcards at each level is necessary to gain the most from the course. The Music Discovery Books offer the most opportunities for self expression. These books move beyond piano performance through materials for singing, listening, music appreciation, movement and rhythm activities. Unlike other courses that focus entirely on keyboard performance activities (often beyond the natural technical skills and musical understanding of the child), Music for Little Mozarts offers a variety of activities to lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
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