Fall Music Classes - Let's Break It Down
So many factors go into building a child's love for music, namely, you! Plus, registration for music classes this fall are now open.
Hi families! Thank you for your interest in upcoming infant and early childhood music classes with me. If you are receiving this newsletter, we have been in communication regarding my offerings. However, if this doesn’t apply to you, please unsubscribe. In this newsletter, I’m breaking down a single song and all the elements in play. Plus, notice what’s new with fall classes - a new class following Baby in Tune, the return of our preschool readiness class, as well as a new sign-up format (feedback welcome!). Fall enrollment is open!
Many of you are choosing to continue music classes throughout your child's baby and toddler years and I am not only thrilled to be a part of it, but thrilled that you are delighting in your child’s love for music and seeing the massive benefits (communication and more playfulness in your day to day, being the highlights). For any newcomers, you will watch your child week to week and observe the magical moments when concepts and songs *click* because in early childhood, repetition and familiarity are key. But why?
I want to break down a single concept to convey what is happening developmentally in just one type of music intervention I incorporate - the idea of anticipation. As adults in a nonstop world, we hear a simple song and delight in our child’s response, but what is really in play here? How can an anticipation song support emotional regulation and social awareness? Let me share a shaker song that has been a hit this summer for you to get the full picture:
Song credited to Tyler Wray, SCAT, MT-BC
The song is simple, and in class I tend to repeat it 4 times, assuming everyone is content and engaged (the beauty of live music with an adaptable music therapist is that I can easily be flexible to meet the group’s everchanging needs!). Repetition helps babies and toddlers grow familiar. The more familiar they are, the more comfortable they feel. A child feels safe as they can anticipate what comes next, providing a sense of security. Your Little One hears it once, and already starts to recognize the pattern in the music, noticing the surprise pause. Then it comes back and this time they are certain what’s going to happen next. And again, and again! And this time, they are experts in it! And through this exercise of repetition with trusted caregivers, they feel increasingly confident and comfortably connected. This intriguing *pause* that keeps returning has the amazing power to build a secure feeling because children know a reliable response is coming that they can count on, while at the same time in that paused anticipation, we’ve engaged socially. As they gain trust, we can vary the length of the pauses, increasing social skills as you are following one another’s cues.
Can we apply this to even the littlest babies? Yes! They love start/stop repetition. Peekaboo! I was gone, now I’m here! (Even better, do it with a song). That developmental foundation can be generalized to daily skills when we need a child to start or stop for safety, or to support routines and cooperation (like a Freeze Dance or Bluey’s Feather Wand game). In the shaker song above, it also introduces the concepts of high and low - spatial awareness. In a class with older children, maybe I would vary the directions, tempo, ask for them to identify opposites, pause for an extraordinary amount of time challenging their impulse control, or deem one of the kids the leader to encourage peer awareness. Kids will innately match tempo and dynamic variations, learning these musical concepts (that can be generalized beyond musical structures) best through experience. We give our children this understanding not by telling them it’s true, but by immersing them in the musical experience.
Did you know all that is happening in a 45-second ditty? Don’t worry, I’ll do the planning, you just join in the fun!
Here’s what’s happening this fall for music classes:
What’s new:
BIT and Beyond is geared for families who have participated in Baby in Tune and wish to continue and expand your repertoire. The age range is generally 3-12 months old but as with all the classes, choose the class that best fits you and your child. While Boppin’ Music Buddies (8-24 months) is totally child-focused, BIT and Beyond will continue to support parents through check in’s much like the original BIT.
You will also notice overlaps in age ranges. It’s your choice! The 11:15 BMB tends to lean toward the 8-16 months age range who are taking 2 naps, while the 10am BMB is typically the crew who are down to 1 nap. Some 22-month olds may be ready for more structure in the Preschool Music Mates, while others are blossoming in the routine of Boppin’ Music Buddies. Like the example I gave above, I often recycle the same songs but add new elements to make sure I’m offering age-appropriate engagement.
Siblings who are mobile are welcome to join at 1/3 the cost. Lap baby siblings can attend with siblings at no cost. Email to discuss attending 2 different classes within 1 family.
Smaller class sizes will enable more schedule flexibility and accommodate siblings more comfortably.
New sign up format! My website has an overwhelming amount of bells and whistles, so I am constantly exploring what is most helpful. You can now add your class selection into a Cart and check out using a variety of payment options. There is still a form to complete so I can get to know you and I am always happy to answer any questions via email! Sign up by August 1st using FALLMUSIC5 to receive a discount!
Don’t forget - if you have a group who would like to meet weekly for music classes beyond what I’m offering, let’s arrange it! This is such a special way to expand your community and strengthen your support system. Nannies, grandparents, and mixed ages welcome.
General FAQ’s for classes can be found here, but if you know me, you know I’m happy to chat!
Happy singing!
Sarah
sarahkingmtbc@gmail.com