Music for Early Childhood
Birth to age 6
Sherwood Community Music School takes great pride in offering a variety of classes for young children that nurture their innate musical abilities. Most young children learn best in a playful and informal learning environment. At Sherwood, we try to create that environment through a curriculum that emphasizes informal learning and play, and by hiring teachers who are trained in early childhood development and music. All of our early childhood instructors have successfully completed training in the Music Together® curriculum and have prior experience working with young children in arts-based learning.
* Classes run for 12 weeks.
* All classes are 45 minutes long.
* Parent/caregiver attendance is required for all classes.
* Please note that Early Childhood classes run on a different term schedule than other Sherwood programs. Download a copy of the 2011-2012 academic calendar.
* FREE sample classes are offered for all early childhood classes, call to inquire.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For class days, times, and prices for a specific term, please visit our online registration center or download our latest class schedule.
© 1992-2011 Music Together LLC. Music Together is a registered trademark. “Sherwood Community Music School” is licensed by Music Together LLC. For more locations: www.musictogether.com - (800) 728-2692
Music Together®
mixed-age, birth to 4 years
Have fun with your little one while being a part of your child’s musical development! Music Together® is a music and movement-based approach to early childhood development for children ages birth through four and their parents or other primary caregivers. Using developmentally appropriate musical experiences such as singing, dancing, and playing small rhythmic instruments, children will develop basic music competencies, while interacting socially with others in a small group setting. For more information on Music Together, visit www.musictogether.com.
Music Together® Babies Only Class
ages birth to eight months
This is a Music Together® class designed exclusively for the under-eight-months set! The specifically chosen song activities will facilitate an active support for infants’ musical growth, and the creation of a special bond between parent/caregiver and child through music. The music activities and materials are purposely designed for parents who want to learn as much as possible about music development in babies. Based upon how infants learn and how they express themselves, attendees will enjoy babbling with baby, fingerplays, large movement, and the use of partners and mirrors during this all-music class. For more information on Music Together, visit www.musictogether.com.
Music Together® Spanish Fusion
mixed-age, birth to 4 years
Spanish Fusion offers the same collection of songs as the Mixed Age Music Together class, but will also include vocabulary and folk songs in the Spanish language. The teacher will speak and sing bilingually, introducing your children to Spanish in a developmentally appropriate manner. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required, just an openness to singing in a new language. For more information on Music Together, visit www.musictogether.com.
Exploring Musical Instruments
ages 3 to 5
What does it feel like to hold a violin in your hands? How do you make a sound on a trumpet? Where do you put your fingers on a saxophone? Exploring Musical Instruments will provide children with their first introduction to the world of musical instruments. Children will learn about different instruments by seeing them, touching them, and hearing how they sound. Each class session also includes a crafts portion in which children create real and imagined instruments. Instruction alternates each nine weeks between wind and brass instruments, and percussion and string instruments. Prior participation in Music Together® is recommended.
Percussion for Kids
ages 4 to 6
Everyone’s got rhythm! Percussion for Kids channels children’s natural abilities, introducing them to the world of rhythm by learning basic drum technique and playing simple rhythms. Children will also learn how to read and write (notate) rhythms, and create their own compositions which will be presented in a short performance the last few minutes of each class. Percussion for Kids allows older children to acquire a foundation in rhythm which can then be continued in individual lessons in percussion or any other instrument. Instruction alternates each term between rhythmic percussion, using drum pads and sticks, and melodic percussion, using small xylophones.
First Chorus
ages 4 to 6
Children have fun learning the basics of singing in this first-time choral experience. Children will learn the correct way to breathe and sing in a relaxed group setting. They will learn music consisting of one-line melodies and simple harmony, as well as how to follow a director, sing with dynamics, and take turns being the soloist!
BE The Music!
ages 3 to 6
Newly designed by Kristen Regester, Sherwood’s Early Childhood Manager, BE the Music! is designed to introduce children to fundamental musical concepts through movement and play, something that comes very naturally to them. This unique approach to music education uses kinesthetics to allow kids to experience music with their whole bodies. The teacher will foster a deep-rooted love for music in a stimulating, playful environment teaching concepts such as rhythm, meter, dynamics, melody, pitch, improvisation, mood and expressiveness. No previous musical experience required. This class is appropriate for both beginners as well as more experienced students. Classes are grouped by age (ages 3-5) and (ages 4-6).
