Play-a-long time during class is a favorite! Children act as little scientists as they investigate the sound and feel of different instruments. Watch carefully, you'll see a steady beat developing, or a smile prompted by a successful shake of a maraca!

Mom's, Dads, Grandparents, siblings, caregivers all make music together. Families learn that music making isn't age dependent - It is multi-generaltional. Children learn from this rich environment of positive role models! So jump in, make music, and your child will follow!

Often during class we break into "dyads" where children pair up with each other or with a family member. This is a special time of connection - making lots of eye contact, and sharing the musical experience. Patty cake, "pony rides", and "rowing a boat" are a few of the classroom dyad experiences.

Children are the leaders in learning. Watch and take your cue from them! No need to move a child's arms, they will find an even more interesting way to play a triangle or tonal bell. It will all unfold as you let your child lead.

Everyone is welcome and everyone is a music maker. What are you waiting for? Shake that tambourine and sing along!

Scarf play during class helps children and parents feel long phrases in music. They mimic the sound and give a sweeping feeling of floating away. Or, play peek-a-boo or hide and seek. You'll tire of the game before they do!

Can you imagine all the ways to play an egg shaker? A child can! Drop it to the ground and hear what it sounds like. Shake it high and low, then roll it on the ground. Children are intrinsically creative in approaching "problems". Encouraging this discovery helps children learn in a meaningful way.

Jingle bells are used in class to add a new sound quality to the musical atmosphere. Shake 'em high, wrap them around your ankles and jump up and down, place them on your head and let them drop.

March to the beat of your own drum!

Rhythm sticks are another favorite in class. Drumming seems instinctual for children, and the floor is one big drum! Pretend to play violin in the orchestra or have bunny ears on your head. As they play they learn, and soon you'll see a steady beat, clear as day - developed naturally and through this investigative play.

Gathering Drums bring the class together. This feeling of closeness helps to make children comfortable. As they feel comfortable you'll start to hear them singing along, or intoning on a note. Children take from the musical atmosphere what they need, process it in their own special way, and along the way they make sense of music. Because children take the lead in their learning, their understanding of music is unique, personal, and will stay with them throughout their lives.