Did you know...

ABC Music and Me for 4 to 6 year olds

ABC Music & Me supports the early childhood standards and requirements for “high quality programs” as defined by the National Institute for Early Education and aligns with pre-K national and state standards. ABC Music & Me has won the Teacher's Choice Award and was a finalist for the AEP Golden Lamp Award.

ABC Music and Me is one of my favorite classes to teach. We are offering ABC Music and Me for kids 4 to 6 years old on Thursdays at 10:00am and Thursdays at 4:00pm. For this class, we are offering a shorter term length for busy families. We are having our first 8 week session starting in January and ending before spring break. Our second session will begin after spring break and go through May.


Each month of the curriculum has a different theme. One of my favorite themes is brass instruments. Each week during that theme we would talk about a different brass instrument. Since I play the trumpet, I particularly enjoy this unit because I get to bring my trumpet in and play for the class! Each month is a different theme and each week during the month builds upon the last week.

We learn about different instruments, music from other cultures, study major composers, sing, explore different instruments, learn circle dances and study musical notation. We also have a unit on dance where we learn about jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop as well as a unit about opera.

One other aspect of this class that I like is the introduction to piano. Each week we work on correct piano technique and learn a new aspect about keyboard geography. At the Cherubs Clubhouse, I will use my keyboard lab for this part of class so that each child will have a little longer at the keyboard to explore. This is a great way for kids to get a feel for the piano and see if they might be interested in lessons before making the investment in a piano at home.

I also love the home materials for this class. One of my favorite things is when a student comes into class and I can tell they have been listening to their CD. The literature in the family guide contains a clever story that is not only interesting to the student, but also discusses the theme for the month. One of my classes last year loved to read the stories from the family guide by themselves. They were so proud of themselves for being able to read part of the book all by themselves. Kids 4 to 6 years old are drawn to the written word and love being in the Kindermusik classroom which is saturated with literature.

Why piano ensemble?

Piano ensemble can be a fun way for beginners to start formal study of the instrument. Group piano ensemble can also be a valuable supplement for private students as well. Piano classes begin for children as young as 4.

In piano ensemble, we utilize 6 electronic keyboards, midi-technology, hands on theory materials, and games to facilitate the learning of new concepts. From the very beginning, we work towards good technique and posture at our touch sensitive keyboards. In our classes, the students play together as an ensemble in order to develop a strong steady beat and solid understanding of rhythm. Instead of rushing through several rhythmic values, we focus on reading and understanding each one. But playing together as an ensemble, the students develop the valuable skill of "keeping going" and listening to the other ensemble members. Solo piano students often have the "stop-start" mentality. Often, if they make a mistake, they immediately stop time to fix it(and sometimes even comment about it) or even slow down for the more difficult parts. While we do want to practice difficult passages individually (with a metronome at an appropriate tempo) as pianists we do need to learn to continue playing past mistakes on recital.

Another aspect of the piano ensemble class that I like is the approach to staff notation. Instead of beginning in a pre-reading notation for the first 2 months and then switching to the staff; we focus solely on rhythm, steady beat and keyboard geography at first. Then when we have a firm foundation we start our work on the staff. Sometimes, by learning a "pre-staff" notation, students learn to guess the correct notes by the fingering and hand position. In our group classes, we do not teach by hand position but by the location of the notes on the staff. We thoroughly learn each note on the staff before adding a new note.

An important aspect of group piano is the social aspect. Many students are intimidated by private lessons. By participating in a class, piano changes from being a solo activity to a team activity. The children are self motivated to practice because of the influence of their peers. They more readily participate in games and activities simply because it is more fun to participate in a group. The younger children learn from the older children and the older children learn by being teachers and leaders.

Check out my website for a list of piano classes starting at the Cherubs Clubhouse this spring. For students already studying privately, we will also be having piano camps during the summer as well as summer ensemble classes. For more information on the Mayron Cole Method for group piano, click here.

Is my child too young for a music class?

Is my child old enough for a music class? What can they really get out of a music class at such a young age?

Our Village class, for ages 0 to 18 months, is our youngest Kindermusik class. Often parents are interested in participating in a class with their child but wonder what the benefit can be at such a young age. Kindermusik is not about making "little Mozarts" but about facilitating total child development through the magic of music and movement. Studies are showing the correlation between active participation in an early music class and cognitive, social, verbal, musical, emotional and motor development. Kindermusik is about so much more than just music. The babies in a Village class are learning object permanence, working on aural skills, having social interactions and are moving to the beat with their caregivers in an environment that is saturated with literary, verbal and multi-sensory stimulation. Village class provides opportunity for bonding between parent and child as we dance and rock together as well as engaging in intentional touch activities that encourage relaxation. The babies in a Village class are using fine motor skills by learning to grasp our simple age appropriate instruments, pass instruments from hand to hand, and learn cause and effect by playing the instrument in a variety of ways. Every activity in a Kindermusik class is not only enjoyable for that parent and child, but has a purpose and prepares the child for life in many different ways.

If you are looking for an activity for your baby, our Kindermusik Village class has a little bit of everything. From movement, circle dances, singing, reading, instrument exploration, exposure to fine music as well as art, to intentional touch, social interaction and early school skills, Village class has it all! Come to a free Kindermusik class, January 6 at 10:00 at the Cherubs Clubhouse in Pelham and experience it for yourself!

Read more about the benefits of early exposure to music

Do I really need a piano at home?

Do I really need a piano at home to take lessons? Can we just try out lessons for a few months before purchasing a piano? I'm not sure I have space for a piano!

These are some common concerns from parents. Purchasing a piano is a major investment for parents who are unsure if their child will continue with the instrument. I wish I could say that practice at home was not needed but in order for your child to feel successful and enjoy their lessons or classes, they need access to a piano between lessons. Many students who are unable to practice feel frustrated after the first few months because they are not able to properly progress.

I do understand that pianos are very expensive and many homes do not have the space for one. Many of my students practice at another location like a grandparent's house or friend's house. A portable keyboard is also an option for beginning students. If you choose a keyboard, be sure that it has at least 61 full sized keys. It will also need an adapter and a stand so that your child will not be huddled on the floor to practice. Touch sensitive keys are also preferable so that your child can practice playing loud and soft dynamics. Your keyboard does not need to have a lot of buttons or be able to "teach" your child a song. The most important aspect of a keyboard is the size of keys, touch sensitivity and the number of keys (the more the better.) A full sized digital piano is the best option other than an acoustic piano. They feel and sound like a "real" piano but are more portable and affordable than a new piano. They also never need to be tuned. Costco, Best Buy and even Toysrus sometimes have great deals on keyboards and digital pianos.

A used piano is also an option. Ellis piano in Hoover usually has a good selection of used pianos for not much more than an electric keyboard. View Ellis piano websiteYou can always resell a piano if your child eventually moves on to another activity.

If you are interested in music classes for your child but not ready to make the commitment to piano, consider ABC Music and Me for 4 to 6 year olds. ABC Music and Me is a music enrichment program created by Kindermusik International that incorporates an introduction to piano, exposure to music from other cultures, music history and movement activities. ABC Music and Me is perfect for a family with a child who is just starting to show interest in piano but not ready to make the commitment to piano classes or lessons. The most important thing to consider, is your child's enjoyment and success. Be sure that you set your child up for success in whatever activity in which they show interest.

Be sure to come to our free Kindermusik and piano classes to try out a class and see what is a good fit for your child. More demo class info on my website

Make a rainy day rain stick!

Take a used wrapping paper roll or even a toilet paper roll. If you have a shipping tube, that's even better. The firmer the cardboard, the better. The longer the tube, the better. A short tube makes more of a shaker than a continuous rain sound.
1. Fill the tube with rice, beans, sand, or beads. Allow the child to use a funnel or spoon the material into the tube. This is also good for their hand eye coordination. From personal experience, I have noticed that it works better if you use all of the same type of material for the "rain." For example, use all rice or all beads and don't mix them. Different materials make different sounds. If you want, you can make different rain sticks with different materials and notice the difference in sound.
2. Seal the end with cloth or something that won't tear. The last thing you want is sand or beans all over your floor. I use a strong glue to attach the fabric and seal it all around the ends of the tube. A rubber band will pull off and make a mess. I like the shipping tubes because they come with the hard plastic caps. I then glue the plastic caps in place.
3. Ok, so most of us have made this before so here is a more advance twist to it. To make your rain stick sound more like the actual percussion instrument, the "rain" needs something to "bump" into on the way down the tube. This addition works best with the hard cardboard tubes. Draw a line that swirls around the circumference of the tube from the top of the tube to the bottom. Take a hand full of nails and either push the nails through or hammer the nails about one inch apart along the swirled line that you drew (be sure to do this part for your child.) Then, take some masking tape, duct tape or packing tape and tape the nails in place along the line that you drew. You don't want the nails to come out.
4. Then you want to take some strong glue and glue paper around the entire tube. Let your kids decorate it with stickers, colors, or stamps. For a more permenant instrument, I glue fabric around the tube.

January Demos!

Give your snowman a break! Come celebrate the kickoff of our spring music classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse in Pelham! We will have a FREE Kindermusik session on January 6 at 10:00 for kids 4 and under as well as a free piano session on Wednesday at 4:00. On Thursday, January 7 at 4:00, weather permitting, we will have a another FREE demonstration of our group piano class for kids 4 and up. Come see what music classes we have to offer at the Cherubs Clubhouse. There are still spots left in most of our classes so come try out a class and see what you think! We have students coming from all over the Birmingham area to our classes so be sure to come see for yourself what all the buzz is about!

Come play on our WARM indoor play gym for 15 minutes after our 30 minute class. Check our website for a complete list of our classes! Our January term will start on January 13.

Merry Christmas

We didn't get a card sent out this year,
but we wanted to send out some holiday cheer.
We were way too busy and ran out of time,
so we decided to do it all online.
Merry Christmas

Musical Solutions to parenting dilemmas

Many parents first consider Kindermusik because of the developmental and educational benefits to their child. In class, they quickly see that Kindermusik offers something for the grownups, too.

Kindermusik helps to make parenting a little bit easier through in-class tips, child development insights and activities in our weekly emails, not to mention the community of other parents and caregivers who attend class together.

We invite you to join in the conversation yourself. See how other parents use Kindermusik to help with potty training, toddler tantrums, getting a preschooler out of bed in the morning, and more on the Kindermusik Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kindermusik/24135466916

For 30 years, Kindermusik has remained constant as the single best choice you can make for your child today.

Contact us to schedule a class visit and to learn about our payment plans. Classes start at $9 per week plus materials.

New piano classes for home schooling families

We are opening up a few new classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse for homeschooling families! These will be on Thursday mornings starting in January.
Thursday, 9:00 group piano class for 7 to 9 year olds
Thursday, 10:00 ABC Music and Me for 4 to 6 year olds
Thursday, 10:45 group piano fo 5 and 6 year olds.

Check out what Birmingham Mom online has to say about our classes, Birmingham Mom Online

See my website for further details regarding our new classes! View website

Space is limited- especially in the piano classes, so please reserve your spot soon! They are already filling up.

Our January schedule:
Wed. 9:00 Village class-- kids 0 to 18 months
Wed. 10:00 Our time-- kids 18 months to 3 years
Wed. 11:00 ABC Music and Me-- Kids 2 to 4 years olds

Thursday 9:00 Piano-- kids 7 to 9
Thursday 10:00 ABC Music and Me kids 4 to 6
Thursday 10:45 Piano for 5 and 6 year olds

Thursday 4:00 pm ABC Music and Me 4 to 6 year olds
Thursday 5:00 pm piano for 4 and 5 year olds

Cute Christmas performance!

What should I buy my child as a first instrument?

Someone at one of my classes today asked me my opinion on good first instruments for young children. I thought I might be able to elaborate a little better on my blog.

For preschoolers and toddlers, there are three things important in an instrument 1. Safety and durability 2. the instrument should be developmentally appropriate 3. the instrument should have a pleasing sound to the child

1. First and foremost, be sure that any instrument you purchase is safe. Some cheaper instruments tear up and pose a choking hazard for your child. I have tried out many different kinds of instruments and more often than not, the cheaper instruments do not last long at all. Read customer reviews on any instruments you find online. Kindermusik international sells durable instruments that are specifically made for children and made to take a beating. I also love Remo drums. They are beautiful instruments and durable as well.

2. Make sure that the instrument is developmentally appropriate. Before rushing out to by a 2 year old a guitar or a piano consider the attention span and fine motor skills of your child. You want your child to like music right? Then buy them an instrument that they can feel successful at. They may enjoy banging away at a glockenspiel or keyboard but it probably will not last long. The simple instruments like rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and drums can provide hours or imaginative play as as well as working on steady beat and motor skills. These instruments can be played in so many ways which not only provides your child with a creative outlet but also works different sets of fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. The simple instruments prepare them for success at the more advance instruments later on.

3. Be sure that the instrument you choose has a pleasing sound to you and the child. One thing I like about Kindermusik instruments is that they have a good sound. Some of the cheaper instruments that you might find have a loud brash sound that grates on the nerves after a while! The Kindermusik egg shakers in particular have a nice pleasant sound as well as the Remo drums. For drums, you can also vary your drumsticks. I prefer using paintbrushes, paper towels rolls, and wooden spoons over the loud drumsticks that come with more drums.

Sometimes, the best instruments can be found for free! Tupperware containers, coffee cans, pots and pans and cardboard boxes make great drums. Water bottles with beans inside make good shakers. Body percussion is even cheaper than homemade instruments. Put on your favorite CD and find different ways to tap and move your body. Put hand motions or sign language to your child's favorite song. There is so much that can be done at home for free. Also remember, if you take a Kindermusik class at the Cherubs Clubhouse, you will get a quality, developmentally instrument and a CD as part of you materials for you to continue the music at home.

Recital at the Cherubs Clubhouse

Many thanks to the Cherubs Clubhouse for helping me put on my piano recital tonight! I think it was a big success. I would like to thank Kathy and Sharon at the Cherubs Clubhouse for helping with the set up and behind the scenes work. I would like to thank my mother and husband for helping with the food and watching my son during and after the recital. I would also like to thank the parents of all my students for helping them practice at home and for bringing them out on such a rainy night.

All the students performed well and had a great time. I was very proud of how prepared and poised they all were. It looked like they were all pros at performance! The younger kids had a blast on the play equipment after they played while the older kids enjoyed playing games on the Wii. This was a first recital for many of my students and the relaxed atmosphere at the Cherubs Clubhouse was perfect. This was definitely a one of a kind recital experience that I hope all the students will remember in a positive way. We made a recording of the recital which I hope to be able to put on a CD for my students to take home next week.

We have a busy week this week at the Cherubs Clubhouse. This Thursday, Dec. 3 we have our first group piano class at 4:00. Please call and book your spot so we will know how many materials are needed. Classes are $8.00 per child. We are also going to have our Kindermusik Christmas parties at 5:00 on Thursday and 10:00 this Friday, Dec. 4. Please call to reserve your spot at the Kindermusik parties as well. Check out my website for more info on our group classes starting a January. Imaginations Music Studio

Group piano
Imaginations Music Studio presents group piano lessons using the Mayron Cole Piano Method which is a unique, innovative and enjoyable way for students of all ages to learn to play the piano. Hallmarks of the program include teaching the student to think for him/herself and developing musicality in each student. To achieve these goals, the program emphasizes note reading, consistent counting, and creative thought in each lesson. The method currently contains nine levels, from Pre-Primer to Early Advanced, plus three Older Beginner levels. In this method students concentrate on learning to read notes-not hand positions and finger numbers. Typically, students taught by this method are very proficient at sight-reading, counting rhythms, and keeping a steady beat. It is an excellent method for presenting and constantly reviewing theory concepts. It presents analyzing theory with each composition while constantly reviewing "old" concepts. When students have friends their own age in a class, they are usually more motivated to learn, form a cohesive group, and have a lower dropout rate. Practice and performance levels are usually raised due to each student striving for greater correctness on scales and pieces. Students seem to work harder at pleasing their friends in group piano lessons than they would work for a teacher at a private lesson. Group games make learning theory fun and improve socialization skills. Students usually have a strong peer motivated desire to practice. The kids enjoy weekly low-pressure performance opportunities. In addition, longer class periods permit the incorporation of ear training, solfege, rhythm drills, and ensemble skills which are essential to developing skilled musicians. This method helps the student develop not only skills but a life-long love of music. The group method is an excellent method for beginners and continues through nine-levels. This method provides a solid basis for those students who transition into private lessons as they become more advanced.

Upcoming Events

We have several upcoming events at the Cherubs Clubhouse in Pelham! Next week, we will be having a piano recital at the Cherubs Clubhouse on Dec. 1!

Then we are having our Christmas parties Dec. 3 at 5:00 and Dec. 4 at 10:00! Come for playtime, music time, and a visit from the North Pole! Each family will go home with a Kindermusik Christmas CD to enjoy all month long! Admission will be $8.00 per person.

Our introduction to piano class, for 4 to 7 year olds will be on Thursday afternoons at 4:00. Cost is $8.00 per class. No piano is needed for these introductory classes. Come sample a few classes!

Is my child ready for piano?

Opinions vary among music educators as to when a child should start formal piano lessons and the answer also varies from child to child-depending on the interest, maturity, developmental stage and attention span of the child. On the other hand, there appears to be little disagreement concerning the value of early musical training in the development of the child.

Imaginations Music Studio at Cherubs Clubhouse offers a variety of music classes that will allow your child to participate in a program that is appropriate for his or her age and level. . We offer Kindermusik as well as group piano classes for beginners. A group setting provides the young beginner with an opportunity to learn and develop an interest in music alongside his/her peers in a fun, creative atmosphere. For a description of the classes that are offered please see our website at www.imaginationsmusic.com and feel free to contact us at 437-3478 to discuss placement of your child in a class.

Also, introductory piano camps can be a good way to determine whether your child might be interested in participating in a music program and help us evaluate which class might be appropriate for your child.
Piano Camp
We will be holding an introduction to piano/music camp in December at Cherubs Clubhouse for 4 to 7 year olds who may be interested in joining group classes which start in January. No piano/keyboard is needed at home for these introductory classes. Each week will have a different focus, but will be non-sequential in nature so that you can come to as many as you like. Space is limited so pre-registration is encouraged.
Classes will be: Dec. 3 at 4:00, Dec. 10 at 4:00 and Dec. 17 at 4:00. Contact me at 437-3478 or email imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net to pre-register.
Price: $8.00 per class

Piano study

“According to Dr. Frances Rauscher" (a psychologist at the University of Wisconsin), "musical training, specifically piano instruction, appears to dramatically enhance a child’s abstract thinking skills and spatial-temporal ability – skills that are necessary for mathematics and science.”

Pay to play piano camp in December

We will be having a short piano camp in December for any 4 to 7 year olds who are considering piano classes for their child. We will have three 30 minute sample classes for $8.00 a piece. No materials required and no piano is required at home. Students will learn the basics of the keyboard, rhythm, steady beat and be exposed to classical music. Classes are $8.00 a piece. Come to as many as you would like. Each week will have a different focus but will not be sequential. Classes will include 15 minutes of playtime after class.

Class will be held on Thursday afternoons:
December 3 at 4:00
December 10 at 4:00
December 17 at 4:00

Call 437-3478 for more details. Space will be limited, so call to register or register on my website.

Demo classes

Importance of Theory

Written theory assignments have always been my favorite part of music study. I guess I am just a little strange or something, but I have always loved theory workbooks, theory class in college and I love teaching theory.

When I was a piano student, my teacher might assign a page or two in a new theory book for the week. I would come back a week later having finished the entire book and asking for more. I think I got in trouble for that a few times, as I was progressing farther along in my theory knowledge than my performance ability. But I didn't care, I loved knowing how it all fit together and discovering new connections and patterns within music.

The written theory assignments are often the most forgotten part of practice. Honestly, sometimes I wonder, "if they didn't have time to finish their theory, how well did they really practice this week?" In a lesson, I can usually tell if the child has finished their theory assignments without even looking by the way that they play and recall the information learned the previous week. I know kids have such busy schedules these days, but in some ways, theory is the most important part of your piano routine each week. Think about it, most piano students will not continue to be pianists for their career. But the concepts they learn from their theory assignments can help them in any future field as well as music. In theory, we learn to identify patterns, extend our vocabulary with new terminology, and wrap our minds around spacial relationships both aural and visual. We work with fractions, set up algebraic equations, multiply and divide. We work on our aural skills and learn to listen with discernment. Not to mention the musical benefits of theory work! A diligent theory student will read music better, memorize pieces faster, play by ear, and sightread better. Every aspect of playing the piano become easier with theory practice. There as so many things that go into playing the piano all in the same instance. Reading on the staff, finding the correct notes on the keyboard, playing those notes with the correct fingering, articulation and dynamics, preparing for what is coming next, pedalling, and listening. All these thought processes are occurring at the same time. The practice that the theory book provides make these ideas process faster. Studying piano without theory is like taking your driver's test without having read the manual-- you might be able to maneuver, but you are probably going to miss something important.

Don't forget to check your child's assignment notebook each week to be sure that they do not forget their theory. Sometimes the kids need a little help remembering their written work because they are so focused on the actual practice portion of their piano routine.

Kindermusik at the Cherubs Clubhouse

Frequently asked questions about Kindermusik class.
Is my child too young for music lessons?
When can my child start piano?
Are the home materials required for Kindermusik classes?

Our demo class November 3 at the Cherubs Clubhouse

Every activity in a Kindermusik class has a developmental purpose in the areas of verbal, social, emotional, cognitive, musical and gross motor development.
We start each class with our welcome song. Everyone’s comfort level rises with the familiar. Knowing what to expect with each class helps the child to feel emotionally secure. The CD included in the home materials helps the child to become fammilliar with all the songs from class. This helps them to feel confident and secure in class.
Two Little Apples created a visual representation of the words up, down, and shake with the parachute strengthening verbal development. It also provided a visual representation of the melody as we lifted the parachute up when we sang high and down when we sang low.
In “Shake, Shake the Apple Tree”, the children used egg shakers as apples. Listening to the cause and effect of shaking the eggs, tapping the eggs, and rolling the eggs strengthens cognitive development.

For “In My House,” we put an everyday part of your routine to a song. Using the dusting and scrubbing motions help to increase gross motor cooridnation and balance for the walkers. The babies felt their mothers preform the “scrubbing” motion on their bodies which made this a multi-sensory experience.
Our circle dance for “Go into the Kitchen,” taught the children simple dance steps in response to verbal instructions. The babies are carried through the motions- they see, feel and hear the instructions being carried out. The toddlers learn from watching the preschoolers follow the instructions. The preschoolers learn from watching the adults and listening to the instructions.
In every class, we have focused listening examples. These examples help the children to actively listen and lengthen attention span. Today, we listened to the washing machine sounds in a bottle.
Story time: Kindermusik is about much more than just music. We include a literary component to each class to encourage verbal and literary development. Our books always include a song, dance or talk about sounds. In the older classes, our books tell funny stories about composers and instruments. These books are included in your home materials.
Demonstration on the trumpet: Particularly in the older classes, we talk about different instruments. I often bring some of these instruments to class for a demo. This sparks an interest in future lessons. In the ABC Music and Me class for 4 to 6 year olds, we include an introduction to the piano.
Family Jam: We don’t want to only empasize gross motor development in our classes through dance and movement; we want to inspire fine motor develoment. Experimenting with the instruments provides an opportunity for fine motor development that can help your child learn to eat with a spoon, write, play a more complicated instrument, or type on a computer keyboard. An instrument is included in your home materials which allow your child to have this experience at home as well.
Relaxation is a learned skill. We used the song “Simple Gifts” in our class to practice relaxation and to promote parent child bonding time. Rocking your child is not only important for bonding but also stimulated the vestibular system in the ear which helps regulate balance and coordination.
We ended our class with a good bye song. We use this song as a signal to them that our time is over for now. We also incorporated sign language into our closing song to promote verbal and cognitive development.

Grand opening and such

I enjoyed being a part of the grand opening at the Cherubs Clubhouse in Pelham this past weekend. We gave away a lot of prizes, the kids all had a good time and I got to meet a lot of people.

Today was the official ribbon cutting with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and I was very glad to be there. We had our pictures taken doing the official "ribbon cutting" with the big pair of scissors and everything. It was very nice. We also had a Halloween party at the clubhouse tonight. My children really enjoyed getting to play there! Part of what they enjoy has not just been the neat equipment, but making new friends there. My daughter asks to go back all the time and jumps out of the car when we arrive.

On Tuesday, November 3 at 10:00 I am going to do a Kindermusik playgroup class. This will be a free class for anyone who is interested in learning more about Kindermusik and/or the Cherubs Clubhouse. We will have class and play time on the equipment.

The Cherubs Clubhouse is booked for birthday parties through November I think! If you are looking for somewhere different to have your child's party, call 621-2123 and book your event. Our openings are filling up fast. Many people are asking for Kindermusik birthday parties. For a Kindermusik party, we would have class, party time and play time. This gives them something different to do other than the average "go wild" party. If you are considering booking a party, come by on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 10:00 am and see what we are all about!

FREE Kindermusik Demo in Pelham Al!

The Cherubs Clubhouse opening this past weekend! Everyone who came to the Grand Opening had a great time and many went home with prizes.

Come to our official ribbon cutting with the Shelby County chamber of commerce on Thursday at 10:00. We are also having a Halloween Party at the Clubhouse on Thursday from 6 to 8. Admission is $8.00. Clubhouse members are free.

On Tuesday, November 3 at 10:00 am, we will be hosting a Free Kindermusik playgroup. Come by for 15 minutes of free instrument exploration, a 30 minute Kindermusik demo class, and 15 minutes of free play gym time. Our class will include singing, movement, instrument play, instrument demonstration, story time, bubbles, and puppets. Kids aged 0 and up are invited. Please bring a blanket or towel for each family and a pair of socks (non skid is best for the kids).

Hope to see you there! We will give away door prizes, goody bags, and discounts for membership and Kindermusik classes!

GRAND OPENING

Its today! I am so excited about the grand opening at the clubhouse. Having the opportunity to teach Kindermusik there is so exciting to me! I cannot think of a better place to teach with the play gym, the beautiful room and all the kids who are so excited to join the "club". Come by anytime today to meet us. Don't forget to get a membership to the clubhouse for free parties, discounts on birthday parties, and paly time. Also, pick up some information on our Kindermusik classes that will be held there.

Don't forget to book your child's birthday party! Come check out our birthday room! (it will also be the room where I teach Kindermusik) It is perfect for any occasion. Unlike some birthday places, you can come in a do whatever them your child wants. Boys, girls, even adults will feel at home there. There is even seating for adults!! Kindermusik birthday parties are becoming popular so book yours in advance!!!

We are located conveiently off of highway 31 in Pelham-- close to the Alabaster line. We are in the Keystone Plaza shopping center-- close to Staples and Big Lots. Our address is 3548 Pelham Parkway, Pelham. Directions are on my website!

Musical Halloween Activities

A few rhythmic bewitching poems to share with your little ones!

Miss White-- always gets a laugh!

Miss White,
had a fright,
in the middle of the night!
Saw a ghost!
Eating toast!
Halfway up the lamp post!

(Say the poem and clap along with each syllable of each word. The children will copy and internalize the rhythm.)

Hey! How! For Halloween!

Hey! How! For Halloween! When all the witches can be seen! Some in black and some in green! Hey! How! For Halloween!

(whisper this one as if it were a secret and softly clap each syllable)

Grow a pumpkin, grow a pumpkin, fat and round. (make round arms)
Cut a pumpkin, cut a pumpkin, smile or frown. (pretend to carve pumpkin)
Cook a pumpkin, cook a pumpkin, make a pie. (stir the bowl)
Eat a pumpkin, eat a pumpkin, my oh my! (pretend to eat and pat tummy when done!)

So, if you are tired of "trick or treat, smell my feet" you can try some of these! Your kids will be the only ones in the neighborhood to say these rhymes at the door! Or come up with your own ideas and post them in the comments!

Grand Opening!

Come to the Grand Opening celebration at the Cherubs Clubhouse this Saturday, October 24. Drop by and see what the clubhouse is all about. Follow this link for directions:

Take Kindermusik and get 15 minutes of FREE Play Gym time!

Join us for Kindermusik at the Cherubs Clubhouse, and enjoy 15 free minutes of play gym time after class. What a great way to get to know some of the other families from our class!

Why perform on recital?

My daughter just performed on her first piano recital. She has been taking piano (from someone else) for less than a year. She is young, but is learning to read music and memorize pieces. I am impressed with how well she can translate what she sees on the written page to her hands. She can also sing quite well.

She performed on her first major recital yesterday. It was a very short piece and she had practiced it diligently for such a young child. She is a little younger than I recommend a child start piano lessons, but she is doing well. Sometimes students will tell me that they just don't want to play the recitals. They like piano, but the recital process makes them too nervous. Being nervous can be a learned behavior. The younger they are when they become accustomed to singing and playing before others, the better chance that they will not become so nervous. The only way to overcome being nervous, is by performance.

I never force a student (or my child for that matter) to perform on recital. But I strongly encourage it. Performing on recitals tests you to see how well do you really know your piece? How well have you really practiced your technique? Recitals reveal to the student areas where they need to improve. A recital is the best teacher.

Recitals also build confidence. With experience, the child becomes more and more comfortable playing for an audience. This translates to into other fields like presentations at school, performance in sports, and later on job interviews. From recital experience, they learn to simply try to do their best and have a good time during performance and not to worry about impressing others.

Free Demo Classes coming soon

We have had to postpone our demo classes for this coming weekend at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Stay tuned for details for upcoming classes...

The Cherubs Clubhouse, LLC in Pelham, Al: A unique place to play party and learn

Kathy Sciarrotta, the managing partner of the Cherubs Clubhouse, LLC was born in North Miami and lived most of her life in Florida. In July of 2005, she and her husband Joe moved to the Birmingham area when he took an executive chef position at a hotel and resort in the area. Kathy was pregnant with her first child and knew no one in the city. After her son was born, she began to look for activities within her community. She discovered a true need in the Shelby and Jeffereson county area for a way for new moms to get togther and support each other. To meet this need, she started the Chubby Cherubs meet up group. It started with 5 members in 2006 and has grown to over 70 members in three years. Kathy has been interviewed by ABC 33/40, The City of Helena news, and has been seen on shelbyspotted.com. From this, she decided to start the Cherubs Clubhouse which is opening in mid October in the Pelham area. The Cherubs Clubhouse will provide a magical and unique, family-focused, fun learning environment based on mind and motion. Kathy’s love of dancing, drama, gymnastics, music and people-especially children- led her and her family to create the Cherubs Clubhouse, LLC.
The clubhouse, located off of highway 31 in Pelham, will provide a unique offering of enrichment classes, activities and events for children and families. Some of these classes will include, mind and motion development classes, dance and movement, arts and crafts, fitness and fun, drama and imaginative role play, Kindermusik and private music lessons, tutoring and reading readiness classes. Some of the services provided will be birthday parties, private parties (with sitting service), daily sitting services, sitting services for parent’s night out, and open gym play time. There will also be a game room for older kids. The sitting service will particularly useful to parents who have moved to this area and do not have family in town to babysit, those homeschooling children, or parents who simply do not have any daytime childcare options. The Cherubs Clubhouse will provide a safe and fun atmosphere for kids so mom or dad can go to a doctor’s appointment, an event or even just to run errands.
The Cherubs Clubhouse, LLC will also provide activities for a wide age range of children. From infants in the Kindermusik classes to school aged kids coming for tutoring, all ages will have a place at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Sharron Hughes, managing partner and education director of the Cherubs Cluhouse, has an AA in early childhood development from Miama Dade College, a BS in English from St. Thomas Univeristy, and a Master’s degree in reading from Barry University. Sharron, who has been a teaching for almost all of her life, has been featured in Who’s Who American teachers two times. From tutoring to enrichment classes, the clubhouse will have a wide variety of educational opportunities for kids of all ages. Classes will be taught by highly trained and experienced experts in various fields of study.
In addition to the sitting services and the enrichment classes, the Cherubs Clubhouse will also be the events hosted there. Some upcoming events will begin in mid October and continue through the beginning of November. The clubhouse will be hosting Halloween parties for kids of all ages as well as free Kindermusik demonstrations. Birthday parties will be unique at the Cherubs Clubhouse. The birthday party room will be have a “homey kitchen” feel. There is also a wide variety of entertainment options for the birthday events. In addition to children’s birthday parties, the clubhouse will also be a location to host other events. Joe Sciarrotta, the managing partner and private parties coordinator, will be able to provide superior advice for these events due to his extensive background in catering. Joe has an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America and is the executive chef of a major hotel and resort in the Birmingham area. His expertise will make the Cherubs Clubhouse a unique place for hosting parties and events.
The Cherubs Clubhouse, LLC in Pelham will have the most unique gathering of children’s services and enrichment. Please visit www.cherubsclubhouse.com for more information!

A new week

We are starting a new week tomorrow! I am excited about my piano lessons coming up. I am starting a new student at my Inverness studio this week and trying a new series of books with her. I am so excited! I am also moving a student to the next level in her books either this week or the next and I am so excited to start her on some new things.

Friday, I was sight reading through a new Chopin piece I decided to start. I was thinking of my students and my recent lessons as I read through it a couple of times. I was thinking about how all the time we spend working on scales, fingering, and theory really pays off. It may take a while to get to this point, but when you want to sit down and learn something new, it makes such a difference to be able to spot a scale, an inversion of a chord, or to write your own fingering right away and not have to decipher each note.

The final goal with piano lessons is to put me out of a job. I strive in each lesson to teach my students to be able to teach themselves. I often ask the question, "why?" Why are we practicing this particular piece? Why do you think the music was written this way? What do you think you could improve about your performance? How do you think you need to practice this at home? Sometime the best thing you can do as a teacher or parent is to sit back and let them make a mistake that you see coming. Give the child the opportunity to notice and correct the mistake on their own before swooping in to the rescue. That can be a major challenge because as teachers and parents we always want to fix everything, but it gives the child the chance to do it on their own and the sense of self accomplishment when they know that they figured it out.

The goal of piano lessons is to get to a point where the student can sit down and enjoy their music. Spending time in lessons on scales, technique and written theory assignments help the student to progress to that point. I cannot express this enough to the child and to the parents. Constistant practice is the key to progressing to a point where playing becomes more about experiencing the joy of practicing a new piece rather than the burden of having to practice.

Cherubs Clubhouse

I spent the day at the Cherubs Clubhouse today planning and coming up with ideas for the upcoming months. The play gym set arrived today and the place is really taking shape! I didn't quite realize all that is going to be offered there until my visit there today. There is going to be a big play gym area that looks like an outdoor playground! There is also going to be a smaller play area with inflatables and a ball pit. There is also a "deck" where there will be water exploration! Cool! If you come and take one of my classes there, you will also have some time after class to enjoy the equipment. My classes will mostly be in a birthday party room which is going to be a great space for a Kindermusik class. I also was impressed with the safety measures taken by the Cherubs Clubhouse. They are really taking care to make sure every aspect of their space is as safe as possible. I am so excited and can't wait till the grand opening!

Kindermusik sampler

Updates to our website!

The website for my Kindermusik classes is really coming along. I could not be happier with the work done on the site! We are almost done-- the only thing we lack is adding a few more pictures here and there as well as a link to enroll.

Check out the new videos link on there-- I have several fabulous Kindermusik videos! Also, we added a list of links related to music and child development. There are so many articles about the importance of music in a child's education. We have only listed a few but hopefully will add some more later.

We are also in the process of uploading photos. Check the photos out-- they show the different instruments that the children explore in each Kindermusik class. There are also beautiful pictures of some of our movement activities with scarves, streamers and the parachute. My favorite pictures, show the wind and string instruments that I bring into our preschool music classes from time to time. The kids love to see and hear a real trumpet, mandolin, guitar, and violin.
http://www.imaginationsmusic.com

Montessori quote

“We cannot know the consequences of suppressing a child's spontaneity when he is just beginning to be active. We may even suffocate life itself. That humanity which is revealed in all its intellectual splendor during the sweet and tender age of childhood should be respected with a kind of religious veneration. It is like the sun which appears at dawn or a flower just beginning to bloom. Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child to open up himself to life.” --Maria Montessori

FREE Kindermusik Demo in Pelham Al!

Things are moving along this fall. Piano on Mondays began at Bruno last week and got to a good start. I have been working about 14 hours a day for the last several days to prepare for the upcoming Kindermusik classes in the Pelham location. I have a proposed schedule for a few free Kindermusik demo classes:
ABC Music and Me 2 to 4 year olds October 17 at 12:00
ABC Music and Me 4 to 6 year olds October 17 at 1:00

Kindermusik Village class 0 to 18 months October 24 at 9:00
Kindermusik Family Time 0 to 7 years October 24 at 10:00

We will also try to have a few other free Kindermusik demo classes that week. Let me know if you are interested but cannot attend on those days. For more updates, follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/imaginemusik, "fan" me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pelham-AL/Imaginations-Music-Studio/131965409670?ref=ts#/pages/Pelham-AL/Imaginations-Music-Studio/131965409670?v=wall&ref=ts and check out my website, http://imaginationsmusic.com

Music and Child development

http://imaginationsmusic.com/

Last night I attended a seminar from Kindermusik International on music and child development. I thought I had heard all the studies about this subject before but there was so much more information presented last night.

Music and literary development

In a study in 1998, those adults with music training had 17 % better verbal memory than those who had no music background. Also, there was physiological evidence in this in their brains-- the musicians had enlarged left cranial regions! Verbal memory is the ability to retain vocabulary in your short term memory. This is important to early reading and comprehension skills.
Phonemic awareness is the appreciation of the sounds of speech as being separate from their meaning and understanding that words are divided in to a sequence of phonemes. Children who have developed these skills are a lot more successful in learning how to read.
Rhyming songs, vocal play, listening to and predicting rhymes are a way that we build these skills in a Kindermusik class. In a 1995 study, 5 Kindergarten classes in a title 1 school were divided in to groups. One group received 30 minutes of musical instruction per week. The study determined that the group with musical instruction had significant gains in phonemic awareness.

Music and Math development

A 2002 study found what we already know, there is a direct correlation between music study and spacial reasoning. But why? Spacial reasoning is manipulating visual images in the mind. Think about how many times we do this in Kindermusik class or piano lessons? We look at high and low on the staff as well as high and low on the keyboard. We learn the meaning of musical symbols, and the relationship of one note to another. Math skills are also developed by counting and grouping beats, learning time signatures, sorting, learning fast and slow, and learning to see and recognize patterns. In 1999, Kindermusik was used in a study by Bilhartz. After observing 71 four and five year olds from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds, those who had 30 minutes a week in a Kindermusik class along with instruction at home with the At Home materials, showed enhanced spacial temporal reasoning by the end of the study.

Social and emotional development

I was more surprised by what I learned in this portion of the seminar. I had never thought of this before, but a child's social and emotional development directly correlate to their success in school. Think about a brand new Kindergartner. Which child will learn more in class? The one who cannot control his impulses, or the one who waits his turn? The one who never learned to quietly listen to instruction, or the one who has plenty of practice at active listening. A 2007 Penn State study showed that learning self regulation (self control) is essential to Kindergarten readiness. In another study, 207 different in school socio-emotional programs were analyzed. The children who received some kind of training in socio-emotional skills, scored higher on standardized achievement tests than those who did not.
In 2005, a study a George Mason University showed that out of 91 3 and 4 year olds, those currently enrolled in a Kindermusik class showed a higher level of self control than those not in Kindermusik.

Here are some links to a few studies: http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=new-research-explores-how----and-wh-2009-07-06

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22189/70780

http://www.crt.state.la.us/arts/ArtBuilt/quotes.html

New Website

I have started up a new website for piano lessons and Kindermusik
http://tinyurl.com/imaginationsmusic

3 life skills we develop in piano lessons

Piano lessons are starting up at Bruno Montessori this week so I wanted to ask why are we doing this? With the economy so unsure and the job market down we are all cutting corners wherever we can. Why not just cut piano or Kindermusik too?

The one thing we CANNOT do in these uncertain times is cut corners when it comes to our child's education. Now it is more important than ever to give your child the edge he or she needs to be competitive in tomorrow's job market. You child may not grow up to be a concert pianist, but there are 3 life skills we develop in piano lessons that will serve him in whatever he does.
1. Why ask why?
We develop creativity, reasoning skills and critical problem solving skills by asking a lot of questions in lessons and class. "Why do you think the composer chose to write this?" "Why is this scale fingered in this manner?"
2. Recognition of patterns
Music is built by patterns. Learning to listen for a pattern or spot a pattern build crucial study skills. In lessons and Kindermusik class we not only learn to find patterns, but we also learn the musical terms for these patterns. "Is this a sequence? "What is the form of this piece?" "What is the motive/theme?" "How is this section similar and different to the previous section?"

This not only helps them to know WHAT to practice but HOW to practice. This helps them learn how to study.

3. Building self esteem through performance
Performance is an important part of piano. It develops confidence, poise and memory skills. What a wonderful experience this provides for you child as they prepare for presentations at school and job interviews later on! We learn in lessons to tune out distractions during performance and that we are simply there to do our best and enjoy the performance. We learn to continue on even if we make mistakes. We often talk about putting aside our inhibitions and focusing on doing what we enjoy-- it doesn't matter what other think of us.

One of my former students, who is currently working in radio has a message for my current students. "preforming is the best part because you get to show case your talent and share it with everyone. Music is so important and it can reach out to everyone in their own way."

Piano begins

Piano is starting next week at Bruno. I still have a few spots left so please email if you are interested at imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net.

I believe that out of all the extra-curricular activities, MUSIC is the most important to your child. Music study touches every area of your child's development and it provides your child with a hobby they can enjoy for a lifetime. In piano lessons at Bruno, we have in depth discussions on theory, mathematics, history, culture, and development of patterns as well as music. Last year, each student from preschool to upper elementary researched and composed research papers about lesser known composers. Our recital program was designed by the students in Microsoft Word as a computer project. They also researched music and the Fibonacci sequence, learned to set up algebraic equations in relation to music theory, and studied fractions in music. The students performed a recital at the Shelby Ridge nursing home as a service project.
Why piano?
· Piano study improves literary skills, verbal memory, spacial reasoning, and mathematical skills
· Builds hand eye coordination and fine motor skills for both left and right hand
· Develops critical thinking skills
· Nurtures natural talent
· Pleasure for students and others
· Develops logic, abstract thinking, memory and creativity
· Understanding of music theory is developed
· Lengthens attention span
· Develops poise and public speaking skills
· Preparation for the formal study of any other musical instrument as well as voice
· Development of social skills
· Foundation for a lifelong appreciation of music

Former students tours country!

One of my students toured the country in 17 states this summer with a group from his college called the Florida College Friends. This highly selective group chooses only 10 from the campus and performs throughout the year in Florida and on tour in the summer. I am so proud of seeing my student playing the music that he loves and getting the opportunity to travel while doing so!

http://www.floridacollege.edu/StudentLife/Friends.asp

Progress at the Cherub's Clubhouse!

Today, I decided to drop by the location of the Cherub's Clubhouse where I will be teaching Kindermusik lessons in a few months. Demolition has begun to prepare for the buildout. It is going to be such a nice space. There is nothing like it in this whole area. Not only will this business cater to younger kids, but there will be activites for older kids and parent's night out as well. I am so excited about it and hope to post more progress about the location later. Check out the website: http://cherubsclubhouse.com.

Demo Days

This is a video of last year's demo days. I will be doing more free demo classes like this in a few months! I hope to make a new video in the coming months. Thank you to everyone who participated in demo classes and Kindermusik last year!!

Slide show of Kindermusik classes

Here is a sample of a few things that we do in a Kindermusik Village class for babies 0 to 18 months:

Bruno piano lessons

Its that time again! School has started and we are getting ready to start piano lessons at Bruno Montessori for the school year for students who are enrolled there. We had such a good year least year and ended with a fantastic recital at the Shelby Ridge Nursing home. I think the residents there enjoyed our visit. We were sad that several of our students moved out of state over the summer but excited about some new students for the fall. I really enjoy teaching privately at Bruno. The students are prepared for lessons and are always so bright!

Don't forget to call or email to sign up for lessons. They will begin the week of September the 8th. email: imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net

Kindermusik information

Ok, so there may be some out there who are not familiar with Kindermusik. Why music at such a young age? Kindermusik is not just about music. Its about your child's total development. We use music as a catalyst for your child's development in speech, literary skills, social skills, gross and fine motor skills, listening skills, early math and music skills. A 1998 study at the Sam Houston State University found that children participating in Kindermusik improved 28 to 37 percentile points in their standard intelligence tests over those without Kindermusik.

Ok, so if music is so important to begin at a young age, then why not start taking formal lessons in the preschool years? Kindermusik provides a nurturing, low key environment to serve as a foundation for future music study. A child who has begun their music education with Kindermusik will be ready to continue that journey with formal lessons on any instrument. A Kindermusik class provides an atmosphere of exploration and experimentation rather than a pressure to perform.

New Location!

I am so happy to announce that in a few months I will be starting some new Kindermusik classes! I am so excited to be included in a new child development business that will be opening soon in the Alabaster/Pelham area. This new center will offer more programs for children than I thought possible in one single location! I am honored to be a part of the program! We are in the process of deciding which Kindermusik classes to offer from this location based on which age groups have the most interest. Please email me and let me know if you are interested in beginning your child's musical journey with Kindermusik! http://cherubsclubhouse.com/

New location!

I am so excited to announce that I will be teaching Kindermusik from a new location starting in the late fall!!!