Welcome to our second Spring session! We are glad to see many new families joining us as well as our veteran families. We are excited to gather together this week to make some music!

The music we use in Sprouting Melodies is simple, not simplistic. Music is naturally repetitive, which allows for children to feel secure and to learn. The music we use is simple and repetitive so that the adults learn the songs and can easily reproduce them at home. In Sprouting Melodies we want to empower you to use music as a tool at home to bond with your little ones, aide with transitions, and to just have fun making music together!

Music brings people together in a shared experience and helps them gather. The music we use to help us gather together typically has a vigorous rhythm, strong meter and clear structure. One song that I love to use for this purpose is, "Gather Round" written by Meredith Pizzi. The words "Gather round everybody, gather round. Come and play with me" have a strong and clear message and within the music we are moving synchronously clapping our hands, patting our knees, and stomping our feet. Not only are we brought together by this song to gather and make music, but we are supporting the children in identifying functional body parts encouraging the development of self-awareness and the awareness of the child's body. It's important for you as the adult to participate in the music because when you are involved you are supporting your child and showing them that you respect music and being in the music. 

If you are looking for some recorded music from class to bring home, we have a CD for sale that we produced in a local studio with many of our songs. The CD is titled Gather Round and is available in the office or online. 

I'll see you in class!