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New Community Music Program Kicks off in September
By Joanna Chang
The Oberlin Conservatory of Music is enhancing its community music program offerings with the introduction of MusicPlay, a 12-week program of musical exploration and activities for children ages 3 to 5. Supported by a grant from the Esther Simon Charitable Trust, this program will provide children with the opportunity to develop musical concepts through singing, listening, playing, describing, moving and creating.
Professor of Music Education Peggy Bennett, an early childhood music expert, will teach the MusicPlay classes. Students in the music education program will assist her by observing and teaching on occasion throughout the semester. "We wanted our focus to be the development of the child's skills," says Associate Dean of the Conservatory Ellen Sayles, coordinator of the program. "By having one instructor throughout the semester, a child can progress at his or her own pace under consistent guidance."
MusicPlay classes will allow children to explore musical concepts in a developmentally appropriate setting. Through creative musicmaking, children will learn basic concepts such as pitch, rhythm, melody, improvisation, creation, harmony, dynamics and notation. Children will also develop important social skills, such as listening and sharing within a nurturing environment. Parents or guardians are encouraged to observe and participate, and they will be taught techniques for musical interaction that can be used at home or in a childcare setting.
Classes will be limited to a maximum of 15 students and will be offered in four sections each semester; two sections will be taught at the Oberlin Early Childhood Center, and two will be taught at the Oberlin Conservatory. "By offering more sections with a smaller class size, we can ensure a higher quality educational experience." says Sayles. Classes, which begin the week of September 17, 2001, will be offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:15 PM at the Oberlin Early Childhood Center, and on Thursdays from 6:00 to 6:45 PM and 7:00 to 7:45 PM at the Conservatory. An orientation session for parents takes place the week of September 10, 2001. Registration forms are available by contacting Deborah Sutorius at the Oberlin Conservatory.
Tuition for a 12-week session is $90. For those families who show a demonstrated need, a limited number of scholarships are available; contact Ms. Sutorius at (440) 775-5530, or e-mail deborah.sutorius@oberlin.edu for more information.
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