Thanks for inquiring about my music class!
The next Silly Monkey Music Class starts the weekend after
Labor Day, Sept 11 & 12. I will offer a Friday morning class at
10:00, and a Saturday morning class at 9:30 (other classes can
be scheduled if needed). Ideally, the class is for 3 to 5 yr-olds.
But we've had some 2-yr-olds that did really well, and even a
couple 6-yr-olds, who were able to stay interested most of the
time. Each class lasts around 45 minutes. I'll hold the class in
my home studio on Ashland Dr, right around the corner from
Surrey Center.
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 5-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.
I encourage the grownups to participate in the class, too. When
a Silly Monkey's grownup wants to play the instruments, or
dance the dance or sing the song, it encourages them to
participate, too. It also helps some shy Monkeys overcome their
misgivings, and honestly, it just makes it SO much more
entertaining for me! So warm up your clapping hands and
dancing shoes before you get here.
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 10 Silly Monkeys in each class. I've already got
an unofficial list of students for the fall classes started, so please
let me know if you're interested as soon as possible. I'll give you
info about the official registration deadlines as they get closer.
The fee for the 6-session class is $85 per child. This $85 fee
includes 6 classes, instrument-making supplies, and a CD with
the music used during the course. I will contact you a few days
before the class with directions and other instructions.
Thanks!!!
Tara
