Music and Play for Mama & Baby
Unlike any other activity, every single area of the brain is stimulated during music making! The first 6 years for a child are the most critical ones for musical growth. Infants are “wired” to receive music and able to discriminate between melodies and frequencies – this stage is also known as the ‘music babble stage.’ This is also the time where a child learns his surroundings through play. By incorporating the music culture into your child’s live, he will be able to experiment playfully with these musical elements. Parents, caregivers, and teachers can do a great deal to provide the necessary stimulation through music experiences to nurture the young child’s music abilities, regardless of your own.
At Heartsong Music, you and your child can experience Music Together®, an the award-winning early childhood music program. These classes are geared for children 0-5 yrs and their parents. Their classes are based on the idea that making music with children, in a community of families, enriches their lives as it promotes musical growth and aptitute. And, above all, it is FUN!
Classes include songs, chants, dancing and instrument play. Even though the class follows a structured sequence of activities, they are presented as informal, where kids and parents are free to explore through movement and music.
Photo courtesy of Katie Jo Dixon with Heart Roots Photography
Heartsong Music was founded in 2004 by Carey Youngblood, a certified Montessori teacher who has been involved in teaching children for over 25 years. According to Carey, this program has become a “true community of diverse families and enthusiastic, loving, and talented teachers bonding through musical experiences.” (Photo on the left is courtesy of Katie Jo Dixon with Heart Roots Photography)
I was able to experience a class with my 22 month old son and he LOVED IT! At the beginning of each session, families receive a Music Together illustrated songbook and two CDs (one for home and one for the car). Classes are mixed-aged and typically run for 45 minutes. You will find children and their families singing, dancing, and playing instruments together.
You will find some children sit in the parent’s lap, while others independently explore the room, the instruments, and their own movement in relation to the music – As you can see in the picture to the right, I must say my son was the independent one! In this particular part of the class, children and their parents, dance around the room to the rhythm of the music in a circle waving fun-colored scarves.
Photo courtesy of Katie Jo Dixon with Heart Roots Photography
At the end of the class children and parents gather in a circle and enjoy the “Goodbye song.” This last section of the class is very neat as the teacher passes by each kid (mentioning the kid’s name in the song) and lets them strum the guitar. I’m not a musical person myself, so I don’t think I’ve touched a guitar more than a handful of times! Knowing that my son is getting this experience from early on will be very valuable for his development and love for music!
Heartsong music is located on 2700 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 320. Call 371-9506 or visit their website.
They are currently offering FREE sample classes for the Fall
