Music Play
A "musical development" program for children from birth to 5 years of age.
Overview of Program:
Music Play is a program designed to nurture the natural musical development of young children. It is based on the philosophy that all children are musical and have musical potential but that they need to be provided with appropriately nurturing environments in order for their music development to progress normally.
What to Expect during the Sessions:
Each Music Play session is divided into two components: free play with a variety of instruments and structured, but in-formal, immersion in a variety of music activities. The first 15-20 minutes are devoted to free instrument play. This activity serves several purposes. It give the children an opportunity to experiment with a variety of instrumental sounds or to observe other children or adults experimenting with instrumental sounds; it provides a chance for the children to interact with each other as well as other adults in a comfortable social situation; it seems a good way to begin since getting your child dressed, fed, etc., and to a class right on time is sometimes a challenge! Offering this activity first means you have some flexibility with arrival time. However, it is best if you arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before class begins and if you arrive no later than 10 minutes after class starts. That way your child will not get too tired for the session and your child will have at least 5 minutes of free play time.
The second part of the session will always begin with the same song - this serves as a prompt for the instruments to be put away and the other music activities to begin. A variety of singing, moving, and chanting activities will be included in every session. Please ask if you have any questions about why we are including an activity. You will also notice a lot of repetition in these activities and songs but that is intentional. Think of the number of times you read the same book to your child! Repetition is very important to their learning. We also pause frequently after a song or chant or pattern - that gives the children an opportunity to respond with their own music making if they so desire.
What to Expect from your Child:
Basically, expect anything at any time! Some children will sit on your lap the entire session; some will walk around the room; some will look out the window; others will stare at one of the music leaders or watch other children; still others will attempt to engage in the activities. All behaviors are generally fine! Except of course behaviors that may result in a child getting hurt and which distract the other children for an extended period of time. Some children will fuss occasionally. Do what you normally do to relax or calm him/her down (get up and walk around the room, rock in your lap, etc.) However, if your child cries or screams for a few minutes, it is best to carry him/her out of the room until s/he is calmer.
What You Should Do:
Please join in all the activities with us! Once you learn some of the songs, please sing along. Watch the music leaders for appropriate ways to move and interact with your child. It is not appropriate to force your child to participate or to forcibly move him/her to the music. It is appropriate to model musical involvement and to use facial expressions to invite your child to participate. Observe how the music leaders interact with the children; begin to interact musically with your child in the same ways both during class and at home. Many children will just watch for the entire session - that is just fine! They learn a lot by watching and listening. You'll be surprised how much your child is actually absorbing. Parents often tell us that their child sings, moves, and chants in the car, at play, etc. even though s/he does not participate at all during the music sessions. While this may be frustrating to you it is perfectly normal!
If your child seems to be engaging in off task behaviors, attempt to focus his/her attention by eye contact, singing, or chanting to him/her. Avoid talking to your child unless it is really necessary - we try to "speak" music most of the time. If your child is engaging in disruptive behavior that does not seem to be prompted by the music, it is appropriate to have him/her sit on your lap or next to you in the circle. Our goal is to let the children be free to respond to the musical activities in their own ways. It is a delicate balance between musical responses, that may not appear musical to us, and behavior that is just disruptive. Use your common sense and knowledge of your child to guide your responses.
Further Information:
If you have any questions about Music Play you may speak with the music leader during free instrumental playtime or after class. In addition, if you desire more specific information or have any concerns about the program, please feel free to contact the Founder and Coordinator. Thank you for participating in Music Play and for sharing your children with us!
Dr. Joanne RutkowskiProfessor, Music Education
Founder and Coordinator, Music Play (State College)
Music Education Area Coordinator and Graduate Program Chair
The Pennsylvania State University
School of Music
University Park, PA 16802-1901
814-863-0419
rvi@psu.edu
Winter/Spring 2012
Tuesdays 8:45-9:45 am (10 classes)
February: 14, 21, 28
March: 13, 20, 27
April: 3, 10, 17, 24
$150