About group lessons
For more information about program Costs and Scheduling, please see my MYC website:
Sunshines (begins at 4 or 5 years old)
This program, for Jr and Sr Kindergarteners includes large muscle experiences in beat and rhythms as well as fine motor experiences in rhythm instrument ensemble playing. By the end of the first year, Sunshines are playing in C major and middle C positions and are reading from the staff. Pre-reading experiences – such as “like and different” sorting, gluing and coloring -- are part of the program.
Sunbeams (begins at 5 or 6 years old)
The program for Senior Kindergartners and First graders provides “big kid” lyrics to introduce concepts, finger numbers and keyboard geography. Songs and games are used to encourage and reinforce listening.
Moonbeams (begins at 7-9 years old)
For the older beginner, ages seven through nine, the program lasts three years. Our Moonbeams want “quick results” and the songs, ensembles and keyboard repertoire are designed to support their growing sense of independence. The listening activities for this age group keep the “ears open” even as reading becomes the primary focus for gathering information.
Parent Involvement
Parent participation in the studio is integral to the MYC program. By being present, parents become aware of their child’s learning styles, strengths and interests. Parent participation in the program also allows reinforcement of concepts and skill-building at home. Parents see how the concepts are presented, and learn how to reinforce the ideas at home. Parent help during the classes is critical to the program; young children need guidance to find pages and to point during the rhythm ensembles.
Curriculum
The concepts and skills that are covered in each week’s lessons are provided by certified MYC teachers who, with many aids, create their own lesson plans. Teachers are able to modify lessons based on the needs of the children in their classes, while following an international “map". It also allows the teachers to strengthen their presentations by using their own creative ideas. No matter how individualized the presentation, however, the following activities are incorporated into the curriculum to teach or reinforce the concepts.
1. Singing
Development of ear training and sight-singing through the use of solfege is an integral part of the program. Songs are also used for expressive singing and to reinforce dynamics and the teaching of concepts.
2. Listening
Because listening is essential to musical literacy, each level includes listening activities ranging from:
- By-ear playbacks to melodic dictation
- Rhythm pattern identification to dictation
- Listening for dynamics
- Chord quality identification
- Well-known melodies and composer or style identification
3. Keyboard
The keyboard geography begins in a D-centered approach. Keyboard reading skills are developed through careful, incremental introduction of note reading with constant review to motivate and confirm for the child his/her own developing sight-playing skills.
Final year keyboard (Moonbeam III) includes playing grade one conservatory or late-elementary standard piano repertoire and folk songs. Technique, scale and full chord studies, ensemble playing and arranging and harmonization are emphasized.
4. Ensembles-Rhythm and Keyboard
Rhythm and keyboard ensembles are used throughout the course for:
- Reinforcement of rhythm reading
- Ensemble practice
- Exposure to great melodies
- Introduction to periods and styles
- Fun
Composition
A composition unit of study is included in each level of MYC (somewhere around February). However simple or elaborate in construction, each composition is reviewed and the student’s effort is appropriately rewarded and encouraged. Creativity and expression are nourished.
Homework(weekly)
Developmentally appropriate written materials are provided for each level as confirmation and review of rudiments and theory. Homework for the youngest learner might be a gluing and coloring task while the Sunbeams’ work may include theory pages reinforcing what had been reviewed in class and the Moonbeams’ homework might include note and rhythm notation, vocabulary, chord study, scale writing and simple analysis.
Materials
Program materials are specially designed and produced for the child’s age and development. The text is beautifully and cheerfully illustrated and exciting for the young child. In addition to the comprehensive student manual, the student receives a carrying bag, magnetic board with grand staff on one side and keyboard on the other, magnets, and a parent guide.
MYC Graduates
Students at the final level, Moonbeams III, are thoroughly prepared for Grade One Conservatory examinations and have, in many cases, been awarded the Conservatory Silver Medal, the highest mark provincially, for Grade One Piano.
Even more important, the MYC graduates (and parents) are very highly motivated for further study in music and private teachers have found many of the students so well prepared for private lessons that they have accelerated them through Conservatory Grades Two and Three in one year!