Toddler Classes

Toddler Music Classes

One Year Olds

In our one-year-old classes, children can repeat rhythmic patterns. Teachers show toddlers how to play imaginatively on age-appropriate instruments. Each instrument is presented with a simple and direct explanation of its use and its particular sound. As the children play various instruments, they hear and wonder at the different sounds each instrument produces. Instinctively, they associate the sound with the instrument. Repetition at this age is essential. The sheer joy children take in repeating newly acquired skills gives them a feeling of autonomy and success. At this age, children begin to develop their language skills, and try to sing sounds to music, sometimes using formed words.

Two Year Olds

The two-year-olds, continuing to develop their verbal skill, join the teacher in song. Repetition of favorite tunes helps in their use of language and they can now sing phrases of songs. The teacher directs the children’s attention to rhythm with various percussive instruments, using a “hands on” approach. Now, able to follow directions, different patterns are introduced, musical games are played, and the teacher leads the group in rhythmic ensembles, much to the children’s pleasure. They can identify a familiar instrument by touch and recognize a favorite song. Their motor skills are refined so that they are now able to play open strings on a violin and place their fingers on a recorder, changing the pitch.

Toddler Creative Art Classes

The  eighteen-month-old class is a foundation course where the children adjust to the classroom atmosphere and learn the basics. We use the simplest and safest materials with creative techniques to inspire the children to self-express in ways they may not be able to do verbally. During the class, we may use well-known paintings as a visual stimulus, or listen to music with the same idea in mind. The children implement new techniques that develop fine motor skills and enhance math and language learning, but primarily give the children individual artistic release.

The two-year-old class provides more of a classroom atmosphere and the children learn to cooperate with each other and take part in-group activities. They learn basic artistic elements of line, color, shape, form, and texture. The children with the help of a teacher may begin to look at famous paintings and discuss them critically as well as use them as a “springboard” for their own creative process. Music may also be used as a stimulus in a similar way. Children are encouraged to talk about their own artwork and their own feelings.