FAQ

• Our PASSION for the program is based on the innovative and successful “Orff Schulwerk” approach to music education. With this active approach as the foundation, we use singing, instruments, movement, and improvisation to make music come alive. Orff Schulwerk is a proven and exciting approach to teaching music to children. Based on things children like to do-sing, chant rhymes, dance, and play instruments. Children experience the joy of making music together in a group as they learn the fundamentals of music.

• Our comprehensive and continuous schedule of classes that offer something unique and musically educational for every age group. The Music Rhapsody program uses the Orff instruments like glockenspiels, xylophones, and percussion instruments, another reason why it has to be developmentally appropriate (babies would be putting bars and mallets in their mouth!) and why it is easy to continue to challenge the timing and coordination of the children as they have more experience.

• The mommy-and-me style “Make Music” classes are developmental/age-appropriate and also include a broad range of music, such as piano and orchestral (classical) music, world music, traditional folk dance music, and folk songs, and jazz. Parents are also music makers in these classes, where parents and children create bonds that will last a lifetime!

For our popular Music Rhapsody/Make Music Classes all kids need a music kit. All instruments have gone through extensive testing to be safe for babies and kids of all ages! The kits include popular instruments that we will be using in every class. They also have a download with all of the songs that we sing in class so that you can sing them at home! This is a great way to promote music at home and further a childs communication and speech!

The baby/toddler kit is equipped with a Baby Drum and mallet, Baby Bell stick, Maraca, Red Scarf and Baby Booklet.

Big kids/Young musicians kit is equipped with a maraca, bells, rhythm sticks, tambourine, and triangle. A xylophone is also needed for some classes.

The activities are developmentally appropriate and children naturally participate at the level with which they are comfortable. Some children are natural observers and will spend several weeks watching the classes unfold with seemingly little participation. Others will jump in from the very beginning and actively and enthusiastically participate.

We know that each child is unique and that these differences are completely normal. Often the observant child will be singing all of the songs at home and doing each activity with his or her parents all the time. Little babies who may even fall asleep in class will respond to the music on the CD at home by kicking, moving or looking for the sound source.

Our expectations for our parents are quite simple; that you come to class consistently and participate both in class and at home, engaging your child in whatever manner is comfortable for them. If your child prefers to stay in your lap and be held or if your child needs to constantly move, both are exactly right. Your teacher will be able to suggest ways to engage and interact with your child.