Our Readiness classes are designed as a transition step between the learning environment of a general group music class and the more focused and directed learning involved in a private lesson. In class we practice and play many of the Pre-Twinkle activities common for every beginning violin/viola, piano, or flute student. We sing the parts of the instrument, practice finger games, practice playing and identifying the Twinkle rhythms, work on musical notation, and listen to beautiful string, piano, or flute playing live. Our in-person classes offer students the opportunity to have hands-on time with the instruments, appropriately sized. For online classes, students order additional supplies/instruments to accompany the class (see below).
Violin/Viola Readiness students and parents work together with the help of the teacher to make beautiful bow holds and set violins firmly on shoulders. Flute Readiness students use the nuvo Toot and practice posture and breathing, flute sign language, and headjoint olympics. Piano Readiness students begin learning simple melodies, and proper playing technique either on a keyboard at home (for online class) or at a piano at our school (for in-person).
If you would like your child to participate in Readiness this fall, please email silvermusic@silvermusic.org with your child’s name, age, and music experience. Children must be at least 4 years old. Previous experience in Ready, Set, Play! recommended.
Fall 2021 Readiness Schedule
Violin/Viola Readiness:
Monday, 3:45-4:30 IN-PERSON
Cost: $768 + $50 material fee (16 weeks beginning Sept 13)
Flute Readiness:
Arranged privately for Fall 2021
Piano Readiness:
Saturday, 12:00-12:45 IN-PERSON
Cost: $580 (12 weeks beginning Sept 25)
Click Here to view our Academic Calendar
For all Readiness Classes (online or in-person):
Material fee:
This year, all students participating in our Violin or Flute Readiness Classes will receive a Music Mind Games Xylophone and Rhythm Sticks. Over the last year of teaching online classes, we have found that students benefit from having quality musical instruments accessible in their own homes. This is a gentle introduction to instrumental study–practicing at home and having ownership and care of your own instrument. (Students do not need to bring these instruments into the school. Students will use instruments available in the classroom.)
Piano Readiness kids should have access to a keyboard or piano. My First Piano Adventure Lesson Book is included in tuition.
For Online Classes only:
Students in Violin/Viola Readiness must make or purchase a box violin.
Students in Flute Readiness must purchase a Nuvo TooT.
Students in Piano Readiness must have access to a digital keyboard (mini is fine) or piano.
Makeup Classes:
For group classes: If possible, please inform us via email if your child will be absent from a weekly class. Students are entitled to 1 makeup class per semester and makeup classes are scheduled during “makeup week” following the end of the semester. Students must email silvermusic@silvermusic.org to confirm a spot in an appropriate makeup class during makeup week.
For private readiness: We are not able to arrange makeup classes, but students may choose to have an online class with their teacher during their regularly scheduled time.
COVID Policies:
All of our Readiness teachers have been vaccinated against COVID-19. We will continue to monitor and update our policies as CDC guidelines are updated, but at this time:
Introductory classes will be limited to 4 children with one teacher
Children may be accompanied by 1 adult in the classroom
Classrooms are equipped with a blue air filter and window access
All shared instruments and materials will be sanitized regularly
All persons over age 2 who enter the school must wear a mask
Families who enter our school agree to comply with the school’s policies regarding COVID-19.
“This is the third year that my daughter has been taking lessons at Silver Music (first, Violin Readiness class; now, at five years old, she’s in her second year of Suzuki violin)…If music lessons were like this when I was a student, I might still be playing…”