The Music Preparatory Division of the School of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University is introducing early childhood music classes as part of the spring lineup of educational offerings.
Dr. Kristin Lyman, coordinator of music education for the SFA School of Music, will lead the classes beginning Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Music Prep House at 3028 Raguet St.
Three different 30-minute class offerings twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings will be geared toward young children based on both age and development, according to Pat Barnett, director of the Music Preparatory Division. The classes utilize resources from John Feierabend’s “First Steps in Music.” Each class meets for 12 weeks.
“This is an exciting new offering for the children in the community to experience music and learning,” Barnett said, “and we highly recommend it.”
“Exploring Bounces, Wiggles and Tickles” for newborns to 18 months is designed to help nurture and develop the minds and skills of infants. The class uses developmentally appropriate activities, including performing songs or rhymes with bounces, wiggles, tickles and lullabies. Repertoire selections will be primarily drawn from folk songs, rhymes and classical music. The class meets from 9 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $200.
“Exploring Bounces, Clapping, Tapping and Simple Songs” for children 18 months to 3 years is designed to help develop the minds and skills of toddlers. The class uses developmentally appropriate activities, including performing songs or rhymes with bounces, wiggles, tickles, clapping and tapping. Children will learn simple songs and lullabies. Repertoire selections will be primarily drawn from folk songs, rhymes and classical music. The class meets from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. and costs $225.
“Exploring Songs, Beat and Movement” for 3- to 5 year-olds allows children to explore pitch through stories and images, sing simple echo or response patterns and songs, explore movement, move to the beat, and use movement to demonstrate musical structure and expression. Repertoire selections will be primarily drawn from folk songs, rhymes and classical music. The class meets from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and costs $250.
Registration forms for the 2018 spring semester are available on the Music Prep website at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep and are being accepted now. The forms may be downloaded and turned in to the Music Prep office. Contact the Music Prep office at (936) 468-1291 for more information.
