Classes

Classes are held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (no affiliation) in Eugene.

166 East 13th Avenue, Eugene, OR

Spring 2012 Classes Now Registering!

Join Anytime – Tuition will be prorated.

The Musikgarten Program:

When music and movement are a natural, joyous part of childhood, children benefit greatly in many areas of life. Language development, self expression, memory skills, concentration, social interaction, fine motor skills, listening, problem solv ing, teamwork, goal setting, and coordination are all impacted by early music and movement education. What’s more, as a child learns to play music, other areas of development – creativity, family bonding, self-esteem, confidence, emotional development – are also positively impacted.

Musikgarten’s philosophy is steeped in this understanding. Movement and music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination – all in a group setting that builds community – a truly holistic experience.

This approach to music education is fun for children and parents. As a result of a sequential pathway to music education, children can become independent, thinking musicians. To foster music literacy, Musikgarten offers a comprehensive early childhood program that spans the first nine years of a child’s musical development. Children love the progression from semester to semester, as patterns and songs are repeated and built upon, addressing students’ needs at each level. The Musikgarten experience culminates in group piano lessons.

Babies (1-17 months)

Mondays 11am, Fridays 11:15am

Music play activities are designed to increase your child’s curiosity about music, and to establish the foundation for singing and musical thought. In this class for children age birth to 17 months, children participate with their adult care-giver in a range of musical activities. While there will be rocking songs and special chants for the babies, there will also be plenty of movement for the young toddlers. 30 minutes with caregiver + 15 minutes explore time.

Toddlers (17 months to 3.5 years)

Mondays 10:15am, Mondays 4:30pm , Tuesdays 10:30am , Fridays 10:30am

Participate with your toddler/preschooler in singing, moving, dancing, listening, and playing simple instruments. Through activities that bridge the natural connection between music and movement, your child’s musical aptitude, listening abilities, singing potential, and sense of beat are enhanced and developed. 30 minutes with caregiver + 15 minutes instrument play time.

Cycle of Seasons 3-5 years

Mondays 3:30pm

Music play in this class celebrates your child’s love of nature and nurtures his growing independence. Nurturing beat competency and tuneful singing are the primary musical goals, fostered in an age-appropriate, playful atmosphere. Activities build attention and self-expression and include singing, moving, focused listening, musical games, instruments, and dramatic play. 40 minutes with caregiver + 15 minutes instrument explore time. Children will be encouraged to participate on their own as the class progresses.

Mixed Ages (6m to 4.5 years)

Fridays 4:30pm

Participate with your child in singing, moving, dancing, listening, and playing simple instruments. Through activities that bridge the natural connection between music and movement, your child’s musical aptitude, listening abilities, singing potential, and sense of beat are enhanced and developed. 30 minutes with caregiver + 15 minutes instrument play time.

Pre-piano program ages 5-6

TBA

This 45-50 minute class cultivates the child’s musical development through songs, tonal and rhythm patterns, poetry and stories, movement activities, listening games, instrumental play and manipulative games. Rudimentary music skills such as pitch matching, beat competency, ensemble development, and music notation are developed using themes taken from the child’s home environment and natural surroundings. Caregivers share in last ten minutes of class. Each materials packet includes a CD, a nature picture with animal game pieces, music notation games, instrument posters, and a parent booklet.

Additional Available Times:

Additional classes may be added – contact me if you have an interested group of at least 4 families.