Dorla's Piano Studio

We play instruments each week in our Family Music classes, primarily because it’s fun!

This is the time for getting to know the feel, and the sound of simple rhythm instruments, experimenting with different ways to play them.  Although I will give  examples of how to play the instruments, I do not expect everyone to do exactly as I am doing the whole time.  Instead, I want to give the children an opportunity to get to know the instruments and to establish a repertoire of ways to play the instruments.  By giving them this opportunity now, they will be ready and able to play specific instrumental parts in the coming years as we work to build 2 and 3 part instrumental accompaniments to some of our favorite songs.

Not sure what a baby music class is like?  Well, here is your opportunity to “try it out”!

The main goal is for you and your child to spend 30 minutes enjoying musical play.  This is the way that children learn the language of music. Listening to his/her favorite adult’s voice, tapping, shaking, moving, and resting in a playful environment of sound.  Pretty soon you will hear them making up their own songs and if they are already doing that, then you will love the different tonalities and rhythms that they will be exposed to!

Call to reserve a place in this Friday morning class which begins Sepetember 3.

817-832-858

Parents usually enroll their children in music class because of the musical benefits.  But have you ever taken the time to think about the neuroscience of music? Music, delivered in a thoughtful, useful, creative way will help your child make small changes in their behavior.

In music class children can learn to relax and be calm. During the carefully planned 30 minutes of class there are opportunities for movement, instrument playing, singing, improvising and silence.  Transitioning from one activity to another not only creates excitement and anticipation but will teach your child a routine that will enable him to change to a calm and quiet activity.  Caregivers are always a hug away and make this quiet time a special one.

Dr. Lorna Heyge, founder of Musikgarten explains: “How many times do we say to a child “Just sit down and listen!” Yet, those are exactly the skills most hard to come by in our couch-potato, visually oriented, noisy world!  Children need to move so that they become well acquainted with their bodies in order to learn how to hold still!  Children need quiet, focused listening – someone pointing out the sound of that bird, or the wind, just for a few seconds – to be able to tune in to individual sounds.”

The ability to smoothly change from one activity to another, on cue, is an essential life skill.  It is also a skill needed for group musical participation and interpretation.  It is a skill that you can teach at home, but if you would rather join a group of like-minded parents and movement-filled children, give me a call!

Are you wondering what it will have inside?

As you walk through the front door you step into the waiting area, to your left is the restroom, and as you walk through the next door you are in the Great Room where all lessons will take place.  On your left is another door leading to the music library and storage and I have reserved a small space for a desk/copy machine and other office necessities.  And that is it!  The Great Room has enough space for the grand piano, 8 keyboards, CD player and movement area (which is the same area that will be used for Spanish class and Handbells).

Oh! I forgot to mention that the floor has been stained also.  Today I love the color…tomorrow?  we’ll see!

It is no longer only on paper! Every day we see progress and are excited about the new building for Dorla’s Piano Studio.  The pianos will now have a permanent home!

Come by and visit. Your suggestions will be welcomed, discussed at dinner time and filed.  And that’s about it!  One parent already suggested  a gazebo….for the  parents to sit and wait of course!   Suggestion filed.  But I really liked this one!

Monday classes begin August 16.