Home Page

 



Music For Little Mozarts

with Music Tutor Interactive

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.

 

"Hi! We’re Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse. Youngest piano beginners will want to join our adventure as we 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.