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CLASSES for KIDS (ages 4-7)
Instrument & Voice
Now Enrolling ~ Start in Early April
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Introduce children to the magic of music...
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Why Study Music
at This Age?
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"I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but more importantly music; for in the patterns of music and all the arts, are the keys to learning." ~ Plato, ancient Greek philosopher
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Below is a sampling of research on the benefits of music instruction at an early age:
- Playing music helped children's reading & verbal skills. Children showed improved concentration, memory and self-expression (Switzerland).
- Children aged 5-7 years who were behind in school performance caught up to their peers in reading and accelerated ahead in math after 7 months of musical study (United States).
- Adults with music training prior to age 12 were better able to recall spoken words than those with little or no musical training (Hong Kong).
- Playing musical games in a group setting helped primary-age school children develop greater empathy (United Kingdom).
- Group music making encourages pro-social behavior and strengthens social bonds (Canada). Synching with others (ie. keeping the beat, harmonizing, etc.) increases contact, coordination and cooperation (multiple studies).
- Listening to music at any age activates our innate pleasure systems and euphoria-inducing brain regions. Musical interaction causes the release of oxytocin and endorphins (multiple studies).
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Learn to play the soprano recorder and the basics of music such as note reading, rhythm and tone. This class is an excellent bridge between Early Childhood Music classes and beginning individual lessons for other instruments ( click for info why). For the final class, students will perform for parents. Students who complete this class may continue study with an intermediate class or individual lessons as recommended by the teacher. Students may bring a recorder or purchase one from the Conservatory (assorted, limited colors). 8 sessions. $190, includes book ( plus $13 registration fee). At Glen Echo Park.
* Thurs, Apr 7 - May 26, 4:15 - 5:00 pm |
Learn songs from popular children's films, while having fun, learning to breathe and care for the young voice. Performance for parents and friends at last class. 8 sessions. $184 (plus $13 registration fee). At Glen Echo Park.
* Sat, Apr 2 - May 21, 12 - 12:45 pm |
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INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
(Ages 5+)
Individual lessons are offered to primary grade school children beginning at the age of 5. Many developmental factors are considered when recommending instruments for musical study. Please see the guidelines below. To arrange private lessons please contact Washington Conservatory directly at 301.320.2770 or email. Lessons are at Glen Echo Park & Westmoreland Circle.
Lessons To Be Arranged with Instructors
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Summer Camps & Classes
now enrolling...
* Sunshine Music Time (0-5 yrs)
* Fun with Music & Movement (4-7 yrs)
* Little Prince & Princess Singers (4-7 yrs)
* Pop Songs for Young Singers (4-7 yrs)
* And camps & classes for ages 8+ too
At Glen Echo Park. After care through Glen Echo Park for an additional charge - limited spots.
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Individual Attention. Small Class Sizes.
For info or to register:
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Washington Conservatory Faculty (Instruments & Voice)
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 The Washington Conservatory faculty of professional musicians and educators studied at some of the top music schools including The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, Peabody Institute, San Francisco Conservatory, Paris Conservatory, Baku State Conservatory (former Soviet Union) and more. Our faculty includes international prize-winners and performers as well as experienced educators capable of providing expert personal and caring attention.
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All children can benefit from developmentally appropriate musical study. Many developmental factors are considered when recommending instruments for musical study. Below is a general guideline for developmental progress with the typical ages children reach these milestones.
- Soprano recorder is a wonderful first introduction to note reading and making music. The small size of the instrument and spacing of the holes is suited to children's fingers and breath control. The instrument is inexpensive for a first investment and the skills developed are transferrable to other instruments, allowing them to get a head start on learning music. Group classes foster friendship, teamwork, peaceful compromise and fun as children perform in a recorder choir. Individual lessons are also available. Recommended age: 5+
- Piano instruction can start when a child can reach the keys of an acoustic piano, has strength to press them to make consistent sound, and is able to focus for a half hour one-on-one lesson. Children can "see" the relationship between keys and written notes as well as hand position making it a good instrument for this age. Pianos can be rented to start. Recommended age: 5+
- Strings come in small sizes for younger children allowing them to be started at a young age once children have the focus for a half hour one-on-one lesson. Strings require finger precision & dexterity, and refinement for tuning. Instruments can be rented to start. Recommended age: 5+ (violin); 7+ (viola and cello)
- Guitars & Drums are favorites among late primary grade students, perhaps due to the "rock band" factor. Acoustic guitars with nylon strings can come in smaller sizes and are preferred at this age over electric guitars. Drums can be more complicated than they appear, requiring complexity and control in fine hand and wrist movements and advanced rhythmic capabilities. Recommended age: 7+ (guitar); 8+ (drums)
- Ukulele provides fun in a small size and allows kids to sing along as they play. Learning chords and strumming aid in coordination and listening. A unique instrument from the guitar, the ukulele is typically a less expensive instrument with fewer strings, different chord shapes and patterns and a smaller range. It requires less strength and toughness of fingers. Ukulele club provides a social environment that fosters friendship, teamwork, peaceful compromise and fun as children perform together. Recommended age: 8+
- Wind and brass instruments (band & orchestra) are not recommended for this age due to the size of the instruments, the pressure placed on teeth, and the lip strength needed to make sound. Recommended age: 8+ (flute, clarinet); 10+ (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn)
Starting a child on a specified instrument before the child is developmentally ready for the individual demands of the instrument can lead to frustration and disengagement. A teacher recommendation that a child should wait to progress to a particular instrument is not a negative reflection on a child's current intellectual or developmental status but shows a personal caring for a child's emotional well-being and the desire to foster a life-long love of music.
Have questions about your individual child?
Contact us now for personal attention and learn more... (301) 320-2770
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WHICH INSTRUMENT IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
