Music for Little Mozarts
Ages 4 – 5 years with a parent or practice partner
Why should my child study music at a young age?
Recent studies suggest that playing and listening to music at a young age improves learning, memory, reasoning ability and general creativity. Research also supports the theory that young children who are exposed to music develop enhanced cognitive skills. Music teachers are aware that influences of music go far beyond the intellectual and physical development of the child. Studying music contributes to the growth of a well-balanced child in sensitivity, expressiveness and the spirit essential for functioning in a complicated world.
What is the Music for Little Mozarts series?
Music for Little Mozarts was written to provide appropriate piano instruction for 4- and 5-year olds while simultaneously developing listening skills. The series was designed to provide a balance between the discipline necessary for playing the instrument and the enjoyment one gets from the process of music-making. The course centers around the adventures of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse as they learn about music.
What materials are included in each level?
Four books at each level guide children through a comprehensive approach to musical learning. The Music Lesson Books introduce musical concepts and contain keyboard performance music. The Music Workbooks include coloring and ear training activities to reinforce musical concepts. The Recital Book contains reinforcement of our lessons and “popular” music. The Music Discovery Books feature singing, listening, music appreciation, movement and rhythm activities. Each level includes 2 CDs to accompany the materials for at-home study and flash cards. A starter kit (purchased at the beginning of the first level only) contains a tote bag, Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse plush animals and a music activity board.
What will my child learn in the course?
Music for Little Mozarts combines general musicianship activities with those that develop performance skills at the piano. Skills taught in the course focus on keyboard performance, listening, pitch matching, keyboard technique, singing, rhythm, movement and music appreciation. Children will play pieces at the piano throughout each level.
What is my role as a parent in music study?
Parents play a very important role in music lessons for young children. Lessons are a total partnership between the child and the parents. Parents must supervise practice and read directions to the student in addition to attending each lesson. In addition to practice sessions at the piano, parents should discuss the pictures in the books with the child, read the story in the Music Lesson Book to him/her, and listen to the compact discs together as a family.
Should my child study privately or in a group?
Historically, preschool music instruction has been conducted in groups, often with parents attending and assisting students in the lessons. This approach is very effective as young students enjoy the interaction with peers. Parents enjoy the opportunity to share these experiences with their children.
What types of things can I expect to happen in the lesson?
Each lesson will include a variety of activities chosen from keyboard performance, singing, music appreciation, movement, activities with magnetic/dry erase board, listening and rhythm activities. The activities that occur in the lesson are structured to take into consideration the young child’s small hands and limited attention span.
How often and how long should my child practice?
After each lesson, your child will get an assignment for the week. Children should practice daily for 10—15 minutes at a specific time with no interference from the TV, computer or other family members. Their parent or practice helper should accompany them at each practice.
What is unique about Music for Little Mozarts?
The entire series was designed to develop creativity in the young child. The story of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse continues through the entire series and the use of the stuffed animals in the actual piano instruction brings the story to life. The integration of the three books, the cds, and flashcard at each level is necessary to gain the most from the course. The Music Discovery Books offer the most opportunities for self-expression. These books move beyond piano performance through materials for singing, listening, music appreciation, movement and rhythm activities. Unlike other courses that focus entirely on keyboard performance activities, Music for Little Mozarts offers a variety of activities to lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.