Listen while Learning

It's pretty obvious that some energetic tunes help us get chore time done around here, and I wondered if background music would be helpful or a hindrance during other tasks or even during study time.  It looks like the results from research related to background music during learning are mixed.

Sometimes the music can cover up other distracting noises to help students focus, but sometimes the music becomes too distracting (or interesting!) itself.  So, selecting the right type and complexity of music intended to be background music is key.  Recently I was eating lunch with my son at his school in the cafeteria, and the music teacher put on classical music for everyone to enjoy.  During a slow movement, the effect was calming on the room, but during an exciting bit, the students were distracted,  talked louder and bounced around more.  Lesson learned!

As for study time, researchers have found that background music made some subjects of study seem easier, and others seem harder for students.  Keeping this in mind, I am motivated to find the right balance of music for our environment, especially since it's been shown that music activates areas of the brain and can arouse students' interest.

Now I'll put on something rousing and go fold that laundry!

Way to Go, Ladies!

We have great news for Madison!  Ann and Jen, our two assistant teachers, have both been chosen as 2 of the 50 annual lucky applicants to be accepted to enter the certification track for Let's Play Music! (Up to 75% of applicants are turned away each year, but not our excellent teachers!)

This spring they'll be off to Arizona for more training, and will submit videos and ongoing evaluation to become fully licensed and certified LPM teachers.  Ann plans to open a NEW LOCATION in Madison, and Jen will continue to share Gina's location (or maybe we can convince her to give you a new location, too... stay posted).  

Now there are more choices, more locations, and more teachers for you... because we love these Madison kids!  Don't forget, our team also includes Darlayne in Middleton, WI.  I dream that some day soon every mom will have heard of LPM and know where to find a nearby studio.

Composition Winners!

Kids can compose!  The results are in.

I recently returned from the Let's Play Music! convention in Mesa, AZ, where teachers from the USA gathered to expand our teaching and music skills.  Secretly, this counts for my "ladies' getaway weekend" since I have such fun with the other women.

One of the exciting events each year is the awarding of prizes to young composers who entered into the national competition.  This year I sent 3 of my students' compositions, and one of them received an honorable mention!  You should take a peek here at these fun songs that students created.  One thing I love about the Let's Play Music! curriculum is that we don't just teach students how to read and play sheet music (although that is important!) but we also teach them how to understand the theory so they can change and create the music they play.  The power to play what you want in the style that you want is what keeps young people excited by music...excited enough to keep learning and practicing for years after they've left the great foundation laid by LPM.  Check it out!

Becker 2012 1 ratings 16 views

Ciske 2012 1 ratings 25 views

Woodworth 2012 1 ratings 11 views

You're Invited to a Free Class.

The next FREE SAMPLE CLASS is scheduled for MONDAY, JULY 9 at 2:00 PM.  Want to come? Just shoot a reply to me saying "I'm coming".
Classes are held in the classroom, in my home: 7509 Whitacre Road, Madison

Would you like to see a sample class at a different day/time?  Let me know what's popular.

There is no app for Interaction!

I recently read a Wall Street Journal article: When Toddlers Zone out with the IPAD.  Parents don't disagree that young children are ready and able to learn all assortment of information, but the data on how technology is impacting our parenting is fuzzy at this stage in the game.  This past weekend I was in a restaurant with my two daughters (California Pizza Kitchen, yum!) and looked around...I noticed at least four preschoolers playing with ipads or iphones.  It got me thinking: do we, as parents, sometimes need a gentle reminder that what our children want most is our interaction?

I'm certainly fond of my favorite ipad apps (the one shown in the picture even teaches solfeg!), but I'm guessing the effectiveness of every educational app is increased fivefold when WE play WITH the children on it. There is no app that gives your child YOUR attention.  If you've ever wished there were a manual or class chock-full of instructions on how best to interact in a useful, educational way with your young child...I have a treat for you:  It's called SOUND BEGINNINGS.  Next time you're in a restaurant and you see that one toddler chanting and singing and talking to her mommy, give that lady a thumbs up!

Channel 3 visits Let's Play Music

Channel 3 in Madison put Let's Play Music in the spotlight! Advanced musical concepts can be taught when the kids think it's all in fun.

April Showers bring... a free CLASS!

April is a great month for you to bring your child (who will be 4-6) this fall, to participate in a live music class for a free trial.

You'll find out what it's all about, how the flow of class goes, and best of all... check out your little darling's face to see how it lights up when he's engaged in making music.  I might even send you home with a homework assignment, just like the current students will be doing.

Check the CALENDAR link above to see when BLUE (first year) classes are being held, and let me know when you're coming.  I can't wait to have you in our class.

What if junior is only age 2-4?  Then email me so I can keep you updated on sample Sound Beginnings classes that will be going on around town.

PHOTO: Jane demonstrates the solfeg handsign for 'mi'. 

Sound Beginnings for Your 2-4 Year Old

SOUND BEGINNINGS is coming to Madison!  Register now for Fall 2012 classes using this link.
Sound Beginnings is for AGES 2-4 as a precursor for the Let's Play Music! curriculum.
FALL CLASSES 2012 will be MONDAY mornings and TUESDAY mornings.

(Older child? Let's Play Music! is for ages 4-6 when enrolling as new students.)
Want a sneak preview!? Watch one here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HatJTCkjQQc