Early Childhood Jean Lyons School of Music is proud to offer a variety of early childhood programs which will enhance your child's development and instill a lifelong love of music. Many studies have shown that music helps a child's intelligence, math, science, language and social skills, and is best learned at a young age. The following programs are currently being offered at our School: Music, Movement & Make-Believe (Ages 0-4) Suzuki Piano (Ages 3+) For current class schedules, please click here.

Music, Movement & Make-Believe Classes (Ages 0-4)

These early childhood classes are based on the Orff and Kodaly music methods. Orff is an internationally recognized developmental approach to holistic music education developed by German composer Carl Orff (1895-1982), while Kodaly was an early 20th century Hungarian educator whose method placed a great importance on the development of pitch and rhythm. Learning Orff / Kodaly can help a child learn a formal instrument later.

In our program, children create their own music and delight in imaginative play. Classes incorporate singing, rhymes, playing percussion instruments like shakers, sticks and drums, creative movement, folk dance formations and dramatic play. Musical activities often include scarves, puppets or felt shapes.

These classes are designed to flow seamlessly into our Suzuki classes and private lessons, which are further complemented by Piano Play, Studio Club and Ensemble Enrichment Classes.

Parent participation is mandatory in the 0-2 yr old class, and optional in the 3-4 yr old class, making this music education experience a family bonding activity.

To register for this class, please contact us.

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Suzuki Piano (Ages 3+)

The Suzuki method is recognized throughout the world as a highly successful educational method of music instruction. It is often referred to as the "mother-tongue method" as children trained in this method learn to play the same way they learn to speak – by listening and imitation, repetition and receiving praise and encouragement in a positive learning environment (at home and in class). An early beginning and home support help make music a part of your child’s daily life.

The Suzuki program relies strongly on the cooperative relationship between teacher, parent and student to create a successful learning experience for the child and for parents to create a supportive, affectionate and encouraging music environment for their child at home. Parental participation is integral and involves:

• playing recorded repertoire at home on a daily basis.
• providing a quality acoustic instrument.
• learning the fundamentals of playing the instrument (it is not necessary for the parents to have a music background).
• attending each lesson with the student, taking notes or recording the lessons and practicing daily with the student at home.
• creating a supportive, affectionate and encouraging musical environment for the child.

Intro to Suzuki Piano (Ages 3-5): This program is a fun, introductory class to the Suzuki method. Taught by a fully trained Suzuki teacher with over 30 years experience, this class will cover the beginning pieces in the Suzuki repertoire, and exercises for hand position, finger relaxation and control will also be explored.

For more information on learning piano through the Suzuki method, please contact us.

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Class Schedules (Beginning January 2012!)

MUSIC, MOVEMENT & MAKE-BELIEVE FRIDAYS 0-2 Years 10:00am - 10:45am 3-4 Years 11:00am - 11:45am Session 1: January 6 - February 24 Session 2: April 13 - June 1 Instructor: Holly Duff $75 per session (8 classes)

INTRO TO SUZUKI PIANO WEDNESDAYS 1:00pm - 2:00pm Session 1: January 11 - February 29 Session 2: April 11 - May 30 Instructor: Jean Brown $120 per session (8 classes)

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