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Music For Little Mozarts Music for Little Mozarts was written to provide appropriate
piano instruction for four-, five-, and six-year olds while simultaneously
developing listening skills. The series was designed to provide a balance
between the discipline necessary for playing the instrument and the enjoyment
one gets from the process of music-making while catering to their energy
level. The course centers around the story of
Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse as they learn about music.
- Questions
and Answers about Music Study for Young Beginners 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. How
many levels are contained in Music for Little Mozarts?
What materials are included in each level? The time
required for completion of each of the four levels will vary from class to
class. On average, each level can be completed in 18-22 weeks. Three books at
each level guide children through a comprehensive approach to musical
learning. The Music Lesson Books introduce musical concepts and contain
keyboard performance music. The Music Workbooks include coloring and ear
training activities to reinforce musical concepts. The Music Discovery Books
feature singing, listening, music appreciation, movement and rhythm
activities. Other materials at each level include compact disc recordings,
interactive Music Tutoring disks, magnetic note/dry erase board, and stuffed
animals-Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse. What
will my child learn in the 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. Parents are required to
attend lessons and share in the learning process at home. Parents must 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. Should
my child study privately or in a group? Historically,
pre-school music instruction has been conducted in groups often with parents
attending and assisting students in the lessons. This approach is very
effective as young students enjoy the interaction with peers. Parents enjoy
the opportunity to share these experiences with their children. What
types of things can I expect to happen in the 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 using their Music Tutoring disk as an
"in-between-lessons practice partner" at a specific time with no
interference from the TV, 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. How
often should my child listen to the compact discs? How often should my child
use the Music Tutoring disks? Students
and parents should listen to the compact discs on a daily basis. Some days
you will listen to specific examples from the child's assignment. Other days
you should simply listen to the entire CD as background music. Children
absorb the music on the CD and it will motivate them to excel in music study.
Children should use the Music Tutoring disk at each practice session since it
provides a correct model for the child each time they play. 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 and the other materials 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. What
type of instrument do I need before my child can begin piano lessons? Statistics overwhelmingly support the fact
that students' motivation is much higher and progress is faster when they
practice on an adequate instrument; therefore, our program requires that
students must have a digital or acoustic piano with 88 keys and a hammer
action for home practice. If you're concerned about the student's commitment
or interest in music before making an investment in the right instrument, for
about the same cost as an inexpensive keyboard you can rent-to-purchase
the right instrument from us. We recommend a Roland digital piano with Music
Tutor Interactive as the ideal instrument to learn to play the piano on.
Acoustic pianos should be tuned before your first lesson and at least once
every six months thereafter. Your piano should be placed in a well-lit,
central part of your home. Digital pianos should have headphones readily
available. Neither pianos in poor condition nor keyboards are sufficient for
this piano program. When
can we begin? Classes
typically start in September, January, and June. For more information or to
sign up, view our registration
form or call Catherine or Karla at 512-458-1933 to schedule lessons. |
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"Hi!
We’re Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse. Youngest piano beginners will
want to join our adventure as we learn about music."