by Musikgarten

Curriculum Description Age Range: 8-10 years Class Structure: 16 classes in a semester, non-sequential Class Length: 90 minute class each week Class Size: Class with no more than 6 children

Enrollment includes:

Developmentally appropriate curriculum 15-week semester Weekly 75-minute class—length varies by location Home Materials including the lesson book, miscellaneous materials and two CDs of music from class

Singing songs is a central part of every lesson since this allows the children to begin the piano experience by playing familiar songs. Many songs will include games, dances or instrumental activities. The more the children sing, the more they want to sing. The better they know the songs, the greater the pleasure they derive from singing songs together. Wanting to play the song and being able to play the song is this class's foundation for success.

In addition to song repertoire, we will work on form, beat, meter, tonality and patterns by tapping, drumming, body movements, and listening to and echoing patterns. Establishing a bridge between songs the children can sing and those they will play at the keyboard is called the Keyboard Song Process. Because these songs are so familiar, the ear becomes what Maria Montessori would have termed the A "self-correcting instrument", guiding the hands in what to play. As the class progresses we will grow into improvisation and composition.

The role of the parent is vital to the success of the child.

You and your child's siblings will join us for the last 15 minutes of class. Parents can help by establishing good practice habits and a regular practice schedule from the very beginning. Although the child will become increasingly independent as the year progresses, the parent's personal interest and enjoyment are essential to maintain the child's enthusiasm and motivation. Parent Time is that special part of class when children and adults share the joy of group music making. This time gives parents a chance to become familiar with new material and the teacher the opportunity to model learning techniques used in this method. This kind of learning must be experienced so that parents understand how they can aid their children on the pathway to music literacy. The children are delighted to have their parents as a companion on this pathway.

Finally, if you so choose, it is appropriate to match this experience with private piano lessons, thus your student will explore music from all angles - the best imaginable way to develop a joyful, competent musician.

Parents & students are asked to provide the following:

An established practice time in an environment free from distractions of 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. With Supervision of practice sessions and in establishing good study habits. Follow the 4 Step Patten Process Always be most enthusiastic and supportive of your student's efforts. Listen to good music EVERY Day! Attend live music at least once a month. A central place to keep music materials and a bag for carrying them to and from lessons. A good instrument in good repair. Have your piano tuned twice a year. If you have a keyboard, it must have at least 76 full sized, touch sensitive keys, MIDI jack, and a pedal jack. A better one would have 88 fully weighted keys. A digital piano is a step above a keyboard. Small, sub-sized keys will NOT work for the student. At Home Materials and Their Use In the Children's Book assignments will be listed in 3 categories 1) Keyboard, 2)Listen, Drum and Dance, and 3) Write and Read. Your Home Kit will include the Listening CD and the Practice CD. The Listening CD can become an enjoyable experience for the entire family. It features a variety of instrumentations and musical styles. Parents and children are encouraged to play the Listening CD often, familiarity with the songs and repertoire plays a significant role in the child's success.

The Practice CD provides an opportunity for children to hear the keyboard songs played in a way that they will soon be able to play them. In addition, the Keyboard Song Process is repeated on the CD and contains Notation Games. Your child will listen to individual tracks, as assigned, and participate in the 4 step pattern process: 1)Sing a pattern 2) Echo the singing 3) Sing and play the pattern 4) Echo the singing and playing.

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