About First Steps In Music

Information about my First Steps in Music classes

I use the First Steps in Music curriculum for my Early Childhood classes. Developed by John Feierabend, PhD, director of the National Center for Music and Movement in the Early Years – it’s the same curriculum taught in YMCA facilities across the country. Look for it on the PBS Kids Melody Hounds show with Lomax the Hound of Music. For the Homeschool class I’ve added some exciting, kid-approved activities to Dr. Feierabend’s elementary curriculum. Some of these are influenced by the learning theories of Howard Gardner & Edwin Gordon.

Unique Aspects of the First Steps in Music curriculum

Based on folk and traditional songs and rhymes because of their natural melodic expressiveness, natural flow of the language, and texts filled with wonder. Unlike other programs, it is designed to be taught by an independent Music Specialist/certified music instructor. (I’m not part of a large corporation or a franchise!)

Based on early childhood research related to the development of:

1. Musical intelligence
2. Singing skills
3. Sensitivity to the beat
4. Expressive movement
5. Musical memory
6. Preferences
7. Neurological connections

Goals for Children

To experience activities that will prepare children for the later development of:

1. Accurate rhythmic skills
2. Accurate singing skills
3. Sensitivity to the expressive qualities in music

Guidelines for Parents

1. Parents must participate in all Infant through Preschool activities (not Homeschool/Elementary).
2. Classes are for parents to learn activities as well as for the children’s enjoyment.
3. Children often are unresponsive in class and participate more freely at home between classes. This is normal. Parents should learn the activities during class time so they can share them with their children during more receptive times at home.
4. Infants and Toddlers may roam during class as long as they do not distract other children.
5. Invite a roaming child back to the group, but do not force the child to participate.
6. Please try not to talk to other adults during class. Focus on your child. Depending on the schedule it may be possible to arrive up to 15 minutes early to socialize before class, and likewise to stay after class.
7. Do not compare one child’s accomplishments to another’s. Children develop at different rates. Later development is sometimes better!
8. Plan to arrive at least 5 minutes before class starts so we can start on time.
9. We do take our shoes off for all classes, in order to keep the carpet clean for the little ones and to maintain a comfortable, home-like atmosphere.

Supplemental Materials for Parents

Tuition includes a CD of the songs and rhymes taught in class, plus a word sheet to help adults remember the activities at home. Supplemental books and additional handouts will be available occasionally.

Early Elementary Homeschool Class Offerings

For 6-9 year olds, in addition to the First Steps in Elementary music curriculum - we’ll sample some of the following: Being in Motion: Multicultural music and movement to enhance awareness & cognitive skills / Singing games, play parties & partner songs / The Butterfly Dance: PanEuRhythmy exercises / musical Theatre & Yoga games / Music Reading / Songwriting / Music & Science: BoomWhackers & Tuning Forks/ plus lots more instruments and music-themed books.

Prenatal Family Music

This weekday evening class is for the whole family expecting a new child, whether through pregnancy or adoption. You will learn basic concepts of rhythm and beat (and why they are important for infant development); how to create your own special song for the new baby; how to choose music for stimulation, comfort, relaxation and sleep; lullabies as well as other rocking & patting songs that siblings will enjoy learning and singing to the new baby (both before and after birth).

Age Groupings and Class times

Classes are usually organized as follows, but may differ slightly, depending on need.

Thirty minute classes

Music in My First Year!  (0 – 12 mos.)
Music, Now I’m One!    (12 – 24 mos.)
Music, Now I’m Two!    (24 – 36 mos.)

Forty-five minute classes

Preschool Class             (3 – 5 years)
Early Elem./Homesch.   (6 – 9 years)
Prenatal Family Music    (anytime during pregnancy)

All classes are held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at the Columbia Community Birth Center unless otherwise noted.

I can’t figure the exact class times and age-groupings until registration is complete…so please register as early as possible. If you have any time constraints (nap time, work schedule, etc.), please write them on your enrollment form.

Parents-Only Meeting

There will be a one-hour parents-only meeting held prior to each semester at the Birth Center for parents new to the program. At this meeting we will review the class format and expectations. Childcare is not provided. Please do NOT bring children. All parents are welcome to attend, as are grandparents.

During the parent meeting I will show a 30-minute Music and Early Childhood video produced by Connecticut Public Television. It features prominent authorities discussing early childhood music and movement research and philosophy as well as children in action in music classes and at home. I will also have on display a variety of materials (books, instruments, puppets, etc.) used in classes.

Please let me know via the contact form if you have any questions, 
Margaret Waddell