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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
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