Thanks for inquiring about my music class!
The next Silly Monkey Music Class starts on Saturday, Sept 6,
10:00 am. Ideally, the class is for 3 to 5 yr-olds. But we've had
two 2-yr-olds that did really well, and even one 6-yr-old, who was
able to stay interested most of the time. Each class lasts around
45 minutes. This fall, we'll be back in the Fine Arts Building, in
the piano lab (since I'm teaching an adult piano class right
after!). It's a big bright room with carpet and plenty of room for
wiggling, dancing, singing, etc.
My first vision of this class was in a "mommy & me" setting, but
it's kind of developed into only about half that. There are some
moms (dads, grandmas, etc) who will sit right next to their child
the whole time, and there are some who sit back against the wall
and let them do it on their own. Either way is great! Some little
ones are in a group setting for the first time, so they may need
more help figuring things out. Other kids are just dying to
express some of that wild creative energy that's bouncing
around their heads, and they want to do it "all by myself!". Either
way is fine with me!
You do whatever's most comfortable for you and your child. I do
encourage caregivers to help their child stay focused and
participate, and keep him from disturbing other Silly Monkeys.
But I also encourage them to just let the kids be kids. I want
them to really enjoy their music class and feel uninhibited. If your
child is anything like my 4-yr-old, he thinks the whole world is just
making up new rules left and right to spoil all his fun. Silly
Monkey Music is a class that is mostly about having fun, and just
a little bit about those rotten rules! I enforce a little structure
with their sitting in a circle, marching in a line, waiting their turn,
doing things in a group, but mostly, I just let them have fun with
music- which, by the way, is VERY structured. So it can't help
but rub off- hopefully without them even noticing! It's a pretty
laid-back setting, so you can feel free to take potty breaks, water
breaks, or just walk around breaks anytime you need to.
Honestly, the biggest problem I've had since I started this
program 2 years ago, is keeping the grown-ups quiet! It's hard
enough to talk louder than a group of 12 kids. But, just like my
preacher did to me & my best friend Amy in the 8th grade right in
the middle of a sermon, I WILL call you out and ask you to keep
it down if I have to. :)
The class will cover note values (quarter notes, half notes, whole
notes), dynamics (loud, soft, crescendo), tempos (largo, presto)
and different musical styles (we learn the Hula and the
Tarantella). We also make several of our own instruments. The
last class is a review of all the "greatest hits" and you're welcome
to invite friends & family members to come watch your own Mud
Puppy in action.
I will take up to 12 Silly Monkeys in each class. Registration has
already started for fall session, so sign up quick before all the
spaces are gone!
To register, call Dr. Quentin Kuyper at the ASU Conservatory
Dept: 706-731-7971 or sign up at
http://aceweb.aug.edu/sdc/group_classes.html?classgroup=110
The fee for the 6-session class is $85 per child, paid to ASU
Conservatory. This $85 fee includes 6 classes, instrument
supplies, and a CD with the music used during the course.
Make sure you include an updated email address. I will contact
you a few days before the class with directions and other
instructions.
Thanks!!!
Tara
