Preschool Music Discovery Class
What is the benefit of early exposure to music in a class like this?
I am sure we have all read or hear of the many scientific studies that show how music music benefits a child’s brain development so I go ahead and move past this for now. First off, if you are hoping to get your child involved in any sort of private instrument lessons, having a class to practice singing, listening to music, keeping a steady beat and learning the basic music symbols is going to put them leaps and bounds ahead when they begin their private music lessons. My wife Ashley has taught piano lessons for 20 years is always amazed how much faster a student will pick up piano just by having an older sibling or a parent who regularly plays an instrument at home. By just listening to and having regular exposure to music greatly develops the musical ear of a child and expedites their musical progress. Secondly, music has always been a social experience and a means for people to interact and build connection with one another. As we all know, our society could definitely benefit especially now from more connection and strong relationship and what could do this better than young kids laughing and playing and singing together!
Curriculum and Learning Objectives Overview:
Ages 2.5-5
Teaching Approach and Materials covered
- Learning will happen through play, movement, games and stories
- Introduce Classical Music and Instruments through the Carnival of the Animals, by Saint-Saëns.
- Introduce American Folk Music Classics through the Kodaly Method
- Practice pre-literacy skills like storytelling, comprehension and prediction through song
Learning Goals and Objectives
- High and Low, Long and Short, Loud and Quiet and Fast and Slow sounds (Sample Activities: Handy Dandy, Teaching Music Concepts with Kinesthetics)
- Explore Foundation Musical Concepts like…
- Practice Steady Beat and Rhythm as well as explore percussion instruments
- Discover Singing/Head Voice in fun ways (Example: Reading Children’s books that incorporate sounds such as Say Zoop! or How to Speak Moo!)
- Develop Large Motor Coordination through Folk Dances and Games (Example Apple Tree)
- Experience a variety of cultures through song in different languages and from different places in the world
FAQ:
Your child will have the opportunity to play a variety of drums and percussion instruments during this class.
Can I drop my child off for the class or do I need to stay and do I interact with my child during class?
You have the option to drop your child off for the class or stay and observe the class or you may also participate in some of the activities as your comfort and interest allows. One of the goals of this class if for the children to create friendships with their peers and to also strengthen their relationships with their parents.
What does our commitment level to these classes need to be? Monthly, semesters or yearly?
We are asking you to commit to one full month at a time with December being automatically prorated for a winter break. Each month will have 4 weekly lessons included except December. If your child begins classes for the first time in the middle of the month, that first month can be prorated. There are semester discounts available, but we also want to provide families with the flexibility to take a month off if needed.
Can we do only part of the 8 week Summer Session?
For this summer, we are asking you to commit to 6 of the 8 weeks and if you want to attend all 8 weeks we would love to have you for a discounted rate of only $10 per extra class.
More about the Teacher:
"I have discovered over my ten years of teaching music, that although I do love music, it is only the means to reaching the hearts of my students. When I taught junior high and high school choir, I loved watching my students grow into vibrant young adults and was grateful to be a part of their lives. Now that I have taught the youngsters for the past few years, the best part of each day teaching is leading my students to discover something new about themselves or music in each and every class. Whenever I hear a comment from a young person saying something about not liking music, I know that what they mean is that they did not like their teacher and rather the teacher failed to reach their heart. It was not the music’s fault. My goal in each and every class is to first connect with my students in a fun and lighthearted way and lead them on a musically rich and educational journey throughout the course of the lesson. My teaching approach leans heavily towards the Kodaly method, but I also incorporate the best aspects of Kindermusik, Orff and Dalcroze Eurhythmics as I have training in these approaches as well and have attended various workshops over the years. These methods are all complimentary to one another and focus on experiential learning where children learn by doing, playing and making music. Once students have mastered a new musical concept, the students learn the word and musical symbol for the concepts. This is essentially how children learn language as well. A child learns first to listen and understand, then to speak and finally how to read and write. This is the core ideology behind these approaches."
~Timothy Fair
Testimonials:
I highly recommend Mr. Tim’s music class! The children I teach are ages 3-5 and he is fantastic. He is always prepared, has fun songs and keeps the kids engaged! 5 star review!
~Ms. Lisa (Preschool Teacher)
Mr. Tim was our music teacher in the gold room classroom as well as my son’s toddler classroom in the turquoise room. Both my students and my son constantly sang the songs Mr. Tim taught them! He is engaging, thoughtful and attentive to the group. The kids absolutely love him!!
~Ms. Adrie (Preschool Teacher and Parent)
Mr. Tim’s YEARS of teaching experience with young kiddos makes the Pre-School music class educational, fun and meaningful. My son loved it so much we signed up again this Summer and are bringing his little sister to the class too. As a fellow educator, I look forward to the ways Mr. Tim teaches the different musical concepts, while also making sure my kids have fun. He does such a great job keeping both my older Pre-Schooler and toddler engaged.
~Ms. Kim (Teacher and Coworker)
"Teaching is not an easy task, but Mr. Timothy Fair makes teaching music fun and exciting. For the past three years as a co-worker, I have enjoyed observing him connect with my kindergarten students. He exposes them to learn musical concepts, along with a wide assortment of music styles and he engages them in games that teach them spatial awareness, cooperation, communication, and how to collaborate with their peers. His enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge of musical instruction are evident in his teaching. He brings humor to the classroom that creates comfort for all involved and I couldn't say enough about his Christian character. His love for music and love for the Lord shines through like a beaming light. Teaching may not be easy, but he is able to bring joy to it, and...he is really good at it!
~Ms. Andujar Kindergarten Teacher
"I have had the privilege to teach with Tim Fair. The children love him! His music lessons are developmentally appropriate and fun. The children are learning as they are singing and moving to music. Tim provides his students with a solid music foundation."
~Tammy Slagle Retired Kindergarten Teacher Puritas Community School