After such a long summer break I was wondering how I was going to feel about starting all my music-making up again.
Funny enough when people ask me if I work I hesitate a little. I often just don't think of what I do as a job. "It's not a proper job!" Surely I can't call having so much fun a job.
My Dad always taught me that we can't expect to enjoy our work - we do it because we have to! Well I think I've finally proved him wrong and I am sure he would be overjoyed to know that.
I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two weeks. Seeing old friends making new ones and once again realising the immense joy music brings, and not just to the children. I am sure all the participants in the Virginia Reel in Village this week would agree that it was such excellent fun, even if I did mess up the steps.
Most of you should have your packs by now I will email all Village people a copy of the home book in the next few days.
Just have a look through your resources this week, listen to the CD and come prepared to just be yourself next week in class.
Kate
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Family-Celebration-Time
What a fantastic way to spend my Saturday mornings! I am lucky enough to see first hand the delight on the childrens faces as they play, dance, sing, jiggle and bounce with their family members.
I'm thankful to the parents and the carers who bring their children to my class and enjoy this special time they have with them at the weekend.
We are coming upto our third week now and on Saturday we will be enjoying some 'Kitchen' activities and dancing to Little Sacka Sugar like wooden spoons stirring the batter and plopping like eggs into the bowl... Now all we have to do as grown ups is watch the children's minds fizz with imagination and see what kind of 'mixture' we will all end up in in class!
I can't wait!
VicXX
I'm thankful to the parents and the carers who bring their children to my class and enjoy this special time they have with them at the weekend.
We are coming upto our third week now and on Saturday we will be enjoying some 'Kitchen' activities and dancing to Little Sacka Sugar like wooden spoons stirring the batter and plopping like eggs into the bowl... Now all we have to do as grown ups is watch the children's minds fizz with imagination and see what kind of 'mixture' we will all end up in in class!
I can't wait!
VicXX
Monday, 14 September 2009
Why Foundational Music Classes?
As a piano teacher I get a lot of enquiries from parents of children aged between 4 and 7. Most people are interested to hear that I do not give individual lessons to children under 7. Surely younger is better? Music research certainly suggests that it is key to begin music tuition before the age of 7. So what are my thoughts on all of this?
Over the years I have noticed two things. Children who come before the age of about 7 simply are not ready for one on one tuition. If anything I have seen more children put off by the formality of individual lessons. Their curiosity about music is flourishing but they are rarely have the maturity needed for regular practise and study.
On the flip side of this however I have noticed that children who do not take up music lessons until the age of 7 have often missed out on crucial foundational music skills. Tuneful singing is crucial to becoming a good musician and our singing skills need to be honed in the Early Years. Our concepts of rhythm and beat also need to be developed through dance and movement in our formative years.
At Musikate we believe that good foundations make good musicians. Children who have a rich early development in crucial skills such as singing and beat find studying an instrument so much easier.
Our Foundational classes are suitable for children between 4.5 and 7 years. Currently our classes are all full but we have an ongoing waiting list and as soon as we have enough children we start a new class.
If you would like your child to take one of our foundational classes please contact us as soon as possible so that they can be included in the next course.
Check out the Young Child pages on our website for more information.
Over the years I have noticed two things. Children who come before the age of about 7 simply are not ready for one on one tuition. If anything I have seen more children put off by the formality of individual lessons. Their curiosity about music is flourishing but they are rarely have the maturity needed for regular practise and study.
On the flip side of this however I have noticed that children who do not take up music lessons until the age of 7 have often missed out on crucial foundational music skills. Tuneful singing is crucial to becoming a good musician and our singing skills need to be honed in the Early Years. Our concepts of rhythm and beat also need to be developed through dance and movement in our formative years.
At Musikate we believe that good foundations make good musicians. Children who have a rich early development in crucial skills such as singing and beat find studying an instrument so much easier.
Our Foundational classes are suitable for children between 4.5 and 7 years. Currently our classes are all full but we have an ongoing waiting list and as soon as we have enough children we start a new class.
If you would like your child to take one of our foundational classes please contact us as soon as possible so that they can be included in the next course.
Check out the Young Child pages on our website for more information.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
FREE FAMILY TIME SESSIONS
Musikate are hosting two free family time sessions at the Hythe Community Centre.
Family Time is suitable for all children aged 0 - 7 years so siblings can come and make music together with Mum, Dad, Granny, Uncle or any other family member who would like to join in.
If you would like to join in our free sessions are on the 25th and 26th August 10 - 11 am. Spaces are limited so please phone to book your space. You may join us for one or both days.
Phone Kate 07905 675090
Family Time is suitable for all children aged 0 - 7 years so siblings can come and make music together with Mum, Dad, Granny, Uncle or any other family member who would like to join in.
If you would like to join in our free sessions are on the 25th and 26th August 10 - 11 am. Spaces are limited so please phone to book your space. You may join us for one or both days.
Phone Kate 07905 675090
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Fantastic Exam Results
Congratulations to everyone who took their piano exams this summer. Everyone worked so hard and what a great achievement.
David Purser Grade 1 90/100 distinction
Hannah Tuckwell Initial 84/100 Merit
Scarlett Inchcoombe Initial 89/100 distinction
Amber Bates grade 1 76/100 merit
Charlotte Bates Initial 68/100 Pass
Jennifer Bates Grade 1 83/100 merit
Melody Stockwell Initial 87/100 distinction
David Purser Grade 1 90/100 distinction
Hannah Tuckwell Initial 84/100 Merit
Scarlett Inchcoombe Initial 89/100 distinction
Amber Bates grade 1 76/100 merit
Charlotte Bates Initial 68/100 Pass
Jennifer Bates Grade 1 83/100 merit
Melody Stockwell Initial 87/100 distinction
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Music fo Life
This is a strange time of year. Everything seems to come to an end. For some of us it's the end of another school year, or the course we have been pursuing. Many of us are waiting expectantly for new things in the Autumn.
This is also the time of year when we begin to review our involvements and look ahead to a new term in September. When making choices for our children's pre-school or after school activities we are presented with an array of different choices all very tempting.
When choosing activities for my children I find myself considering which activities I feel will have lasting value. Skills for life!
The more I work in music education the more I see it's life-long value.
Parents who phone me for piano lessons are often puzzled at why I will not teach very young children. I tell them that I have found it to be somewhat unsuccessful. For a child to get the most out of an individual lesson I feel they need to be self-motivated and able to appreciate the need for some concentrated daily practice.
On the flip side of this I have found that children who come at 7 or older have often missed out on crucial fundamental foundational music skills. Their concept of pulse, the underlying beat which underpins most music, is often weak and much harder to grasp at a later stage. They also often struggle with pitching notes correctly i.e singing in tune.
Over the years I have really seen the importance of building these skills as early as possible. I know that the baby who bounces to the steady beat and often hears a voice singing to him will excel in music later if these things are continued. I have seen the evidence not only in my own children but also in the many children who have made their way through the various classes we offer.
I do not believe we are born with a musical gifting. There is certainly no evidence to support that. But I do believe we can birth music into our children. I am so passionate about this. It is a gift we can give our children that they will never loose or run out of time to pursue. It will prepare them not only for music but also give them confidence and skills way beyond the remit of music. Musical skills to mathematics, literacy, creativity and physical ability.
With the right start we can all excel in music. It's never too late to take up an instrument or learn to sing, but as we get older we can find it much harder to develop foundational concepts such as pitch and pulse.
I have seen first hand the real value in regular music instruction. Not only do parents testify to their children's blossoming skills but they also tell me that their own skills have improved. I can only guess the number of adults who tell me that their own singing has improved simply by attending a class with their toddler each week.
There is no doubt that involving oneself in music is one of the greatest ways we can improve our quality of life. Whether we listen, play or dance there is something about music which takes us away from the general cares of the day and allows us to find space.
I am so glad I have been able to give my own children the gift of music and hope you will see it's value for your child too.
This is also the time of year when we begin to review our involvements and look ahead to a new term in September. When making choices for our children's pre-school or after school activities we are presented with an array of different choices all very tempting.
When choosing activities for my children I find myself considering which activities I feel will have lasting value. Skills for life!
The more I work in music education the more I see it's life-long value.
Parents who phone me for piano lessons are often puzzled at why I will not teach very young children. I tell them that I have found it to be somewhat unsuccessful. For a child to get the most out of an individual lesson I feel they need to be self-motivated and able to appreciate the need for some concentrated daily practice.
On the flip side of this I have found that children who come at 7 or older have often missed out on crucial fundamental foundational music skills. Their concept of pulse, the underlying beat which underpins most music, is often weak and much harder to grasp at a later stage. They also often struggle with pitching notes correctly i.e singing in tune.
Over the years I have really seen the importance of building these skills as early as possible. I know that the baby who bounces to the steady beat and often hears a voice singing to him will excel in music later if these things are continued. I have seen the evidence not only in my own children but also in the many children who have made their way through the various classes we offer.
I do not believe we are born with a musical gifting. There is certainly no evidence to support that. But I do believe we can birth music into our children. I am so passionate about this. It is a gift we can give our children that they will never loose or run out of time to pursue. It will prepare them not only for music but also give them confidence and skills way beyond the remit of music. Musical skills to mathematics, literacy, creativity and physical ability.
With the right start we can all excel in music. It's never too late to take up an instrument or learn to sing, but as we get older we can find it much harder to develop foundational concepts such as pitch and pulse.
I have seen first hand the real value in regular music instruction. Not only do parents testify to their children's blossoming skills but they also tell me that their own skills have improved. I can only guess the number of adults who tell me that their own singing has improved simply by attending a class with their toddler each week.
There is no doubt that involving oneself in music is one of the greatest ways we can improve our quality of life. Whether we listen, play or dance there is something about music which takes us away from the general cares of the day and allows us to find space.
I am so glad I have been able to give my own children the gift of music and hope you will see it's value for your child too.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Wednesday Classes
Our Wednesday classes are coming to an end this week.
Try to think of your favourite activities so that we can do them in class this week.
Try to think of your favourite activities so that we can do them in class this week.
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