What Will My Child Learn in the Music Kids Program?
At Music Kids we create a lifelong musical foundation. But that’s just the beginning. We witness the joy that music brings to the lives of babies and children. Music supports healthy brain development, emotional regulation and provides a means of self-expression. We love how music strengthens healthy connections between children and their caregivers, making our world a better place.
Why start music lessons in infancy?
Studies show that exposure to music facilitates a child’s healthy emotional and cognitive development.
Parents and children learn activities and repertoire together that forever enrich and enhance their lives.
The mastery of musical skills strengthens confidence and self esteem.
Families build their repertoire of children’s songs and activities.
6 – 24 Month olds
(with parental guidance)
Enjoy a gentle and nurturing introduction into the world of music in our 6-24 month old classes where smiles and laughter abound. Here are some of the key skills developed at this stage:
Language Development. Children’s language development is enhanced through singing and active listening to songs.
Motor Skill Development. Both fine and gross motor skills are developed through activities that connect movement and instrument play.
Instrument Exploration. Children are exposed to a wide variety of age appropriate instruments such as chikitas, drums, bells and more.
Socialization. Children explore music at their own pace in a fun and engaging group setting that encourages socialization.
Auditory Recognition. Children’s ability to recognize and respond to sounds is enhanced.
2 Year olds
(moving away from parental guidance)
Experience a lively class where toddlers experience the joy of music through song, movement and instrument play. Here are some of the key skills cultivated at this stage:
Introduction of Foundational Music Concepts. Children learn primary musical concepts such as tempo, slow/fast and dynamics, soft/loud through songs and instrument play.
Independence. Children gain independence and learn to follow cues from the teacher without parental guidance.
Instrument Exploration. New instruments are explored such as the xylophone, bongos and clackers in our mixed instument activities.
Motor Skill Development. Fine and gross motor skills are enhanced through activities involving movement and mallet coordination.
Developmental Milestones. Children identify colours, learn numbers, practice counting and develop skills in taking turns and sharing.
3 - 4 Year olds
(parent free class)
Young musicians learn fundamental music concepts and social independence in our preschool music classes. Key elements explored include:
Social independence. This is the first class that caregivers no longer attend, allowing children to gain independence in a classroom setting.
Rhythmic Literacy. Children learn to recognize rhythms both visually and aurally while creating and performing rhythms using a variety of instruments.
Ear Training. Learning songs helps young musicians develop their musical ear and reinforce critical listening skills.
Building a Musical Vocabulary. Children expand their knowledge of musical symbols and teminology.
Conducting. Children learn to follow a conductor while playing a variety of instruments such as drums and bells.
4-5 Year olds
(parent free class)
Our preschool music classes help young children develop early musicianship skills and build a strong foundation in music. The following skills are cultivated:
Music Reading. Children are introduced to reading music starting with the C major scale using note names and solfege.
Development of Musicianship Skills. Through songs, clapping and instrument play, children explore melody and rhythm and develop foundational musicianship skills.
Instruments of the Orchestra. Children learn about the various instruments of the orchestra and the unique sounds they produce.
Learn About the Composers. Children love discovering the lives and music of the great composers.
Music Composition. Notation and composition are explored throughed guided instrument play, handbell and storytelling activities.
Preparation for Private Music Instruction. Young musicians learn foundational concepts in preparation for one-on-one private music lessons in any instrument.
Music Kids Private Lessons
(ages 4+)
Music Kids private lessons incorporate the fundamentals of music study with the fun of the Music Kids curriculum. This is an ideal musical introduction for children who are at a pre-reading stage and are ready to try a private lesson without the necessity of a practice routine at home.
Pre-requisite: Children must be a minimum of 4 years of age. If your child is younger than 4, permission may be granted from the instructor.
Independence. One-on-one learning environment with the instructor.
Student Led Exploration. Children experience a variety of songs, instruments and activities used to teach valuable skills and concepts.
Fundamentals. In preparation for private lessons, students learn note reading skills, rhythms, performance etiquette and more.
Music Literacy. Children learn notation, rhythm and musical signs and symbols through singing, drums, movement and playing the piano.
Bridge to Private Lessons. Young musicians discover their musical interests allowing parents insight into which instrument is best suited for their child's future musical studies.