Introductory Music Classes at Silver Music
We think about children going through 5 phases as they progress through our classes and program: Connection, Play, Practice, Mastery, Recognition
- When the children first enter the classroom, they may need the security of having a trusted grown up close by for a period of time. The teachers are looking to connect with the child to help him or her feel comfortable. If possible, the teachers will want to interact directly with the child. Sometimes children are silent for a long time while they are processing. We encourage you to allow your child the time to speak and react or choose not to as opposed to answering for him or her immediately.
- We encourage the children to play with us in the class. Although the teacher may offer many directions, it is not expected that all the children will follow the directions right away. We are giving them space to explore, observe, imagine, be challenged, experience “Flow”, and gain confidence and joy. In any class, regardless of the similarities in age, children will do different things. Sometimes children do require redirection and at times a parent or caregiver’s help may be enlisted to help with redirection efforts. Some days, a child may demonstrate that they are not ready to be a part of the class and the teacher may ask that they take a little break with a grown-up until they are ready to participate. This is in no way a judgement. Some children may need to take small breaks often. The small breaks increase the value of the time spent in the class.
- You may begin to notice that many things in the class are repeated. The rhythms and bow hold songs for example, are repeated for many years. This repetition is the child’s gentle introduction to practice. Through practice, the child learns discipline and persistence.
- Through practice and repetition, the children grow into mastery. These steps take time! It is exciting when children play an organized rhythmic pattern for the first time, but this is not the end of the journey. As we practice and repeat in a variety of different ways over a long period of time, the children begin to experience comfort and excitement. They take on a leadership role in the class and a boost of self esteem. They want to learn more.
- Finally children experience recognition, where they feel connected to the group and develop a sense of identity. The process repeats and leads into other things and new experiences on many different levels of learning.
We encourage you as a parent or caregiver to allow your child to work through these steps at his or her own speed. We invite you to be your child’s cheerleader and allow the teacher to be the child’s coach. The classes are small, and each teacher is adept at recognizing and valuing where each child is on his or her journey.
With that said, if you have any concerns about your child in a class, please speak with your teacher about it as soon as possible! You know your child the best, and we are happy to work with you to provide the best overall experience.