Imaginations Music Studio

Solo Recital

2010-12-06T17:32:00.002-06:00

Our solo recital last week went very well. Ten students performed in this recital with some playing 2 pieces. We had a few on this recital performing for the first time. Our group classes will be putting on a small recital during their last class. They have been preparing to play together as 8 hand ensemble classes.

Thanks to all who played! We had a great time!

Times are a changin'

2010-11-23T20:33:00.002-06:00

If you have not heard by now, the Cherubs Clubhouse is closing down this week. It was about this time last year that we were just getting started at the clubhouse and so it seems so strange to be closing down. I remember driving over to the location every week before it was finished to check on the progress. My own children were so excited to be some of the first kids to get to play there. We had just finished Grand Opening at this time last year and were having piano and Kindermusik demo classes. Looking back at some of the pictures from last year, it is amazing to see how all of the kids have grown! Especially the Kindermusik kids!

But, like I have explained to my piano students last week, these things happen. Life changes and you just have to go with it. Miss Erika is continuing to teach Kindermusik at the Bell Center in Homewood and piano at Arts music on 280. Rita is continuing with her violin students in the Pelham area and is enrolling more students for violin and clarinet.

I will be continuing to teach private piano at Bruno Montessori and in the Oak Mountain area. I will now be adding my Thursday group piano students from Cherubs Clubhouse to the Oak Mountain location. Fortunately, this will not be too far from the Cherubs Clubhouse location and we should be able to keep close to the same schedule. I have my keyboards, computer lab and 2 acoustic pianos at this location so our classes should more over very well!

I am now also the ABC Music and Me account manager for Kindermusik in this area so I will be going to different schools to do demonstrations of our language and literacy program for at risk learners. It is really rewarding to bring Kindermusik to kids who may not have the opportunity to participate in a studio class.

I enjoyed teaching at the Cherubs Clubhouse and my children LOVED coming to play while mommy taught there! They really enjoyed getting to meet my students and their siblings during their class time. We will all have good memories and have enjoyed getting to meet new people there. Please continue to follow us on facebook to keep in touch and for more updates for new classes and locations! Have a great Thanksgiving!

Hearing with your whole body

2010-10-26T12:16:00.003-05:00

After watching the video I posted earlier about Evelyn Glennie, a world famous percussionist who lost most of her hearing at the age of 12, I began thinking about some of our activities in Kindermusik classes in a different light.

As adults, we tend to focus on listening with our ears only. Many of us tend to be very reserved about the way we interact with music and sounds around us. Well, maybe interact is the wrong word. We often only just hear, rather than actively listen.

Children, given the opportunity, naturally interact with music and sounds around them. They spontaneously move to music and feel it in their bodies. They cannot contain the emotions that are brought about by music. They express it with their entire being.

With the simple percussion instruments featured in Kindermusik classes, the children are uninhibited in how they play the instruments. They explore not only the audible sounds, but the feeling of playing the instrument as they play rhythm sticks or egg shakers in different ways. As their arms and hands move in different ways, they explore hearing with their arms, hands and fingers.

This is really evident with the zig zag blocks. Some of their favorite ways to play the blocks make sounds so soft that they can hardly be heard but can be felt by the children. They tap them on their faces, their shoes, or their knees. They hear the sound in their bodies. With their shoes off in class they hear the sounds with the bare feet on the floor as the music causes the floor to vibrate.

In music class, they watch other kids keeping a steady beat with sticks or moving a scarf expressively. They see the form of the music in our circle dances as we move in different ways to different sections on the music. They are hearing with their eyes.

One thing that was mentioned in the video was experiencing the sounds around us- not just music. As adults, we do not stop to enjoy everyday sounds. Children are naturally drawn to different sounds in their world and enjoy listening to a train, running water, animals sounds or even the sound of feet walking like we do in class. They absorb these sounds and make them part of their very being.

I know I cannot do justice to the words that were expressed in this video so go see it for yourself! My point is, that somewhere along the way, as a culture we stop experiencing sound with the same wonderment and awe as we had as children. We need to nurture this tendency in children and as adults strive to be a little more childlike in our musical experiences.

To watch the entire video, click here.

Great Kindermusik Deal!

2010-10-04T17:08:00.005-05:00

Have you wanted to try out Kindermusik but not had the chance? Our Kindermusik playdates are the perfect solution! Playdates are a single session "pay to play" Kindermusik class. Just like all of our other Kindermusik classes, playdates include a research based curriculum, a take home instrument, recorded music from class and a lot of fun! Classes are scheduled all over Birmingham on mornings, afternoons, evenings and even weekends! This is perfect for mom's group activities, gifts, or just for trying Kindermusik with low cost or commitment.

Each 45 class is regularly $15.00. For today and tomorrow only, you can purchase your playdate at 53% off through Big Bham!

Once you have taken advantage of the deal, visit our playdate website for a list of classes and locations. Choose what is best for your schedule. When you register, be sure to indicate that you purchased through Big Bham and enter your gift certificate code.

Then, forward the information to all of your friends, post it on your facebook page and let everyone else know about it. Playdates are always more fun with friends!

Family Time Starts Soon

2010-09-27T20:21:00.002-05:00

Its time! Our Family Time Kindermusik class will be starting back up this week! Family Time is a one room schoolhouse experience. This is our mixed age class for "only" children as well as families with more than one child. Only one home kit is purchased per family which makes this class a great deal for families wit mulitple siblings.

I enjoy teaching this class, and observing the younger children learning from the older children as well as seeing the older children become leaders in the classroom. Last year as we offered this class at the Cherubs Clubhouse, we played at the water table during our aquarium unit, visited the play equipment during our trip to the park, had a bunny rabbit visitor during our farm unit and had demonstrations on the trumpet and violin. I particularly enjoyed hearing the students learn the welcome song during the term, seeing them make friends with each other, and being a part of the new connections being made by the moms in the class.

We still have room in our class so don't miss out on the fun! Come join us at 9:00 am for Family Time!

ABC Music and Me and language development

2010-09-25T08:36:00.003-05:00

Ms. Erika attended a conference on teaching English as a second language this summer and had these thoughts about language and ABC Music and Me

Communication is a vital and essential part of each of our lives! Since I have been overseas 8 times, I have experienced firsthand the joys and trials of communicating to those of other languages and cultures. I first discovered my love for working with Internationals at 17 years when I went on my first mission trip to Taiwan. Since that time, I have been overseas 6 more times and at one time, I even anticipated living long-term in the Middle East. I did not end up living in the Middle East but I have had the opportunity to work with Internationals stateside! While living in Auburn the past 2 years, I loved working within an ESL ministry in my former church with those learning English as a second language.

The training I recently received was designed to equip us to teach Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels in English language proficiency. We learned how to conduct student placement interviews, basic language learning skills, planning our ESL lesson, how to introduce new vocabulary, teaching pronunciation and communication practice activities. There are four basic skills that are necessary to learn a language - listening, speaking, reading and writing. When we learned our first language, listening was the first and foremost foundational language skill. We then slowly learned how to create and mimic sounds that we heard. It is important to hear the language's individual sounds, rhythm, stress and intonation patterns so that we learned how to speak the language correctly. So it is when learning a second language! It is vital to develop and practice listening skills for any language learning.

Now that I have been teaching with Kindermusik, it is so rewarding to see that one of the major focuses of the ABC Music and Me is listening! According to Kindermusik's ABC Music and Me research "Learning to listen is a prerequisite to listening to learn, " stresses research Mayesky (1986). Listening is the first language mode that children acquire, and it provides a foundation for all aspects of language and reading development. Listening is a very large part of school learning, with students spending an estimated 50 to 75 percent of classroom time listening to the teacher,to other students, or to media" (Smith, 1992). ABC Music and Me is actually a research driven and proven method for increasing language and vocabulary. During classtime, the children are exposed to actively listening to music as well as non-musical sounds and language. We develop routines to help focus the children's attention on listening and following directions, reading stories out loud and even imitation of sounds and words, developing new vocabulary. The best part is that the child is having fun the entire time while learning!

Our ABC classes are all taught in English but we love to diversify and sometimes incorporate songs and instruments from other cultures. Occasionally we have Spanish speaking children and it is fun to see their eyes light up when we start singing a Spanish song. Kindermusik also offers Spanish home materials to help with reinforce the child's first language at home and help Spanish speaking parents connect with their child at home. No matter your first language, we hope you come join us for ABC Music and Me to Listen, Learn and Love music! We believe that music's affect on cognition and skill development is undeniable!

Erika Stewart

Reaching every child with the magic of music!

2010-09-17T13:20:00.003-05:00

I am excited to say that in addition to the private lessons and classes that I teach, I will now be this area's representative of the school edition of ABC Music and Me, which is our language and literacy program for preK and Kindergarten classrooms! This research based program has benefits for all children, but particularly benefits those who have intellectual and physical challenges, as well as those who are learning English as a second language.

One of the unique aspects of this program is that it uses music and movement as the vehicle for learning. It is not an official "music curriculum"- it simply uses the magic of music to reach children in all areas of development. This program also involves families at home with the use of the family magazine and home materials.

I look forward to visiting schools in the area to present the program in the classrooms! If you are a teacher or an administrator in a school and would like to have a demonstration of the program, please let me know!

Check out the ABC Website: ABC Music and Me

Kindermusik Demo Class September 8 at the Cherubs Clubhouse

2010-09-06T09:05:00.002-05:00

We are having bring a friend week to kick off a new school year of Kindermusik at the Cherubs Clubhouse!

Join us for a Carnival of Music September 8 at 9:30 for babies and 10:15 for kids of all ages. Feel free to invite a friend!

Just a tip, particularly if this is your first time at the Cherubs Clubhouse, please arrive just in time for your class and come straight back to the classroom. It always takes kids a few minutes to adjust to a new place, and if they start by playing on the play equipment they sometimes have a hard time switching gears to class time. We will play after class!

Kindermusik Birthday parties!

2010-08-31T10:28:00.002-05:00

The Cherubs Clubhouse is THE place to have your child’s birthday!
Add Kindermusik to your child’s birthday party at the Cherubs Clubhouse for an additional $4.00 per child for up to 12 children. Additional children add $2.00 per child to the price. There is a minimum of 8 children. The Kindermusik session of the party is 30 minutes long.

Kindermusik birthday parties at the Cherub Clubhouse include:
Music and movement with scarves, hoops, parachute and/or bubble machine.
Puppets
Dress up
Instrument play along and exploration
Happy birthday sing along
Imaginative play
Currently enrolled Kindermusik students can book their party for only $3.00 per child! These rates only apply to parties hosted by the Cherubs Clubhouse and are in addition to the price for booking the Cherubs Clubhouse.

Themes include:
princess
cowboys and Indians
animals
transportation
Star Wars
Sesame street
Seasonal themes (Christmas, Halloween, and so forth)
Dinosaurs
and more!

Themed parties include Kindermusik songs and activities as well as your child's favorite songs, themes, characters, props or activities!

Kindermusik Conference

2010-08-24T10:54:00.006-05:00

I am back from Kindermusik conference in Biloxi, Mississippi! My family and I went down early and enjoyed one day at the beach and visiting with relatives that live in the area. I enjoyed getting to meet so many ladies (and gentleman :) who teach Kindermusik in the southeast. The Birmingham area had 6 educators present at the conference! We spent the weekend getting to know each other, sharing ideas, and attending classes. I really enjoyed the drum circle/bondfire at the beach Friday night!
~Lauren

Kindergarten readiness skills: Part III: Steady Beat

2010-08-14T08:56:00.005-05:00

Why is steady beat a Kindergarten readiness skill? What does steady beat have to do with academics?

First of all, working to develop a steady beat has more than just musical benefits. Of course if your child becomes a musician steady beat is an essential on any instrument. But did you ever think about the other benefits of steady beat?

Any repeated action in our everyday lives requires steady beat from the simplest activities such as walking with coordination, dribbling a ball, cutting with scissors, to more complex actions such as typing. This is why we emphasize steady beat activities in each Kindermusik class and provide you with the materials to work on this skill at home.

Steady beat activities also help the child's brain to learn to organize and sets the foundation for pre-math skills. Studies show that elementary students who are taught basic rhythmic notation score higher on fraction tests than students who were simply taught fractions in the traditional way. I think this is because music turns mathematics into a multi-sensory activity. It all starts with steady beat.

Here are some steady beat activities for home:
1. Steady beat movement Turn on the music and pretend to be a marching band. March, stomp, or jump to the music. See how many different actions can be done to a steady beat. If you have them, use scarves, steamers, hoops or a parachute like we would use in Kindermusik class.

Listen to sounds around the house and determine if that particular sound has a steady beat, IE. a dripping faucet, windshield wipers, a ticking clock or beeping microwave. Move to the beat to these sounds. Use the music in your Kindermusik home CD to move to the steady beat. The Kindermusik songs are developmentally chosen to provide the best opportunities for movement and development of steady beat.

Babies who are not yet mobile can begin to learn about steady beat as well. Put them on your lap and bounce to the steady beat. Move them around the room to the steady beat of the music.

Movement to a steady beat allows them to feel and see the steady beat. This is especially true in Kindermusik class where the kids see their peers making a steady beat. In class the children also learn new ways to move to a steady beat by watching each other. In our class we also include circle and line dances where the children actually interact with each other while keeping a steady beat. Making steady beat a social activity helps to solidify the concept in their developing minds

2. Instrument play Pull out the instruments from your Kindermusik home materials or make your own. Using your Kindermusik CD or another CD, use the instruments to keep a steady beat along with the music. This works steady beat with the fine motor skills and allows them to hear the beat that they are making. In Kindermusik class, they can also see the steady beat made by the instruments of their friends.

3. Ball Toss This is one of my favorite activities to do with my beginning piano students. This is a little trick I learned many years ago when I was completing my training for Orff certification. For this preschool activity we use a large, soft ball. I stand across from the student. The object of the game is to pass the ball back and forth to a steady beat. If you pass too quickly, the other person will not be able to anticipate when to catch the ball. If you hold on to the ball too long, the partner has to wait for the ball. First, I demonstrate how to pass the ball to a steady beat while I hold the ball. Then I explain to the preschooler how we have to keep our beat steady or we will not be able to catch the ball. Then we pass the ball back and forth counting "one" for quarter notes. With my older students who are in piano classes or lessons, we eventually create rhythms and pass according to the rhythm. This is a fun steady beat activity that explains the concept of keeping the beat going, allows the student to use gross motor muscles to feel the beat, works for teamwork, allows the student to see the stead beat as it is passed back and forth, and lays the groundwork for counting rhythm. Students ask for this activity again and again in classes.

Kindergarten readiness skills: Part II: Listening Skills

2010-08-13T07:50:00.002-05:00

Did you know that listening is something that can be practiced? Here are three ways to work on listening skills at home.

1. Active Listening: In Kindermusik classes each week we have a short, focused listening example. Many times, this example is nothing more than a sound made by an instrument, sounds around the house, or an animal sound. These examples are not just fun for the kids, but they provide them with an active listening experience. This can be done very easily at home with one of your Kindermusik CDs or with sounds around the house. Have the child listen to a short sound and ask them to imitate it. Ask them to move like the sound or music they heard. Ask them questions about the sound. Keep it short. They don't have to sit and actively listen to an entire symphony- just a short part. Gradually lengthen the listening example.

2. Following multi step directions We all want our kids to listen and follow directions. Board games and simple dances are two fun ways to learn to follow directions. In Kindermusik class we do circle and line dances. The object is not to learn to dance, but to follow mulit-step directions that are given verbally. There are many ways to do this at home such as the Hokey Pokey or by playing twister. Board games and card games are a great way to work on following directions as well. Some of your Kindermusik home kits come with board games to use at home.

3. Story Time We all know that reading to your child has many benefits. This is why we include it in every Kindermusik class and in the home materials for Kindermusik classes. As you are reading, be sure to make the sounds along with the book. Be sure to ask questions about the pictures. Alternatively, listen to a recording of the book. Your Kindermusik CDs have a recording of your class book. Or make your own recording of your child's favorite book. Your child can listen on their own and follow along with the book. Have your child "read" the story to you. Draw pictures about the story after reading. Put together a play or puppet show using your Kindermusik Family Time puppets after reading the book. At the end of the reading, ask questions about the content of the story. The possibilities for reading with your child are endless.

One of the most important aspects is repetition. Did you ever think that there may be a developmental reason that your child asks to be read the same book over and over? Children thrive on repetition. Once your child has heard the same book several times, leave out certain words to see if your child can fill in the blanks as you are reading. Many of our Kindermusik CDs include an example of doing this. During this break we have in our Kindermusik routine, be sure to use the home materials from previous units. That is what is so great about the Kindermusik home materials- they extend the learning year round.

3 games for Kindergarten readiness

2010-08-12T07:49:00.004-05:00

It is the first day of school for most kids. I know a lot of parents are wondering how their child will do and if they were ready. A lot of what we do in Kindermusik is school readiness such as practicing self control, taking turns, developing listening skills, lengthening attention span as well as pre-literary and math skills.

Probably the number one skill every Kindergarten teacher looks for in a child is inhibitory control. Inhibitory control is the ability to listen to an instruction and to control the body accordingly. This is something that can be practiced in short sessions with kids of any age. There are many ways to practice this at home.

1. While playing an instrument like the rhythm sticks, have the child find different ways to tap. Then say out loud with the child, TAP, TAP, TAP, TAP rea-dy STOP. At this point freeze. Find a different way to tap and try the same thing. If you do no have an instrument, you can do body percussion which is tapping your own body. Kids of all ages can do this- even babies. You would be surprised to see how quiet and still some of my youngest students get with this game. Some even anticipate the "STOP" command and give it themselves! We do this almost weekly in a Kindermusik class.

Even if your child does not actually stop yet, they will learn the concept if they see and hear you stop.

2. Sing one of your child's favorite songs but whisper the chorus. Children have to learn to whisper. Anyone who has kids knows that they are not born knowing how to whisper in church! This is something we practice. Once whispering is mastered, have them be silent for the chorus of the song and join back in on the verses. I find that even with babies, the softer you sing to them, the harder they listen. They quiet their whole bodies down in anticipation. I can quiet a room of babies simply by singing softly rather than by speaking loudly.

3. Children love to stop and start. This is evident when you think of all the children's games that are built on this concept. Mother May I? Freeze Tag, Simon Says, the Silent Game, and Red Light Green Light. With all the video games out these days I am not sure how much these are played anymore. Children love these games and they help them learn to listen to instructions and to control themselves. We need to introduce our kids to these great games and help them practice inhibitory control.

ABC Music and Me now enrolling!

2010-08-09T17:22:00.002-05:00

Why ABC? There are so many music programs out there. What is special about ABC?

"ABC Music & Me is a research-based language and early literacy program built around music. Kindermusik has used its 30 years of experience to create an “all-in-the-box” program for Preschoolers, Kindergarteners, and emerging readers. Our program develops essential listening and early literacy skills so your students have the skills they need to succeed in school.

ABC Music & Me is especially effective for children with developmental delays and at-risk learners. We also provide special instructions for using our program with English Language Learners and the Home Materials are available in English and Spanish.

Through songs and music, our program:
enhances students’ listening and speaking skills
helps students develop pre-reading and writing skills
involves parents in their child’s learning
gives teachers ongoing professional development that ensures results.

Build listening and early literacy skills in a way that is playful, active, and proven effective with young children!

“I’m excited to report the language learning gains were above the 70% significance level.”

Penny Collins, Director of Special Education, Osceola County, Florida"

More research concerning the correlation between the ABC Music and Me program and school skills, http://www.abcmusicandme.com/Why_Music.html.

Sign and Sing Weeks 2 and 3

2010-07-29T13:19:00.002-05:00

ABC Music and Me fall classes

2010-07-21T08:04:00.003-05:00

ABC Music and Me will continue this fall on Wednesdays with Ms. Erika. The 4 to 6 year old class provides an introduction to the piano and will study major composers. This is the perfect class for young homeschoolers and preschoolers to learn more about music and get ready for piano or violin. It is highly recommended that students younger than 6 take this class BEFORE beginning violin. The home materials for this unit includes a pan flute and castanets.

Sing a Story - Mozart and math? With exposure to singing and music notation, your child gets more experience with abstract symbols. In class, we’ll explore how abstract thoughts are shared and communicated with symbols, such as a musical note. This same abstract thinking process helps your child learn letters of the alphabet and numbers. You can reinforce these learning concepts at home with your Student Kit as you share your understanding of music with each other.

Jumping Beans - The Jumping Beans unit jumps into the rhythms of Latin America! Children will listen to a variety of Latin music styles, play instruments, dance, and investigate the concept of a musical rest. They will move and stop their bodies, explore expressive movement, sing some Spanish words and phrases, and even jump like jumping beans. ¡Olé!

All Keyed Up - The All Keyed Up unit immerses children in the magic of keyboards of all kinds. They will learn about the composer J.S. Bach, listen to and learn about pianos, organs, synthesizers, and harpsichords, and investigate the similarities and differences between these related instruments. While they’re at it, they’ll explore staccato and legato sounds: moving and playing instruments, listening to music selections, and learning graphic notation for these concepts. It’s no wonder this unit has preschoolers All Keyed Up!

Open House

2010-07-17T18:58:00.004-05:00

August 5 fom 5:30 to 7:00 pm will be our back to school open house at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Come meet the Imaginations Music Studio and learn more about the classes and lessons we have to offer for kids aged 0 to adult.

We will have short demonstrations of several of Kindermusik, piano and violin so that you can make the best choice for your child this fall. We will be taking fall registrations that night as well. Many of our classes are small in size to allow a low student to teacher ratio so they will fill up fast. Be sure to register in advance! Call 437-3478 if you have any questions about the classes.

Return to the Imaginations Music website

What do I need for violin classes?

2010-07-16T10:37:00.002-05:00

Having a quality instrument is essential to your child's success in any field. A quality child's violin can cost only $60 to $100. They can also be rented. Your child will need a violin in a size for their little hands to play. This means that granddaddy's old full sized fiddle in the attic will not do for your little one. However, there are a lot of affordable options for violins.

Ms. Rita has listed some websites to help you find a violin for your child. Music Basics and violins.com. There are several music stores around Birmingham that are also worth visiting and pricing. The violins must be wooden, and NOT plastic. Before purchasing a violin, please consult with Ms. Rita at rita@imaginationsmusic.com.

Sign and Sing Class 1

2010-07-16T08:52:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, we talked about ways to bring signs into your child's world during class as well as during playtime after class. You do not need to know every sign there is, or to use signs constantly for this to be effective. Start by choosing some of the signs from class last night that your child might be most interested in. The goal of this week is to get started signing and become comfortable signing yourself. The "see a lot, do a lot" signs are things that happen often during the day likebed, eat, more, finish, what, help and milk. There are plenty of opporunities thoughout the day to use these signs. The other type of signs which are an important part of the "Signing Smart" strategy are the "highly motivating signs." These are things that your child is very interesting in or might be very motivated to learn to sign. This may be different for each child. The signs we used last night from this category would bny, mom, dad, music, ball, bear, as well as a few more.

1. The first step is learning how to use the signs so that your children see them. It doesn't help to do the sign when you child isn't looking at you! When they are attentive to you, interested in something and making eye contact with you, this is the perfect time to sign.
2, the Second step is recognizing your child's early attempts at signing. If you are feeding your baby and they touch their hands together as if attempting to sign "more" then respond by giving them more of whatever they were eating! Some early attempts at signing may be accident, but if you respond to them, the child will learn that by speaking with their hands, they got what they needed. Also notice if your child is responding to the signs YOU give. If you sign and ask "more?" and you child's face lights up this is progress as well! Remember that it does sometimes take a long time for those first signs to appear. Don't be discouraged if you don't see any signals that your child is attempting to sign right away. Sometimes we cannot see the result of what we do with our babies for a long time. But these early experiences become aborbed into who they are. The time you spend communicating verbally and by signing with your baby will not go unrewarded.

Violin offered at Cherubs Clubhouse!

2010-07-16T08:38:00.004-05:00

We are very excited to be opening up violin classes and private lessons at the Cherubs Clubhouse on Thursday afternoons! Both piano classes and violin classes will be taught in separate rooms at the Cherubs Clubhouse on Thursday starting in September.

Homeschool violin classes will begin at 2:00. Come study with fellow homeschoolers and play together after class. Afterschool violin will begin after 3:00 Classes will be scheduled according to age and ability of the children who sign up. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate in this program. Children younger than 6 are encouraged to begin with Kindermusik and/or piano to help prepare for violin.

Classes will start at $50.00 per month per child plus materials. Space is very limited in our classes in order to provide the children with one on one instruction. An appropriately sized violin is required by each student to practice. Email imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net for more info.

Meet our studio!

2010-07-15T11:58:00.005-05:00

We are so happy to be bringing music to so many more children this fall!!! We now have three teachers working with the Imaginations Music Studio teaching classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse and private lessons at various locations.

Our newest teacher, Rita Yates will be offering violin classes on Thursday afternoons at the Cherubs Clubhouse alongside the piano classes that we will also be offering at that time. She also teaches clarinet lessons to all ages and levels. We are so excited to be offering violin and clarinet!

Erika Stewart will be teaching Wednesday morning Kindermusik classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Her first session began today and we had a great crowd. I will post pictures later. She will also be teaching private piano lessons in the 280 area. She has experience working with children who have special needs and teaching the Sign and Sing curriculum. We are excited to have her join us.

Visit imaginationsmusic.com for more information.

I will be teaching private piano at Bruno Montessori and at my Inverness studio. I am happy to say that my private lesson studio is full for the fall! I still have some openings for beginners in my group classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse on Thursdays. The Thursday piano schedule in the fall will continue to be very close to our spring schedule. I will also be teaching Kindermusik Family Time on Thursday mornings at the Cherubs Clubhouse.

We have 2 more summer piano classes if you would like to come try out a class before signing upo for fall. They will be held July 22 and July 29. Visit my piano studio website for a schedule and registration

ABC Music and Me begins on Thursday at 9:30

2010-07-14T08:15:00.005-05:00

Sneak peek into the Kindermusik program...

2010-07-08T13:09:00.001-05:00

Demo Class

2010-07-08T12:28:00.004-05:00

Today we had one of the biggest demo classes that we have had so far!! Thanks to everyone who came out this morning!! If you missed the class, we will still be enrolling for summer classes through next Thursday. Click here to register for classes. This summer we are offering Sign and Sing for kids 0 to 18 months as well as ABC Music and Me for kids 2 to 4 years over the summer. There are only 10 spots per class, so please register online to be sure that you will have a spot. Today in our classes we saw a variety of learning styles. Some children sat quietly and observed the other children and parents. Some moved around the room absorbing the sounds around them, watching other children and learning by moving. Others actively participated in the class and were always excited about each new activity. Each learning style is unique and respected in the Kindermusik classroom. Even in today's demo class, we saw some shy students begin to open up as the classes progressed. By starting each class out with the same welcome song each week, those students who tend to always be on the move during class begin to settle in and learn the routine. One activity that helps the kids to learn how to respond in the classroom setting was the inhibitory control activity we did in the first class. We played our egg shakers along with the song and stopped whenever the song stopped. Learning to follow aural and visual cues through these types of activities helps to prepare children for preschool and Kindergarten. The movement activities that we did in both classes allow the children to explore different types of movement, change their perspective of the classroom, and learn to control their bodies to follow the directions. Each class includes movement activities with scarves, marching, circle dances, puppets, hoops or even a parachute. Older children love to be given the freedom to move on their own and the younger children love to be held close by their caregivers as they experience the sensations that movement provides. When your child is moving along with music, their brains light up with stimulation. The simple instruments used in classes are developmentally designed to help the child to be successful at their first attempts at music. For most of the instruments we use, there is no wrong way to play them. This leaves the child with a world of kinesthetic and aural exploration. The development of a steady beat by using these instruments help the child with physical coordination, learning to cut with scissors, bouncing a ball, and even with learning to walk fluidly. Developing a steady beat is essential to learning to play any instrument or learning to sing. Kindermusik provides a strong foundation for any future formal music study, develops school readiness skills, and prepares the child for other future interests as well.

Welcome Erika Stewart!

2010-07-02T11:17:00.002-05:00

The Imaginations Music Studio would like to welcome our new teacher, Erika Stewart! Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Erika has had a lifelong passion for music, beginning piano studies at the age of 5 and continuing for another 20 years. Those years included an emphasis on classical as well as sacred music, piano accompaniment for vocalists, congregational singing, and children's music programs. Erika's educational background is a B.S. degree in Biblical Studies through Moody Bible Institute. Since Erika has always loved children, she has 15 years experience of working with children in various settings, including piano teaching and has found great joy in influencing each individual life. As a licensed Kindermusik educator, Erika has found Kindermusik to be a perfect way to teach the fundamentals of music as well as impart a love for music to children. Erika has experience teaching several parts of the Kindermusik curriculum as well as the Sign and Sing class. She has also worked with children who have special needs. We are looking forward to what Erika can add to our program! Join us for a free demo, July 8 at 9:30 and at 10:00 to meet Erika!

Beat the Heat!

2010-06-26T07:51:00.008-05:00

Come see why this little boy is so happy in Kindermusik! We will be holding a free Kindermusik demonstration in Pelham at the Cherubs Clubhouse July 8! Come meet our new addition to the studio, Erika Stewart who will be conducting the class! Erika is a lisenced Kindermusik educator and piano instructor.

July 8
9:30 0 to 18 month olds
10:00 18 month to 4 year olds

Come beat the heat and join us for music class and 30 minutes of free Cherubs Clubhouse playtime afterward on July 8! Its the middle of the summer and the kids are getting restless. The park is only getting hotter. Join us for free music class and playtime at our indoor, air conditioned park!

We will be holding a drawing for a 15% discount on summer tuition, a free Kindermusik CD and offering an early bird discount for fall registration at the free demo!!

Our summer term of Sign and Sing for 0 to 18 month olds and ABC Music and Me for 2 to 4 year olds will start the next week.

Kindermusik

2010-06-17T07:58:00.004-05:00

We just ended our spring family time class with a great group if kids. After school let out, we had several older siblings join us for a few classes. This past week, we explored the concept of weight. We used scarves to move like feathers and floating leaves, we jumped in hula hoops, and we used the parachute. The older kids wore the scarves like super hero capes or like butterfly wings. It was a lot of fun.

We are finishing up our Sign and Sing night class and have 2 classes left on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm. Come join us for a preview class!

Our next term begins in July. We will have a short Sign and Sing term and a short ABC Music and Me term on Thursday afternoons. Enroll Now!

We also have piano classes for all ages over the summer. See my piano website for a full schedule.

Pathways

2010-05-19T12:55:00.002-05:00

Our Family Time Kindermusik class has been focusing on pathways during the last 2 weeks. We have been exploring pathways with our hands, out feet, and with the flashlight. Last week we worked on using the jingle bells to draw circles, zig zags and curves in the air or on the floor. This week they were really showing improvement on that! It is amazing to see the progress they make from week to week. This is why we generally spend 2 weeks on particular concepts in class. They need that repetition to fully absorb the activities.

Another aspect of our class this week was taking turns. We each took turns ringing the bell that starts our class. We each took turns playing the glockenspiel. The children did great passing the instrument to the next classmate!

We also made visual representation of beat groupings today. We used the parachute on a song that had 2 sections- a section in 6/8 and a section in 2/4. We moved the parachute to show the difference in the grouping of the beats in this song. We also did a line dance to Lil Liza Jane. In addition to providing social interaction and helping them learn to follow aural instructions, line dances help them to visualize not only groupings of beats but varying sections in the music as well. They also felt the groupings as they were holding the parachute or feeling the waft of air each time we moved the parachute.

Sign and Sing class 2

2010-05-19T12:36:00.002-05:00

Last week in Sign and Sing we worked on different attention getting strategies for presenting the signs. We used interesting objects like musical balls to draw their attention to the sign for ball. We sang a silly song and signed about their reactions to the song. Another strategy we used was bringing the object about which you are signing to your face so that the child's line of vision will follow the object. This draws attention to the object so that you can then demonstrate the sign.

We had a few "signs" of progress this week! Some of the children were responding to our signing with their facial expressions. This is a first step and shows that they are paying attention to the signs and that they are learning that the signs have meaning. If you sign "more" and you child lights up, take encouragement in that and use that as an opportunity to review the sign. We also saw some early hand movements in response to the signing. Whenever you see this, even if you are not sure that they are actually signing, go with it! Those first few signs might be an accident and might be hard to recognize, but if you applaud these first efforts, as they get older you will notice them deliberately signing to you. One way to reinforce this is to sign back to them, speak the word and give them what ever it is for which you think they might signing. This gives them visual reinforcement, auditory reinforcement, and tactile reinforcement of what they were doing. Also, be sure to ask them if they are talking with their hands so that they understand that hands can communicate!

Our stations for this week included a ball pit where we signed about the balls as well as about being inside and outside the ball pit. We also had a dancing station with music where we signed about dancing and music. This can be done at home as well. Another idea for the music station is to turn the music off and sign "more" before turning it back on. We had a car station where we signed about the cars and where the cars are going. After our bubble parade, we ended the class with a visit to our "duck pond" where we used a familiar song to sign about the ducks. After class the kids played in the outer area and we practiced signing our new signs during playtime.

The point of our class is to give you the tools you need to stimulate your child's verbal development at home day to day. Keep working with your child consistantly at home even if you do not see the results at first. It sometimes takes months before the younger ones begin to sign back. Remember that any time you spend talking and interacting with your child as well as with other child is not wasted.

Up and Down

2010-05-05T12:39:00.004-05:00

Today in Kindermusik, a lot of our activities were focused on directional vocabulary like "up", "down", "out", and even "sit", "lie down" and "roll over." These activities have an educational purpose.

0 to 18 months: directional vocabulary helps kids at this age to form concrete impressions of the words. They hear the term, see the other kids doing, and do it themselves. Moms might also assist their younger child by doing the activity TO them. For instance, for the word, "up" you might use your hand to scamper up your child's back like the squirrel we sang about today. That way if your child is not yet doing the motion, they can still feel it on their body.

18 months- 5 years: The older children really caught on to the spoken directions today! Using the directional vocabulary challenges them to listen and respond to aural cues. Add in new vocabulary to this activity at home. In class, we did many other movements in addition to the directional terms listed above. Try "roly poly" and home with shakers, sticks or other objects. Have your child come up with new activities for "walk along rover" and "little squirrel."

In addition to the directional vocabulary, we also worked on a bit of ear training in class. The slide whistle was used to demonstrate low and high pitches. Young children often confuse the term high and low with loud and soft. This is probably because we talk about turning the radio "up" or "down." Find different sounds around the house that are high in pitch and draw them to your child's attention. Do the same with low pitches. Then see if your child can imitate not only the pitch made but the sounds. This works on phonemic awareness and pitch discernment at the same time.

By physically reacting to the slide whistle, we were also creating a visual and kinethetic demonstration of sound. This not only gives your child a creative outlet to respond to the differences in pitch, but it also helps your child to make the connection between high and low.

Sign and Sing- class 1

2010-04-30T10:31:00.002-05:00

We had our first Sign and Sing class last night! If you haven't checked the pictures out, they are on my facebook fan page which you can access on the right side of my blog. Feel free to bring cameras to class to take more pictures!

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED having dads in class as well as the moms! Kudos!

Last night, we talked about ways to bring signs into your child's world during class as well as during playtime after class. You do not need to know every sign there is, or to use signs constantly for this to be effective. Start by choosing some of the signs from class last night that your child might be most interested in. The goal of this week is to get started signing and become comfortable signing yourself. The "see a lot, do a lot" signs are things that happen often during the day likebed, eat, more, finish, what, help and milk. There are plenty of opporunities thoughout the day to use these signs. The other type of signs which are an important part of the "Signing Smart" strategy are the "highly motivating signs." These are things that your child is very interesting in or might be very motivated to learn to sign. This may be different for each child. The signs we used last night from this category would bny, mom, dad, music, ball, bear, as well as a few more.

1. The first step is learning how to use the signs so that your children see them. It doesn't help to do the sign when you child isn't looking at you! When they are attentive to you, interested in something and making eye contact with you, this is the perfect time to sign.
2, the Second step is recognizing your child's early attempts at signing. If you are feeding your baby and they touch their hands together as if attempting to sign "more" then respond by giving them more of whatever they were eating! Some early attempts at signing may be accident, but if you respond to them, the child will learn that by speaking with their hands, they got what they needed. Also notice if your child is responding to the signs YOU give. If you sign and ask "more?" and you child's face lights up this is progress as well! Remember that it does sometimes take a long time for those first signs to appear. Don't be discouraged if you don't see any signals that your child is attempting to sign right away. Sometimes we cannot see the result of what we do with our babies for a long time. But these early experiences become aborbed into who they are. The time you spend communicating verbally and by signing with your baby will not go unrewarded.

How do I practice for Recital?

2010-04-26T19:44:00.002-05:00

We have our spring recital coming up very soon. My private students have been researching their composers to write program notes about their pieces. We chose our music a while ago and have been working on it bit by bit each week in lessons and classes.

How should we prepare for recital at home? Please work to run through your music at least twice each day without the music. Music will be performed on the recital by memory, so at this point, they should be practicing from memory every day. Don't forget to go back and check the music to be sure that the child didn't start to make new mistakes. Sometimes after working on one piece of music for a while, new mistakes start creeping in. Be sure to keep it steady. If you have a CD, practice along with the CD to keep a steady beat and to practice "keeping going." We cannot stop during recital to rehash a mistake, to restart or talk about a mistake made.

Have recital run throughs where the child practices walking up to the piano, bowing towards the audience and sliding into the correct position (usually in front of middle C). Tell them its ok to take their time to find the correct hand position and to think about their music before beginning. Other ways to practice include singing the piece, counting the piece, calling out the note names and practice starting from the different sections of the music. A good way to work towards memory is to remove the music and have the child attempt to play from memory. If the child begins to struggle, replace the music for that portion of the piece. Eventually, he will learn play it without the help. About a week away from the recital, stage practice recitals in your home for your family, friends, neighbors or even for the video camera. During the week before the recital we place more emphasis on the recital piece than ever.

In lessons we have been practicing the recital music each week. We will work on bowing correctly. We are also working to polish dynamics and correct any mistakes that have crept up along the way. The memory work should mainly be done at home so that we have time in lessons and classes to also work on other music. Music must be memorized by May 3 to participate in the recital.

2010-04-23T17:38:00.001-05:00

Why Kindermusik before piano?

2010-04-21T16:28:00.003-05:00

Today in our Family Time class I had a great reminder of one of the reasons we suggest taking Kindermusik before starting piano.

The children took a little extra time today with the instrument exploration during family jam. One thing we worked on with the older kids, was trying to exercise BOTH hands, not just the favored hand. Playing the simple instruments like a drum with mallet, rhythm sticks, castanets, sand blocks and shakers work on fine motor skills and hand eye coordination required to play the piano or any other instruments. Alternating egg shakers or rhythm sticks not only strengthens neural connections between the right and left sides of the brain, but it also strengthens coordination in the non-dominant hand which is essential for piano technique.

Another aspect of the instrument exploration is that the instruments are all played in different ways thus using different muscle groups in the arms. This strengthens the fine motor muscles that control the individual fingers. Finger independence and equal finger strength is also important to learning to play the piano.

This is also important in help the child learn to hold a spoon and feed himself or learning to write. Other activities that facilitate fine motor development are the pegged puzzles, stringing beads, putting beans through a small hole in an old can, using tongs to move cotton bowls from one dish to another, or using an eye dropper to squeeze out one drop of liquid at a time. Try putting these activities where they are worked from left to right. This helps prepare them to read text as well as music from left to right.

Kindermusik provides the perfect opportunity to work on all these skills in a free environment where there are no wrong ways to play an instrument and endless outlets for creativity.

Summer Jazz Piano Classes

2010-04-17T10:22:00.003-05:00

Should my child take piano over the summer? Should we take a break from piano lessons? Will we even be able to practice over the summer?

These are valid questions I hear from parents. Summer time is busy with vacation and camps. Sometimes parents feel that their child needs a break over the summer from any kind of academic pursuit like piano.

Perhaps they are correct- summer should be fun. We don't want the children to become burned out do we? However, summer can also be a time where children lose a lot of knowledge and progress gained over the past school year. I often see piano students lose interest over the summer or regress if they do not take summer lessons. Sometimes I spend the first few classes of the school year reviewing previous lessons.

I think I have a solution to this problem. This summer, I will be offering jazz improvisation classes in our piano lab at the Cherubs Clubhouse. We will break from the routine of the school year and from the repetition of recital practice. We will work on learning chords, scales and form and use this to improv in the jazz, rock, pop and blues style. This is a fun approach to theory which allows for creativity on the part of the student. We will also continue to play our theory games and review previous pieces in class as well.

New students will use this method to improv at the keyboard as they learn about keyboard geography and the basics of rhythm and steady beat.

No materials are required for the summer term. The jazz method will be provided at each class from my studio library. We will offer 4 weeks of classes on Thursdays in June and July. You can sign up for the classes that you will be able to attend according to your schedule or you can attend the entire term. Registration is required by by June 1 so that I can schedule the classes according to age and level. Check here for pricing and the schedule- Summer schedule and registration

We will also be holding a summer piano camp! No previous instruction is required. Our summer camp will include ensemble and theory classes organized according to age and level as well as play time at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Registration is required by June 1 Click here for more info

Sign and Sing

2010-04-15T21:46:00.003-05:00

In a Kindermusik Sign & Sing class (developed by Signing Smart™), we give parents the tools and knowledge to communicate with their babies using American Sign Language. Through songs and play, both parents and babies learn signs for words like “mommy” and “eat,” and as well as practical signs like “more,” “milk,” and when he’s “all done.” This research-proven signing class for hearing children speeds language development, eases frustration, and enhances long-term learning abilities.

What a Parent and Child Experience In Class
Play, sign, and sing -- Using everyday items in engaging small and large group activities, we’ll sing songs and practice the sign as we say the words, play with toys, and help the children learn both the spoken word and the sign.
Expert advice -- Parents will learn to spot their babies’ most “teachable moments” and the sign language teaching methods of the experts. Plus they’ll learn to recognize and respond to their children’s versions of signs.
Communication through sign language -- When a child is chasing a bubble or asking for the ball, make the sign for it and say the word. So a child has the ways to associate the word with the object: the child holds the ball, hears the parent say the word, and then sees the adult make the sign.

Tuition: $70
Enrollment includes:
Developmentally appropriate American Sign language curriculum for parents and hearing children, ages 6 months to 3 years
5 week semester with classes held every other week
40 minute classes plus 30 minutes of playtime
Family Activity Guide, DVD, and Clip-On Flashcards showing adults and children using signs
Over 75 sign language activities and games to play together

Class is held on Thursday evenings at 6:00 at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Enroll now!

New classes!

2010-04-15T21:34:00.002-05:00

We have just begun our new term of Family Time this week! I enjoyed one of my returning students picking up brand new songs on the first day of class! Many of the Kindermusik songs are built on bi and tri-tonal melodies which are the first intervals that children readily pick up. Children all over the world sing various songs built on these 2 or 3 notes without even being taught: "
Ring around the rosie", "nanny, nanny booboo", "its raining- its pouring as well as rain", "rain go away." Since children so naturally sing these tones, this is where we start teaching them to match pitches.

We also worked on inhibitory control- which is the ability to stop and start according to directions. We worked on gross motor inhibitory control during movement time as well as fine motor with the instruments.

This term, we began working on some of our school skills at a new level. Instead of the children spending the entire duration of class in their parent's lap or by their parent's side, we encouraged the children to sit on the music squares in the front of the room for some of the activities. This allowed them to learn to sit in a classroom-like setting but still gave them the comfort of knowing that their caregiver was close by.

We do a variety of movements in a Kindermusik class. Most things we do have a specific developmental purpose. This week we talked about activities that cross the mid line of the body thus creating neural connections from the right to left side of the brain. Alternating hands to play the egg shakers, crawling on the floor, or bouncing both hands across the mid line from one side of the body to the other work on this.

We are still enrolling for this class! Be sure to register online today to make sure we order your materials!

The Absorbent Mind

2010-04-13T10:17:00.003-05:00

I am currently re-reading one of my favorite works of Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind. When I last read this work, it was about 2 and a half years ago when my oldest child had just entered the toddler program at her Montessori school. I decided that it was time to revisit this masterpiece now that both of my kids are older and in a different stage of development.

There are a few things that I have read this second time that have rung a bell concerning my Kindermusik classes. This is one of those books that is very difficult to quote because every paragraph seems to perfectly encapsulate the spirit of aiding life through education rather than simply filling an empty vessel with knowledge.

One of my favorite passages is the following: "Our day has seen a great awakening of interest in the mental life of the newly born. Some psychologists have made special observations of the baby's growth from the first three hours after birth. Others, as a result of careful study, have come to the conclusion that the first two years are the most important in the whole span of human life." To many of us, this is not a new idea. However, at the time period in which this was written, the concept of education beginning at birth was quite radical. However, I believe the education of which she speaks does not concern itself with the filling of an infant's brain with facts, or the pressuring of the child beyond his developmental level, but with the environment in which the child lives. It is about exposing the child to nature, fine art, musical experiences, and culture at an early age. It is about providing order and peace in the home and early classrooms. These early experience become a part of the child in a way that we cannot fully observe and help the child to become the person that they will be.

Montessori quotes Carrel saying, "The period of infancy in undoubtedly the richest. It should be utilized by education in every possibly and conceivable way. The waste of this period of life can never be compensated. Instead of ignoring the early years, it is our duty to cultivate them with the utmost care." Maria then responds to this quote by saying, "Today we are beginning to see the value of these ungathered fruits, more precious than gold, for they are man's own spirit."

So what?
So what are we doing to nurture our own children? Certainly I am not talking about hyper-parenting by cramming each day with enrichment activities with little to no time for relaxation. I am also not suggesting that we allow the children do explore and do whatever they want. But are we parking the kids in front of the TV as a babysitter all day? Are we handing them a video game to keep them busy? I know we are all guilty of that and in my opinion, educational TV and educational video games can even be good in moderation. But are we providing our kids with the opportunity to take an enrichment class that interests them? Are we exposing them to fine art and music, or do we assume that they are too young to appreciate "grown up" culture. Are we taking the time to teach them spiritual lessons, or are we waiting until they are older because we think they will not "get anything out of it" at a young age. Are we spending one on one time with our kids?

Often times parents wonder if a child is too young for Kindermusik. An infant under 12 months will probably not be singing along, will probably not be playing the glockenspiel and may not perfectly follow directions in class at that age. But by being exposed to the classroom setting, hearing the music, moving to the music and experimenting with the instruments, you child is absorbing these things into their very being. You may not see the results right away, but by providing your child with an enrichment activity, they are becoming who they will be and developing a love of music.

"There is-so to speak- in every child a painstaking teacher, so skillful that he obtains identical results in all children in all parts of the world. The only language me ever speak perfectly is the one they learn in babyhood, when no one can teach them anything! Not only this, but if at a later age the child has to learn another language, no expert help will enable him to speak it with the same perfection as he does his first." Maria Montessori

A visit to our farm

2010-03-31T12:42:00.005-05:00

Our Family Time class ended today! We had such a good group and I have enjoyed getting to know everyone. Next week, April 7 at 10:00 am, will be a demo class for our next term.

I have seen so much improvement in our class this term! A few of the kids who were quiet at the beginning of the term are now imitating animal sounds and repeating words from our class! They have learned that our opening song means time to settle down for class. They are so good at putting the instruments away at the end and are just now starting to develop inhibitory control which is the ability to stop or start as action, like playing an instrument, on command. Today I enjoyed watching them follow directions as well as come up with their own ideas for movement or for instrument exploration.

Today we listened to animal sounds and imitated them to work on verbal skills and phonemic awareness. We pretended to drive our tractors around the farm and waved the colorful scarves like butterfly wings to work on gross motor skills. Studies link movement to brain development so we want to include free movement in each class. We also incorporated gross motor movement with the instruments as we played our instruments up high, down low, and to the side with the Piggy Jig. This also emphasizes verbal skills as the children see and make the movements as the hear the directional words spoken.

They were so good at following directions today as we put the instruments away, acted out our book, _Flip Flap, Sugar Snap_ and as they worked on inhibitory control as we stopped and started playing instruments.

The children really enjoyed our guest farm animal today as well! Each child was able to pet our real live rabbit at the end of class and we all held our puppets and rocked them to our last song.

I hope everyone can join us for another term of Family Time. Our next session will be, "Movin and Groovin." We will also be beginning a session of Sign and Sing on April 14 as well.

A trip to the aquarium! Week 8

2010-03-11T20:41:00.000-06:00

Piano this week

2010-03-05T15:19:00.003-06:00

We had wonderful piano classes this week! We had an instrument demonstration on the violin. Each class played computer theory games. My older classes learned how to set up algebraic equations to determine the missing beats in the measure.

My private piano students are beginning their music history research projects. We will all be choosing recital music soon and we will all be researching our composers. Our recital is held at a nursing home as a special treat for those who live there.

Our practice-a-thon is still going strong! I know a lot of kids have worked very hard on practicing and on raising pledges for the Free Wheelchair Mission. We have until your lesson or class this week to continue working toward our goal. Contribution can be made on our fundraiser website (a link is on the right side of the blog)

A trip to the aquarium!

2010-03-03T12:13:00.003-06:00

Bring your cameras next week!

Today our family time class took a trip to the aquarium! We started out in our blue tulle "ocean" with sea animal puzzles and toys. Then we worked on gross motor skills while swimming to the music. We used scarves to pretend to be whales deep in the ocean and used our scarves to leap out of the sea. The large tulle "water" made great waves and currents during this song!

The kids are really starting to respond to story time! I remember the first few weeks of class, when we would have a few attempted escapes from the room or crying during reading time. They are enjoying the story time a lot more and this is showing great progress in attention skills and school readiness!

The parachute "waves" were a fun activity we used to help the children hear, see and feel beats in groupings of three. The organization of steady beat at an early age not only prepares them for future music study, but also helps with early reading and math skills. A few of use were "bonked" with the balls during this activity, but it was fun anyway!

I thought the children would enjoy a quick demonstration on the trumpet today! We noticed that the mouthpeice by itself sounds a lot like a duck but not much like a trumpet. Each child was able to press the valves or buttons on the trumpet. Kids love to see instruments like this and it inspires them to learn more about music.

The children loved the free movement with the bubbles today! Hopefully, we can use our bubble machine a little more next week! This is one wonderful thing about teaching at the Cherubs Clubhouse. There are so many great props to use that I wouldn't have any where else!

Our last main activity was the water table we the sea creatures! Next week, I plan to add a few new items to the table. Playing in water is very relaxing to children so we incorporated this into our relaxation time at the end of class while we listened to one of our Spanish songs from the CD. I thought by using the water table at the Cherubs Clubhouse, we could have a hands on, multi-sensory experience to go along with our aquarium theme. Just another on of those perks of Kindermusik classes at the clubhouse :-)

We are already registering for our April term of Family time and Sign and Sing. Be sure to sign up if you are interested. Those currently enrolled will have first priority to register if they sign up before spring break. I will be doing a demo class during spring break and we may have several sign up then! We already have 2 interested in joining our class in April so sign up before all the spots are gone!

Music for Mobility

2010-02-25T12:59:00.003-06:00

This week our practice-a-thon has begun for the piano students at the Imaginations Music Studio. We will be raising money to send wheelchairs across the world to those in need in faraway places like Haiti through the Free Wheelchair Mission. One wheelchair can be bought for less than $60! Think of the impact even ONE wheelchair can make to its recipient and their family. Our goal is to raise enough money for 10 wheelchairs. Help your child to get pledges per minute, hour or day of practice for the next 2 weeks. Flat donations of any demonination are also accepted. Log your child's practice time in minutes for the next 2 weeks on the form that came home this week after their class or lesson. The child with the most practice time at the end of the 2 week period will recieve a prize!

Check out our Fundraising website, Music for Mobility

Logging practice time also helps your child to see the direct correlation between practice and progress. The competition of a "practice-a-thon" can also spur your child on to practice more than they might usually practice. There will be more info about practice time on your child's log.

I would like to encourage Kindermusik student to participate as well. I will make a jar available to collect loose change at the Cherubs Clubhouse. So bring by your loose change or cash to your next class if you would like to participate. The next time you buy your child a freezy pop or a drink at the Cherubs Clubhouse, donate the leftover change to mobility for those in need. Also, feel free to post our offical Music for Mobility fundraiser site and email it to all your friends as well. Let's raise awareness for this need and see if we can make a difference in someone's life!
Music for Mobility

Summer camp expo, Kidsfest, and Mom's market

2010-02-20T21:53:00.002-06:00

The Cherubs Clubhouse and the Imaginations Music Studio was represented today at the Birmingham Parent magazine summer camp expo at Brookwood mall. We will also be represented soon at the Mom's Market in Pelham, and at the Birmingham Kids Directory Kidsfest in Hoover. We have a lot of classes going on at the Cherubs Clubhouse and some great summer programs and camps coming up! Contact me for more information at imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net

We also just finished up our "Share the Love" fundraiser at the Cherubs Clubhouse. The event was a sucess and fun for all. Our piano studio will be doing a fundraiser to help raise money for Haiti very soon as well.

ABC Music and Me finishes up Sounds Abound!

2010-02-03T14:38:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow in Lesson 4, your child will :
• Read graphic notation by associating symbols with
sound effects.
• Played cups as part of an ensemble.
• Used cups, a one-bell jingle, and lummi sticks to create
sound effects.
• Played high notes, low notes, an elbow-to-wrist
glissando, or knocked on the keyboard to create
sound effects.
• Hummed along to a familiar tune.
• Created vocal sound effects for a story.
• Listen to the trumpet and observe how a cup mute changes the timbre of the instrument.

Humming is the perfect way to
practice pitch and melody without being distracted or encumbered by the words. In class tomorrow, your child will pretend to be in a boat an hum the tune “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

Bring the learning home!
Turn travel time into quality time with a game of “Name That Tune”! Take
turns humming a tune to be identified.
If your child seems to be struggling, sprinkle some words in as a hint. For example, for “Happy Birthday” you might do the following: “hm-hm hm hm to you, hm-hm hm hm to you.” How fun to discover you can sing with your mouth closed!

Next week we will begin our next unit...

An Outing at the Park

2010-02-03T14:17:00.003-06:00

I couldn't think of a better location to teach today's Kindermusik class than an indoor park like at the Cherubs Clubhouse! Our Family Time class this morning was focused on an outing at the park. We made animal sounds, took a walk, shooed flies, and had a picnic. After class, the group went to play on our indoor playground equipment. Our class seems to be growing a little each week and that is wonderful!! We had 3 new students this week!

One activity that can be carried into the home is the water bottles we used as a scraping instrument to sound like a croaking frog. Our bottles had beans in them which also turned them into shakers. Another alternative would be water with a touch of food coloring. So many parents are interested in getting their toddler into piano, guitar or violin lessons. I enjoyed watching our class this morning enjoy the simple water bottle instruments. There is no limit to creative exploration with the simple instruments like shakers, scrapers and sticks. There is also not a "wrong way" to play them. The children this morning even seemed to enjoy just looking at the instruments. This provides them with much more creative options and sensory stimulation than a more complicated instrument like piano as well as preparing them for the piano by working different groups of fine motor muscles in their arms.

Our circle "dance" today was a big hit too. The younger kids were carried in their mother's arms as they watched, listened and physically felt the steady beat. Some of the older kids participated on their own and did a great job of following along with the class! Way to go! Our circle dances also draw the child's attention the form of music. Most music has an A and B section. By changing our movement on the B section, the child experiences this in an auditory, visual and kinesthetic way.

In several of our activities, we were providing an example of how to follow directions to the child. The younger children may not be able to follow multi-step directions yet, but they will learn as they hear their parents echo the teacher, as they see the older kids participate in the stop/start activities, and as they are carried through the motions of the circle dances according to the instructions.

Music for Mobility

2010-01-30T09:38:00.003-06:00

Our first studio service project is coming up soon! We will be participating in a “Music for Mobility” practice-a-thon from February 21- March 7. This type of service project not only gets the children involved in a worthy cause, but it also encourages them to practice more and become more aware of their practice habits.
We will be donating the money we make towards a program called Free Wheelchair Mission. It is an international development organization working in seventy-five countries across the world to transform lives through the gift of mobility. Free Wheelchair Mission distributes wheelchairs for free to the disabled poor in developing countries – all for $59.20! Through their organization we will be able to help restore dignity and hope in children and adults who have a disability, empower families to be productive citizens in their community, and allow individuals to gain mobility! These are just a few of the things the money we raise will help do for these recipients.

All money donated to Free Wheelchair Mission is tax deductible if anyone asks you and the tax ID will be listed on the sponsor form. Please call me if you have any questions or would like to get involved.
We are so excited about this year’s practice-a-thon—we know it’s going to be great!

How do I practice?

2010-01-28T20:49:00.002-06:00

This may be my shortest post ever- how to practice piano:
1. count out loud
2. say the letter names of the notes
3. tap the music
4. listen to the recording
5. play through the piece at a slow, steady speed
6. all of the above

Kindermusik Challenge of the Week

2010-01-26T11:18:00.002-06:00

This week in our Family Time class, I am going to focus a little more on relaxation time in class. One thing I have noticed lately in my own home is the need to have quiet time. Whether it is reading time, listening to soft music, cuddling or even watching a movie all bundled up in blankets with the lights down low; we all need some down time. This is particularly important for older preschoolers who may have dropped their nap time.

When I notice that my children are restless and irritable, its usually time for a break from the stimulation either in the form of a nap or quiet time. The busier we are, the more we need this time but unfortunately, when we are busy we devote less time to it. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes of singing, snuggling, or reading with your child to totally change their (and your) behavior. Think of it like a "pre-time-out." Sometimes all that is needed to prevent the need of a time out is a little special quiet time spent with your child.

I have been very busy lately with all the new classes that have just started at the Cherubs Clubhouse but I am going to challenge myself to spend at least 10 minutes a day in relaxation with my children at times other than bedtime or nap time. In our class tomorrow we are going to practice implementing relaxation time and work on some techniques to promote bonding and peace in the home. Would you take the challenge too? Turn to tracks 6, 8,11 and 24 of your Family Time CD for relaxing music. Gather up a pile of books, a blanket and your puppets to cuddle and follow your child's lead as to how he needs to relax. Try to plan relaxation time for 5 to 10 minutes each day. It is not only good for you, but it is also good for your children.

We will be working on some intentional touch techniques in our class this week during our relaxation time. Check out the huggies website for more information about the strokes we will be using. Huggies Website You don't have to have any kind of training or supplies to learn these new ways to touch your baby or toddler. Check it out!

Yesterday, my 5 year old was still feeling sick from a cold. She received a lot of comfort from the intentional touch activities from the Huggies website as well as rocking to relaxing music. Even at 5 she benefited from these techniques and was asking for more! If you child learns to slow down and relax at a young age, it is something they can carry with them as they grow older and mature.

Four common mistakes concerning piano practice

2010-01-23T13:29:00.005-06:00

1. Giving the child a set amount of practice time for each day, but not supervising the practice.
When I graduated college I taught private lessons for a while in the prep department where I graduated. I once had a young student who simply was not progressing like she should from week to week. The parents were concerned about her lack of progress. They told me how she practiced every day all on her own. As it turned out, the child was spending all of her time at the piano banging around and playing music from previous recitals. She was spending adequate time at the piano, but not really "practicing". She was not practicing her new music at all nor was she completing her written theory assignments. While do not want to extinguish the child's exploration at the keyboard or repetition of old music, we do need to encourage the child to accurately practice new assignments before composing their own pieces and working on old songs. New concepts can also be incorporated in the child's exploration in order to reinforce the new theory lessons learned each week.

2. Simply "running through" the pieces assigned without giving adequate time to the music.Another common mistake is to simply run through all of the assigned pieces like running through a checklist. Sometimes the student plays through the assignments too fast, and does not play accurate rhythms or notes. Other times, there may be a more difficult passage within the music that needs more attention. When a mistake is made, the student needs to go back to the point of mistake, study the music and isolate that section slowly until it improves. It is worthless to mindlessly practice music without trying to make improvement each time. Work to set goals each time you practice. Ask your child to set these goals in practice. Ask, "What can you improve about your performance of this piece?" "What do you think you could do better next time?" Seek a more specific answer than "I want to get more notes, or I want to play it faster." Specifically ask about their use of expression, their rhythm, or their memory work. Let the child learn to critique himself.

3. Practicing the same WAY each time.
Get creative in practice. Don't just sit and have your child play the same thing over and over in the same way. Count it out loud. Say the letter names of the notes. Search for hidden patterns in the music. Sing the words. Listen to the recording. Have you child teach the song to YOU, or to a sibling. Make it a game. Interact with your child during the practice but keep it light and fun. Instead of always generically praising your child for a job well done, point out specific things that you noticed during practice. Or better yet, ask your child to point them out. Asking them how THEY felt about the way they played a piece can help build confidence from within that is not based on outside praise.

4. Pushing the child too hard to practice a certain length of time, progress to the next "level" or learn a new piece.
It is much better to have a few short practice sessions than to try to push your child for a longer period of practice. If the child feels pressured or overly critiqued, they will not enjoy practice time. Let them progress at their own pace. Reward them for their time, praise them and make it a game.

One of my favorite Maria Montessori quotes is "teach teaching, not correcting." We do have to correct mistakes from time to time, but let's try not to ALWAYS be correcting. We want to set the child up for success by progressing at the child's pace and presenting each lesson in a way to prepare them ahead of time for the more difficult concepts.

Keep practice fun and always try to end the session on a positive note. You want to leave your child looking forward to the next practice session and lesson.

ABC Music and Me activities from class

2010-01-22T14:26:00.001-06:00

Sounds Abound

Yesterday, in Lesson 2, your child:
• Discussed the concept of sound effects.
• Listened to and created sound effects with instruments
and his or her voice.
• Heard stories with sound effects presented aurally
and visually.
• Reviewed the sound of temple blocks
• Explored ways to make sound effects using
the keyboard.
• Practiced humming and engaged in pretend play.
• Moved expressively with scarves to music.
• Played a singing game with cumulative movements.

Imaginary play is the perfect way to foster creativity and explore what is and is not possible. Children often enjoy taking creative license, enabling the impossible to be possible through play.

Bring the learning home!
In songs like “Put a Rock in My Pocket,” opportunities to imagine and pretend stretch your little one’s imagination. You can promote creativity by challenging your child to answer some open-ended questions. Try:

• What would happen if all cars were made of jelly?
• What toy would be more fun if it were slippery?
• If rain came in colors, what color would you like?

In class, your child pretended to find various objects and put them into his or her pocket: a rock, a leaf, a feather, and more. Use imagination to play your own “in my pocket” game at home. What could you pretend to put in your pocket? A bean? A wish? An elephant? Listen to CD Track 9 as you sing, hum, and imagine or pretend.

Piano!

2010-01-21T22:32:00.002-06:00

Here, There and Everywhere

2010-01-20T14:06:00.002-06:00

We had a great Kindermusik class this morning! We will begin and end each class the same way every week to get the children accustomed to the routine of our class. The more they use the home materials, the more they will become familiar with all the activities from class. I can really tell when a family has listened to their CD at home and when they read their books at home as well. The home materials are what makes Kindermusik unique. They allow you to continue learning at home and get the most out of class.

Our theme today was visiting a friend. In your family guide, you can read about more activities for the home that go along with our theme. Today we worked on developing gross motor skills with our free movement activities. We flew like butterflies and kites with our scarves. Our props from today like the scarves and balls provide a visual and tactile representation of sound and steady beat. We worked on fine motor skills as the kids experimented with different instruments and participated in our finger play. The simple songs that we sang unaccompanied allowed the children to focus on the melody so that they can learn to sing. The children seemed to enjoy story time and relaxation time at the end of class. As we rocked our puppets, I enjoyed rocking with 2 of the kids from our class. Rocking is not only relaxing, but provides stimulation for the vestibular system to help with their sense of balance. Everyone had a great time on the play gym afterwards and did not want to leave. We are looking forward to next week!

Kindermusik Giveaway!

2010-01-18T10:59:00.003-06:00

If you have spent any time at the Cherubs Clubhouse, you have no doubt heard "Cali the Car" from the Kindermusik Wheels Go Round album. Cali the race car is the upbeat "clean-up" song used at the Cherubs Clubhouse to encourage the children to race around to help clean up. Due to popular request of the CD, we are now offering a Wheels Go Round CD giveaway! Leave a comment to register to win the upbeat CD with a new twist on traditional children's songs! One winner will be drawn this Friday, January 22!

Feel free to preview the CD here, Wheels Go Round

Adult classes

2010-01-16T08:45:00.002-06:00

I don't know how many times I have heard an adult tell me that they wish they had taken piano as a child. Often they would like to start lessons, but it is hard with their busy schedules.

Group piano for adults can be a rewarding way to learn the instrument. In our classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse, we all play together as an ensemble. This is less intimidating for the beginner than a one to one situtation.

Group classes also provide a new social network for the adult. Learning to play piano can help with mild arthritis, relieve stress, and increase verbal memory and concentration skills. In a 1998 study, adults with previous music training had 17% better verbal memory than those without. Also, there was evidence of music study in their brain: musicians had an enlarged left cranial region in the brain.

So treat yourself, piano is good for you! Contact me at imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net if you are interested in beginning group piano lessons.

Classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse

2010-01-16T08:22:00.003-06:00

We had such a great week at the Cherubs Clubhouse! Our Family Time Kindermusik class for kids of all ages will start next week at 10:00 on Wednesday. Our piano classes started with a bang this week. After one of my classes, the whole class went back to the keyboards to practice together afterwards. Thursday afternoon, we had a demonstration of piano class followed by another piano class. We had one five year old student who like it so much he stayed for both classes. ABC Music and Me also had a fantastic class and really enjoyed the movement activities as well as listening to the different timbres of the trumpet.

Our Thursday 9:00 homeschool piano class as well as our Thursday 4:45 young beginner piano class is now full. We still have three spots left in our 6 to 8 year old piano class on Thursdays at 4:00. We also have spots available in our Family Time Kindermusik class at 10:00 on Wednesdays as well as ABC Music and Me on Thursdays at 10:00 am.

FOR HOMESCHOOLERS: Our ABC Music and Me class on Thursdays at 10:00 is a great introduction to music for 4 to 6 year olds. We have an intro to the piano, learn about many different instruments, sing, move and play.

I am also starting an older beginner homeschool piano class for kids 9 and up on Thursday at 10:45. Please contact me at 437-3478 if you are interested in that class.

Timbre

2010-01-14T13:38:00.004-06:00

Today in ABC Music and Me for 4 to 6 year olds we:
• Discussed the concept of sound effects.
• Listened to and created sound effects with instruments
and his or her voice.
• Heard stories with sound effects presented aurally
and visually.
• Learned the term timbre (how things sound).
• Was introduced to the sound of temple blocks
• Explored ways to make sound effects using
the keyboard.
• Moved expressively with scarves to music.
• Listened to the trumpet and to the change in timbre by adding a mute
• Made drums from everyday materials and played them in different ways thus exploring timbre
In class, we sang a song, echoing and tapping the body parts mentioned in “Elephants Have Wrinkles.” When your child is able to echo a sung phrase, he or she is exhibiting confidence in his or her singing abilities and exercising memory and sequence skills as he or she sings each cumulative verse.

FUN HOME ACTIVITY!!!
Make wrinkly echo-trunks and play an elephant echo game. While listening to
Track 3 on your Home CD, paint an empty paper towel tube black. Next, crumple paper into a loose ball, dip it in gray paint, and blot it onto the painted paper towel tube.
After it dries, enjoy taking turns singing a phrase,
making a noise, or humming a tune to be echoed using the echo-trunk.

Our class did such a good job of listening to instructions, paying attention and participating. Way to go!

Our piano classes also have gotten off to a good start today. Today we began with the basics of rhythm and worked on keeping a steady beat together. We will continue piano classes again this afternoon. The children had fun and did a great job of playing their first song together as an ensemble. After class, the kids came BACK to the classroom and played some more during their play time at the Cherubs Clubhouse!

Share the Love!

2010-01-13T07:27:00.000-06:00

Come on out to Cherubs Clubhouse Saturday, Feb. 14th from 5 to 8pm.

We will be hosting a "Share the Love" Fundraiser for fallen Pelham police officer Phillip Davis' family.

Cost per Family is $20.00. There will a DJ, Lite snacks, finger foods, drinks, cup cakes, and cake. You may also purchase tickets for a chance to win raffle prizes. Raffle tickets will be 6 tickets for $5. There will be massage gift certificates, Klassy Clean, Paul's Diamonds, Strike Force, Alterations by George and more up for grabs. The Davis Family will be in attendance and will be given a free membership and bonus card to the Cherubs Clubhouse.

There will also be Kindermusik giveaways!

Come on by, and help us spread the word for a good cause!

Let's Paint the Town Purple!

2010-01-08T09:19:00.004-06:00

January is our "Paint the Town Purple" month! We will start out the month with our "bring a friend" week, January 13, at 10:00 am. Bring a friend to Kindermusik class and enjoy the magic of music together!

So, forward this post to your friends, or click on the facebook share button to the right of this page, and post it to your profile.

Classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse are only about $9.00 per week plus materials. This not only includes your class, but also playtime on the Cherubs Clubhouse play equipment after class!! Invite your friends to come play and make music with you next week!

Music Class Demo Week in Pelham

2010-01-07T09:51:00.003-06:00

We have had a great demo week for music classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse in Pelham! I had originally scheduled the Kindermusik demonstration class for Wed. at 10:00 and piano class for Thursday at 4:00, but due to weather concerns, I had to try to "beat the snow" and reschedule for Wed. afternoon. We had a fantastic turnout at both classes yesterday (even with the reschedule) and are looking forward to music classes starting in Pelham next week.

I have also scheduled another Cherubs Clubhouse piano demonstration class next Thursday at 4:00 due to the possibility of today's class being cancelled due to snow. I have 6 spots available in my demo class, so please call 437-3478 or email me to reserve your spot.

Piano and Kindermusik will begin next week at the Cherubs Clubhouse. In piano, we will begin by establishing a strong steady beat and sense of rhythm. In Kindermusik, we will begin establishing a class routine, work on singing, movement, experiment with instruments and imaginative play.

Private lessons began this week at my Bruno and Inverness studio. We had a great week back after the break and are looking forward to more music classes here in Birmingham!

Snow plan!

2010-01-04T13:19:00.005-06:00

The possibility of snow in Alabama is exciting! It is all everyone can talk about this week and I know that soon the stores will be void of milk and bread. Whoever decided that we all need to stock up on bread and milk in the case of a few flurries is making millions off of Alabama! If it snows, the schools will close, in fact the entire state will shut down for even a few inches and we will all cuddle by the fireplaces drinking hot chocolate, eating chicken noodle soup and watching movies.

I am keeping a watch on the weather for our demo classes this week. As of now, I am still planning to have our demonstration classes on Thursday. Anyone who has lived in Alabama for very long knows that as soon as you change your schedule for a predicted snow day, the snow will come another day or not at all. However, in anticipation of the snow later this week, we are also going to offer a demo piano class on Wed. afternoon. PLEASE EMAIL imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net if you would rather come Wed.

If there is does indeed snow on Thursday, please call 529-6902 for a recorded message about our piano demonstration class.

Please join us for our demonstration classes, Wed. January 6 at 10:00 for kids 4 and under, Wed. January 6 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up and Thursday, January 7 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up. It is super cold out there, and you will need something to do to warm you up and keep away the cabin fever!

Private piano starts back for a new year!

2010-01-02T09:41:00.003-06:00

We will begin private piano lessons at Bruno Montessori and at my Inverness studio this week. Be sure to bring your child's materials to his lesson so we can get the most out of our first lesson back.

A peek into our lessons...
We begin each lessons with a short review of note naming, rhythm, or intervals. We do this by playing a music theory computer game and using a midi keyboard. The children really enjoy this aspect of their lessons- especially the boys!

Lesson book: Next we review the last assignment from the lesson book. After this we will begin a new concept with a new piece to reinforce the concept. We use hands-on materials, set up mathematical equations, and with the more advance students discuss theory as we practice scales and technique. Read your child's notebook for more details about your child's music and the activities from lessons. Your child's notebook is like your own personal blog about your child's lessons!

Written theory assignment: With each new concept of theory, there will be a written assignment for your child to complete at home. Please do not forget this important aspect of lessons! Your child will progress faster if their theory is completed at home.

Recital: We will begin working on recital soon. For our spring recital, we will choose classical music and work to preform it from memory. A little closer to recital time, each child will research their own composer and write a little summary about their research as a contribution to our recital program.

In the summer, we will have an exciting program at the Cherubs Clubhouse! We will have both summer piano ensemble classes and summer piano camps! This is a great opportunity for private students to benefit from the group lessons atmosphere and have a blast at the same time!!!

New year, new semester, new blog

2010-01-01T17:58:00.003-06:00

Monday, January 4 begins our spring semester of private piano lessons. Please be sure to bring your books and notebook to your first lesson of the new year! This semester we will be preparing for our formal recital in May. Each student will be assigned a new piece of classical music to preform from memory on the recital. We will also be researching the composers of our music so that the children can write their own program notes for their recital pieces.

This week at the Cherubs Clubhouse we will be hosting two free demo classes. On January 6, at 10:00am we will be having our free Kindermusik class for kids 0 to 4. On January 7 at 4:00 we will have our group piano demo for kids 4 and up. Come try out a class! The purpose of these demos is for each parent to observe a few sample activities from our curriculum. Children react in different ways to their first experience in a new class. It is not uncommon for some to be very shy about participating or others to be distracted by their new surroundings. The best way to get a feel for one of our classes is to try it for the duration of a term. It often takes several classes for a child to become accustomed to the class routine and focused on the classroom activities. As a parent or caregiver, the most important thing you can do is participate in the class yourself. If you are tentative about participation, or not focused to the classroom activities, your child will follow suit. The more engaged you are with the class and with your child, the more engaged your child will be. We are still taking registrations for our classes beginning in January, so be sure to visit our website to learn more.

I have decided to begin a new blog! I will maintain this blog as an informative resource about our classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse, Bruno Montessori and my Inverness studio. My new blog will be focused more on music and child development. Check it out!

Thanks!

2010-01-01T17:51:00.003-06:00

I wanted to send out a thanks to all those around the Birmingham area and beyond who have worked hard to promote our new classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse.

Thanks to Birmingham Mom Online for her many write-ups and posts about the Cherubs Clubhouse and the classes there. Check out Birmingham Mom Online Here

Thanks to the Birmingham Kids Directory for our listings in the calendar! Be sure to also check us out in the January edition of the directory! Birmingham Kids Directory

Thank you to Kindermusik International for listing us on their official blog! Minds on Music

Be sure to also check for our Cherubs Clubhouse ad in the Birmingham Parent!

More than just for the kids...

2010-01-01T10:42:00.004-06:00

How many new moms have made a New Years Resolution to live a more active lifestyle? I remember how hard it was for me to exercise after the birth of my children. As soon as I would get everything set up, their nap time was over. After their bedtime, it was too late and I was way too tired. Waking up early in the morning didn't last long either. It was often too rainy and cold in the winter for walks outside, and too hot during the summer. I tried going to the gym, but my child was not comfortable staying in the daycare there.

Parent participation in our Kindermusik classes, while not the same as an aerobic class or spinning class, supports a more active lifestyle. In Village class moms fly their babies around the room, sway and rock their babies and participate in circle dances while holding their babies. In our toddler classes, ABC Music and Me for 2 to 4 year olds and Our Time, for 18 months to 3 years, parents move around the room with their child, participate in lap bounces, circle dances and more. The more engaged the parent is during the class, the more the child will actively participate. Of course, these activities are not only for class, they can be done in the home as well! What a great way to provide an active example to our children to support a healthy lifestyle!

What's more, is that for every active, gross motor activity, we also provide an opportunity for learned relaxation. Did you know that relaxation can be a learned skill? It is hard work being a parent, and you deserve a break. Moms (or other caregivers) and babies are encouraged to slow down and focus on each other during periods of rest and relaxation in our classes. In Village, we promote calmness and bonding through intentional touch activities and rocking during this time. In Our Time and ABC, parents and children cuddle up to rock and sing a lullaby or listen to a story. These are techniques that can be implemented throughout your daily routine to promote a sense of peace and serenity in the home.

Village (0 to 18 months), Our Time, (18 months to 3 years), and ABC Music and Me (2 to 4 years) will begin January 13 at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Be sure to sign up and reserve your spot. Register here!

Did you know...

2009-12-31T15:53:00.001-06:00

ABC Music and Me for 4 to 6 year olds

2009-12-30T09:24:00.007-06:00

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?

2009-12-29T10:36:00.003-06:00

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?

2009-12-28T19:56:00.006-06:00

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?

2009-12-28T11:17:00.004-06:00

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!

2009-12-27T13:48:00.006-06:00

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!

2009-12-26T10:00:00.005-06:00

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

2009-12-23T12:10:00.004-06:00

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

2009-12-16T13:40:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-07T22:01:00.005-06:00

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!

2009-12-05T15:40:00.000-06:00

What should I buy my child as a first instrument?

2009-12-04T12:46:00.004-06:00

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

2009-12-01T22:08:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-26T10:16:00.005-06:00

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?

2009-11-19T16:33:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-18T14:56:00.000-06:00

“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

2009-11-17T21:41:00.006-06:00

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

2009-11-11T22:33:00.002-06:00

Importance of Theory

2009-11-10T18:59:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-08T16:41:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-03T13:53:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-29T22:03:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-10-27T12:07:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-24T07:46:00.006-05:00

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

2009-10-22T20:15:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-10-21T21:57:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-10-21T14:37:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-10-18T08:55:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-13T21:13:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-10-04T21:59:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-02T22:08:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-26T20:44:00.000-05:00

Updates to our website!

2009-09-26T17:10:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-25T16:11:00.002-05:00

“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