Imitative singing

To develop pitch and learn melodic patterns.
By copy… by ear with hints… by ear
Repetition is critical to developing musical memory. Short patterns will soon become a part of longer phrases. Phrases will become songs! The voice is our first and most musical instrument. When patterns are heard by the ear, sung by the voice, then played with singing on the keyboard — a wonderful circle of musical learning is achieved.

Solfege singing

To develop the musical language that opens the ears, frees the voice and enhances all keyboard playing. Students may develop “inner” hearing, which enables them to compose and memorize music.

Rhythmic work

To develop a steady pulse or beat (the group experience greatly helps children develop a feeling for pulse).

Keyboard

To develop bringing music from the ear, through the voice, to the finger. The keyboard at first serves as the “outside” music teacher, helping connect ears, eyes, fingers and minds.

Reading skills

To develop reading experiences in an appropriate manner for specific age groups. Reading development for younger classes will be through sight-singing activities and reading games. Young students should internalize patterns — then read them. Older students can experience this internalization — but will obviously be expected to sight play sooner because of their experience with other reading activities.

All reading should be approached in patterns. Go from the known to the unknown! This will be reinforced with writing activities and quick, fun drills.

Enthusiasm and enjoyment

The most important item of all! We want your children’s lives and yours to be enriched by sharing and learning music together!