MUSIC FOR LITTLE KIDS is a semester-long course developed for grades K-1 (ages 5-7). Tuesdays, 4:00-4:45pm, September 27, 22-January 10, 23. $195 for 13 sessions.
First class offered FREE of charge!! The first class of the semester on Tuesday, September 27th is offered free for families to come and see what it’s all about! Come meet the instructor and hear about his children’s music education philosophy. Let your child(ren) try out the class to see if it is something they would like to participate in long term.
Students learn to sing songs and move to songs that have accompanying actions like clapping, marching, or playacting. Skills developed include:
A typical 45-minute class will include a warm-up and at least 10 different activities. Classes begin at the published time, but will include students/families as they arrive without communicating a punitive ‘vibe.’
Consequent classes repeat some activities and add new ones, resulting in a repertoire of learned songs at the end of the semester. This class also supports and supplements beginning instrumental studies on instruments such as piano, violin, and cello.
Parents are encouraged to attend to reinforce the songs at home and to provide a supportive context for students learning how to participate in this type of class. Songs taught in class will be available to sing along with on-line.
Steve Peisch has taught music at several schools, including the New England Conservatory, Deerfield Academy, Lawrence Academy, The Indian Hill Music School (now called the Groton Hill Music Center) the Bromfield School, and Hildreth Elementary School.
Most recently, he has focused on providing excellent and enjoyable music classes for the youngest elementary school age children, having learned from first-hand experience that providing a strong foundation at this level will strengthen the music programs
that follow in both middle and high schools.
Peisch is committed to developing curiosity and creativity in young people, to sequencing instruction carefully and in conversation with other music teachers, to broadcasting high expectations in music and other arts classes, and to encouraging music students to make connections with other subject areas.
Peisch also discovered through experience that music programs at low-SES schools are
significantly weaker than programs in more affluent communities and private schools. He has committed to combating this problem with his advocacy and his volunteer work.
Peisch’s music is available on his website, http://hundredsrecords.com/index.html, and his recommendations for arts educators can be found on his company’s website, http://www.newdirectionsinartseducation.com/