Music Classes for Preschoolers
Thank you, Susan, for sending in your question:
I’m wondering if you could post a question about music classes for preschoolers. I enjoyed taking my older son to music classes at the Community Music Center, but now with my three year old, I’m wondering about the other options out there. The Music Together classes especially intrigue me, however they cost twice as much as the classes at the Community Music Center. Are they that much better? Anyone have experience with other places?
We took both classes, and although it's more expensive, Music Together was a better experience for us. The CD's they give out reinforce the songs you sing in class, the consistency worked for my son. There's a method to their madness!
Posted by: Caren | January 03, 2007 at 09:47 PM
We did a couple of Music Together classes with Mila and she really enjoyed them. They definitely aren't inexpensive but it seemed worth it to us. Even two years later, she still will request listening to the CDs.
Posted by: Milagros | January 04, 2007 at 11:34 AM
We were always listening to music, singing music, etc but it was like magic the way our daughter picked up on the songs from Music Together. We ALL love the music, by the way - complex varied styles from around the world. But it's not just the music, it's also the science - the child development theories that are so seamlessly worked into just a pure 45 minutes of community fun. I highly recommend going to a trial class. Our teacher is Shannon Brazil - she is excellent.
Posted by: Sarah | January 04, 2007 at 02:14 PM
I'm a total Music Together groupie, so I'll spare you the gushing. I will say that we loved Bonnie and Joelle in NE Portland. Bonnie is incredibly high-energy (I believe she could lead a social revolution, as a matter of fact) and Joelle is more gentle. Both are wonderful. Totally worth the money in my opinion, and I'm not big into extracurriculars.
Posted by: Asha | January 04, 2007 at 09:00 PM
i was thinking about signing up for Music Together this winter/spring, but man, it looks like you've gotta sign up way in advance. Everything is pretty much full already. Alas. Looks like we might be doing something at the Community Music Center after all.
Posted by: jj | January 04, 2007 at 10:34 PM
We did a toddler class with Tati at CMC. I do recall that the spots for those classes were really crowded and booked, too. I think we got in off a waitlist. We enjoyed the toddler class, and I think CMC and Music Together have some great offerings for the older preschool age. Ethos (http://www.ethos-inc.com) has music offerings for children ages 4 and up.
Posted by: olivia | January 04, 2007 at 11:15 PM
I need to pitch Music Together one more time. I've "done" Gymboree, a ton of park and rec classes, mommy and me preschools, you name it, but I just really truly enjoyed this class. It wasn't over the top Gymboree which I just cringed at or way too hippy kumbaya which I can handle - but don't enjoy, it was just FUN. My kids loved it and the music was great. I honestly looked forward to going and I can't say that about ANY of the other classes we have gone to. GAWD, I sound like a groupie, but I can't help it.
Posted by: Betsy | January 05, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Not to worry Betsy, I'm a groupie too.
I started my son at Music Together when he was 5 months old and he's still going almost at 3. My daughter attended class in utero and as a newborn. She's not 6 months and just beams whenever we put in a Music Together CD.
Our instructors have taught me so much about how their little minds process music. Seeing (and hearing) their development has been such a joy. I look forward to every class.
This program is worth every penny and then some.
Posted by: Deb | June 10, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Hi,
I just wanted to chime in on this thread. I am a Portland mama who just started a wonderful new music school with my husband, Chris in NE Portland (right off MLK on Beech). We are offering Rookie Rock classes for little ones ages 0-6. Here is a link to some info about our classes.
http://soundrootsmusic.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=10
We hope you will consider joining us!
Posted by: Fara | August 30, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Hi,
I just wanted to chime in on this thread. I am a Portland mama who just started a wonderful new music school with my husband, Chris in NE Portland (right off MLK on Beech).
We are offering Rookie Rock classes for little ones ages 0-6 and are open for enrollments for Fall 2008. Here is a link to some info about our classes.
http://soundrootsmusic.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=10
We hope you will consider joining us!
Posted by: Fara | August 30, 2008 at 02:02 PM
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Posted by: ormsh unjg | February 21, 2009 at 02:20 AM
PLEASE NEEDED A BALLET AND SKATING CLASS FOR MY ALMOST 8, 4 AND 2 HALF ALL GIRLS.
Posted by: OLABISI LAWAL | April 16, 2009 at 07:04 PM
We've tried a few classes here and there but, frankly, we're a musical household w/tons of full-sized adult and smaller-sized children's instruments, and lots of CDs. And you know what? Nothing in the classes was every gripping enough to hold our kid's interest, but, more importantly, he was just overwhelmed by noise and kids and the forced nature of it. I loved the classes as "something to do" and a way to break up the day/week, but, beyond that? I really believe for preschoolers and toddlers you can learn the little bit about theory and musicality and brain development (etc) and do it at home. Later on, we'll try again.
Posted by: LessThanImpressedMom | April 16, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I am a mother, as well. I have my three kids enrolled in a music class. We are not a family of musicians but I was so amazed how my kids learned the instruments. They were so fast and according to the teacher, my kids are genius!
Posted by: Eleanor Hernandez | December 08, 2012 at 12:16 AM