Music class suggestion for parent and five year old
I would like to take a music class with my five year old (she's in kinder). We never took Music Together but I am looking for something similar to that model that we could both participate in. I'd like singing, rhythm practice, and a little theory. She doesn't love taking classes with kids she doesn't know, and I'd also like to share this activity with her so it's more of a family thing. I'm also interested in the Kodaly class at Crowden and curious about recent experiences. I live in Berkeley and I'm looking for something in El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley, or Oakland. Thanks!
Nov 28, 2016
Parent Replies
I've been going to a singing group with my family for several years and highly recommend it as a way to learn a family repertoire, enjoy singing, learn about folk songs from around the world and enjoy the company of other adults and kids. Sing Thing (http://sandimorey.com) is held at a home in Albany on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30, or in Oakland on Thursdays from 7:30-8:30. It's 'fireside singing' with folk songs, rounds, sea shanties. See the Sandi's web site for more info.
I recommend you give SingThing a try. We meet weekly in either Albany or Oakland (you chose which location is better for you.) Sandi Morrey teaches songs for the first 45 minutes then there are 15 minutes of requests in which any song previously taught can be requested and sung. Sandi brings a variety of music from abound the world and from centuries old to very recent. Your daughter won't learn to read music there as Sandi does not use song sheets. She will learn to attend to pitch and rhythm and to hold her own part. It will teach her that the primary purpose of music is enjoyment, not performance. You will gain a dedicated hour to sing together each week and a great repertoire of songs to sing together anytime the spirit moves you. Here's the link to her website if you'd like to learn more. http://www.sandimorey.com/. First session is free, then a reasonable monthly fee based on family size. Come check us out.
Jon's School of Music is really the best. (We also tried Crowden's Orff classes and Jingle Jeff.) My 5-year-old and 2-year-old currently attend Jon's and it is fabulous. My older son is an introvert, so also really needed a parent to participate with him. Jon slips in all sorts of music theory and the kids are having so much fun that they don't even know it! Jon offers a free preview if you want to try it out before committing (we did). He actively seeks adult participation, so you will be welcome to join in. More info here: http://www.jsom.com/