by Last week, my son and I completed our final class in the spring series of Parenting with Music put on by the Community Music Education Program.
CMEP Parenting with Music classes are designed to introduce the lanugage of music to babies and toddlers and their parents. While we participated in the 12- to 23-month class, CMEP also offers sessions for newborns up to 11 months as well as two and over.
Over the course of several weeks, we learned fun songs, nursery rhymes and lullabies. Most of the songs incorporated movement, which many of the children began to mimic by the end of the five-week session. There was a lot of emphasis on rhythm, and the children enjoyed taking turns playing the drum, xylophone and maracas.
"Research shows that children have a natural ability to sing and enjoy music at a very early age," said CMEP Program Manager Nicole Elliot. "If we don't introduce music at this time, it becomes more difficult to add it later because these windows in the brain begin to close. A baby's brain development -- as well as linguistic, social and physical skills -- all benefit from an early exposure to music."
Beyond the musical experiences, I feel my son really benefitted from the structure of the class. He was able to practice waiting his turn, listening to instructions and anticipating the next step in a succession of activities. It was quite rewarding to see his progress in each of these areas.
Classes generally are held to 10 and fill quickly. Click here for fall schedules.
The Community Music Education Program, located in the Williams Building at 221 Cumberland Avenue, also provides Suzuki Early Childhood music classes from birth to three, Music in Early Childhood classes for children ages 3 to 6, instrument lessons beginning at an early age as well as summer music camps. Visit the CMEP web site, plan to attend a parent information evening on August 31 or contact Nicole for more information.
CMEP Parenting with Music classes are designed to introduce the lanugage of music to babies and toddlers and their parents. While we participated in the 12- to 23-month class, CMEP also offers sessions for newborns up to 11 months as well as two and over.
Over the course of several weeks, we learned fun songs, nursery rhymes and lullabies. Most of the songs incorporated movement, which many of the children began to mimic by the end of the five-week session. There was a lot of emphasis on rhythm, and the children enjoyed taking turns playing the drum, xylophone and maracas.
"Research shows that children have a natural ability to sing and enjoy music at a very early age," said CMEP Program Manager Nicole Elliot. "If we don't introduce music at this time, it becomes more difficult to add it later because these windows in the brain begin to close. A baby's brain development -- as well as linguistic, social and physical skills -- all benefit from an early exposure to music."
Beyond the musical experiences, I feel my son really benefitted from the structure of the class. He was able to practice waiting his turn, listening to instructions and anticipating the next step in a succession of activities. It was quite rewarding to see his progress in each of these areas.
Classes generally are held to 10 and fill quickly. Click here for fall schedules.
The Community Music Education Program, located in the Williams Building at 221 Cumberland Avenue, also provides Suzuki Early Childhood music classes from birth to three, Music in Early Childhood classes for children ages 3 to 6, instrument lessons beginning at an early age as well as summer music camps. Visit the CMEP web site, plan to attend a parent information evening on August 31 or contact Nicole for more information.
These classes sound wondeful! Have you or anyone else had experience with the Kindermusik classes as well, and how would they compare?
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the same thing - comparing Kindermusik to these classes.
ReplyDeleteWe've not taken a Kindermusik class yet, but would like to. If anyone else can share their experiences in the meantime, that would be great!
ReplyDeleteMy son just turned two and I recommend the susuki program also with the CMEP. We started when he was 3 months and just couldn't stop! N (and her co-teacher R) are the best teachers I have come across is a long, long time and we've tried everything from gymnastics to baby sign.
ReplyDeleteCute blog :)