Enrollment Ages 4–6
Private Instruction: Half hour or 45 minutes
Group Performance: 45-minute class
First Theory: One-hour class
Young students receive comprehensive instruction in an instrument of their choice with regular parental involvement. Modeled on the educational philosophy of Shinichi Suzuki, this program nurtures students' musical sensitivity, listening skills, and technical proficiency in equal measure. Students learn their instruments at first by imitation and, at the same time, are taught fundamentals of theory and music reading. Weekly classes include a private lesson and a small performance class, which students and parents attend together. In addition, students attend one hour of Techniques of Music, called First Theory. Newly enrolled students start with a half-hour lesson, a 45-minute group class, and a First Theory class. Readiness for the program is evaluated during the admissions process.
First Theory
Children ages four to six experience the fundamentals of music through rhythmic movement, coordination games, singing, and improvisation. They explore rhythm, form, and melody with appropriate instruments, in an approach combining the Orff and Dalcroze methods. These
classes provide an excellent foundation for instrumental study. Classes are formed according to age.
Timbalooloo
In Timbalooloo, children learn to create music by making their
instruments come alive and "speak." This unique approach is inspired by
children’s natural ability to learn languages intuitively and enables
them to express themselves in a playful way that reflects the full
spectrum of emotions children experience. It also encourages young
students to envision music as a dialogue between instruments. By
connecting spoken language and instrumental music, children are able to
quickly internalize highly complex rhythms. Specialized movement games
help them develop a strong melodic sense. Repertoire includes music of
great composers from diverse musical traditions, ranging from Mozart to
Antônio Carlos Jobim, Bedřich Smetana to Herbie Hancock, all presented
through a story-based approach.