| Music is an integral part of childhood | | | | |
| development. A simple Internet research | | | | Before you commit to the class, you need to |
| yields thousands of documents supporting the | | | | feel comfortable with the safety of the |
| importance of music in brain development. | | | | classroom and the dedication of the staff. |
| From the first sounds of a lullaby to the | | | | Does the school/program offer the credentials |
| repetition of basic nursery rhymes, each | | | | of the instructors? Does the training require |
| child will respond to the simplest forms of | | | | a particular education? Each program may have |
| music. Numerous studies report the basic | | | | different requirements of the instructors |
| fundamentals of music providing the | | | | some of which offer specialized training in |
| foundation for learning math as well as | | | | their methods. If it is important to you that |
| building self-esteem and confidence.Music | | | | the instructors have childhood development |
| classes can be an excellent venue to share | | | | skills, ask in advance.6. Are there |
| music with your child. Not only do children | | | | additional charges for materials? |
| develop a sense of rhythm, the quality time | | | | |
| spent in a class with your toddler | | | | Some programs have kits that you are asked |
| contributes to the bond that you | | | | to bring to each class. These kits may have |
| share.Finding the right music class for your | | | | several different types of instruments. Other |
| toddler can be as easy as turning to your | | | | programs provide instruments to be shared |
| local city parks and recreation department. | | | | during class. The kits are not always |
| If the city does not offer a program, they | | | | included in the class price.7. Is there |
| might be able to recommend a private school | | | | parent interaction? Or, what will be expected |
| or program in your area. Music schools | | | | from the parent or guardian attending with |
| advertise in the yellow pages and on the | | | | the child? |
| Internet. Once you have found the available | | | | |
| opportunities there are several things to | | | | If you are a hands on parent and want to be |
| look for before deciding on the right program | | | | sure that parent participation is encouraged, |
| for your toddler.Ten Important Questions to | | | | you should consult with them regarding how |
| Ask any Program or School:1. What kinds | | | | much or how little parents are expected to be |
| of programs do you offer? | | | | involved. This activity could provide much |
| | | | needed together time so a class that requires |
| Schools may offer programs that are focused | | | | a more instructor driven interaction may not |
| on vocal performance, instruments or a | | | | be what you need.8. Do you have any |
| mixture of both. Music comes in so many | | | | references that I may call? |
| forms, consider which form your child will | | | | |
| develop the most from. A very energetic child | | | | If you do not get a chance to view a sample |
| may do better in a class where instruments | | | | class, ask them for references from past or |
| (drums, cymbals, shakers) are the main focus. | | | | present students. Ask the other parents to |
| A shy child may flourish in a class that | | | | name the best aspects as well as any |
| encourages vocal performance.2. What are | | | | downfalls they found with the program. |
| the age groups? What is the age breakdown and | | | | Remember children and parents share their own |
| how many children are in a typical class? | | | | experiences, you may find more than one |
| | | | reference to be most helpful.9. Do you |
| Choosing a class that suits your toddlers | | | | offer a discount for buying a package? |
| age range is important. You know your child | | | | |
| best. If your child is above the | | | | Like typical schools, some classes are |
| developmental curve, you may consider | | | | offered on a term basis. For instance, if a |
| requesting a trial day with the next class | | | | term is 8 weeks and the sessions are |
| level. Look for a class that has the average | | | | available all school year, you may ask for a |
| age similar to your child.3. How many | | | | multiple term discount. Programs available |
| times a week/month do you offer classes and | | | | through parks and recreation may not offer |
| what are the times available? | | | | such prepaid discounts but it never hurts to |
| | | | ask.10. Do you offer a payment plan? |
| Children are so diverse with their daytime | | | | |
| schedules. A late napper might benefit from | | | | Music schools, independent or through the |
| an early morning or mid-day class. | | | | city, may offer scholarships or extended |
| Conversely, an early evening class might work | | | | payment plans. Knowing in advance may save |
| better for parental participation when work | | | | you valuable time and effort if you |
| schedules require night activities.4. Do | | | | qualify.In conclusion, asking the right |
| you offer a free trail class to attend? | | | | questions during your search for the school, |
| | | | class or program is critical to setting up a |
| A great music program will encourage you to | | | | great experience for both you and your child. |
| come in for a trial class. Use the free trial | | | | The payoff might be watching your shy child |
| to study the interaction between the | | | | sing the loudest or your rambunctious child |
| instructors and children. Are they engaging | | | | sit attentively watching an engaging |
| and enthusiastic? Do the other children seem | | | | instructor. Music fills our every day lives, |
| to enjoy the class? Does the time work for | | | | why not find a musical experience to share |
| your toddler? Talk to the other parents and | | | | with your growing child?Author: Kathie |
| get feedback about the curriculum. You will | | | | Papera, founder and owner of Lilypad Baby a |
| learn the most from other participants.5. | | | | premier site for stylish and unique baby |
| What are the credentials of the teachers? | | | | gifts that can be personalized. |