MusicChristine Ann Martin, Chair
The Early Childhood curriculum introduces young children to music and the performing arts. The program is designed to explore music, theory, voice, dance, and drama. In most classes, parents are invited to participate at the level of involvement determined by the teacher; parental involvement is encouraged in classes for very young children.
By moving through the sequence of Early Childhood classes, the instructor and parent learn what the child’s special interests and abilities are. With this knowledge both can work together to choose the most appropriate course of study for the child. Please note that, following the completion of the Early Childhood program, openings for study in other departments at The Colburn School may be somewhat limited.
Enrollment in Early Childhood classes is according to the age of the child. Although classes are designed to follow the advancement of the child’s age, classes themselves may be repeated if faculty determine it would be beneficial to the child. Advancement to the next level is made when the department is confident that the child is ready. This determination will be based on teacher observation of the student’s consistent skill competency.
Early Childhood classes are in high demand. Classes are kept small, which means that enrollment closes very quickly; wait lists are used once a class is closed. The department strives to accommodate as many students as possible. To that end, the School also offers Early Childhood classes on weekdays and Sundays. Families who can exercise flexibility in scheduling are encouraged to take advantage of these times. As always, based on enrollment and demand, schedules and classes may change; such changes will be posted. Parents interested in enrolling their children in Early Childhood classes should contact the CSPA Office for registration dates, and should leave inquiries for more information with the Department Chair at 213-621-1029.
Faculty
Martin, Christine (Chair, Early Childhood; Making Music in Colburnland, Music for TWOs, Once Upon a Fairy Tale, Sing a Song of Seasons and Celebrations, Music and Movement I, Musical Journeys of the Imagination, Piano Prep, SuperSingers)
Bori, Francesca (Piano Prep, Storytelling/Creative Movement, Piano, Zing Went the Strings!)
Devine, Deborah (Creative Dramatics)
Gamboa, Gillian (Rhythm/Movement, Rhythmic Styles/Technique, Sing A Song of Seasons/Celebrations)
Izumi, Mari (Fundamental Concepts I, Music and Movement II)
Paquette, Jacqueline (Ukulele Recorder)
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Classes
Classes are listed in age sequence.
Making Music in Colburnland
Age: 18 months - 2 years
Duration: 25 minutes
This course is designed to introduce the very youngest child to the magic of making music. It is a family oriented class that welcomes the toddler to the world of the Colburn School of Performing Arts. Creative experiences explore varied musical traditions and styles; standard nursery poem and song repertoire are the focus of the class. Activities are captivating and nurture the child’s entrance into the Early Childhood music program.
Once Upon a Fairy Tale
Age: 2 years
Duration: 25 minutes
Once Upon a Fairy Tale brings the childhood traditions of Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, make-believe stories and folktales to life. Simple props and small percussion instruments are used to create a dramatic exercise in which the child becomes a part of the story.
Music for TWOs
Age: 2 years
Duration: 25 minutes
The young child is invited to explore music through his/her own body and imagination. Play, songs, stories, and games are the experiences that allow the child to discover and develop skills for musical expression.
Musical Journeys of the Imagination
Age: 3-4 years
Duration: 25 minutes
This class invites the young child to experience a magical adventure each week. Singing, drama, and movement, utilizing props and small percussion instruments, enhance the child’s active participation and ability to be creative.
Rhythm and Movement
Age: 3 – 4 years
Duration: 25 minutes
This introductory class channels creative energies, develops listening and motor skills, and explores spatial concepts, basic rhythms, and pitch. Small percussion instruments are used in the class.
Storytelling /Creative Movement
Age: 3 – 4 years
Duration: 25 minutes
Movement games and stories for listening and participating are told to stimulate the use of imagination and language, and to develop qualities of body awareness, concentration, group cooperation and individual expression, coordination, and balance. Participation includes rhythmic verbalization, pantomime, dramatic play, and creative movement.
Sing a Song of Seasons and Celebrations
Age: 3 –4 years
Duration: 25 minutes
This course teaches the young singer melodies that reflect our nation’s rich cultural treasury of song. Seasonal festivals guide thematic material for song selection. Class content includes an introduction to multi-cultural celebrations around the world.
SuperSingers
Age: 3 – 4 years
Duration: 25 minutes
The musicality of the young child is developed through vocal games, songs, and stories. Students are introduced to correct vocal placement and singing in the proper register while exploring the following elements of music: tempo, dynamics, rhythm, phrasing, timbre, and style.
Music and Movement I (1st and 2nd semesters)
Music and Movement II (3rd and 4th semesters)
Age, Level I: 4 ½ – 6 years
Age, Level II: 5 ½ – 7 years
Duration: 40 minutes
The Music and Movement classes develop the concepts and elements of music such as beat, dynamics, phrasing, form, melodic direction, pitch and rhythmic patterns, through listening and experiencing. Coordination and motor skills are further developed. Musical percussion instruments are demonstrated and utilized. Registration for all levels requires prior approval from the Department.
Introduction to Rhythmic Styles and Techniques
Age: 4 – 5 years
Duration: 25 minutes
This class explores various rhythmic styles and techniques utilizing Orff and percussion instruments and creative improvisation activities. The skills developed include muscle/ eye-hand coordination, attentive listening, awareness of rhythmic and melodic patterns, and creative expression.
Zing Went the Strings!
Age: 5 – 6 years
Duration: 40 minutes
This is a core music education class designed for the child to gain knowledge about the stringed instruments of the orchestra through a multi-sensory approach. Students observe and listen to individual players and ensembles. Repertoire unique to stringed instruments is explored.
Creative Dramatics
Age: 5 – 7 years
Duration: 25 minutes
Creative movement and creative dramatics, theater games, and improvisation are used to dramatize stories and poems. Members of the class create original stories. This course is recommended as preparation for Drama I.
Introduction to the Keyboard (Formerly Piano Prep)
Age: 5 – 7 years
Duration: 25 minutes
The Piano Prep class provides introductory work in the development of motor and ear-training skills, hand/eye coordination, a sense of Keyboard geography, finger dexterity, and concentration. This course offers pre-reading exercises to develop the child’s keyboard sense. Students must have access to an acoustic (not electronic) piano for daily practice. Enrollment involves a commitment to a minimum of two semesters of work.
Fundamental Concepts I (1st and 2nd semesters)
Fundamental Concepts II (3rd and 4th semesters)
Age, Level I: 6 ½ – 8 years
Age, Level II: 7 ½ – 8 ½ years
Duration: 55 minute
These classes are designed to continue the development of musicianship skills upon completion of Music and Movement II. Classes provide intensive, hands-on instructional activities. The curriculum develops vocal awareness, recognition of intervals, chords, scales, rhythmic patterns, polyrhythms, unequal beats, and improvisation using musical forms. The use of piano, percussion instruments and movement supports and encourages spontaneous creative expression. Level II continues further development of musicianship skills, focusing on the relationship of music to its written symbolic language. A beginning facility for reading pitch and rhythmic notation is developed in the context of vocal and instrumental work. This course prepares students who choose to do future study in the Music Theory Department, and in other areas of the performing arts. Registration for all levels requires prior approval from the Department.
Won’t You Play a Simple Melody?
Age: 6-8 years
Duration: 55 minutes
This soprano recorder class builds playing skills through reading music in a group setting. Hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and tonguing technique are developed through a varying musical repertoire that includes folk songs, holiday tunes, classical works, and popular selections, arranged as solos and duets. The recorder is an excellent “starter” instrument for any child ready to have fun playing music. The class introduces students to the woodwind family of instruments.