DVMTA Connects with Let's Play Music
At the March DVMTA meeting, Shelle Soelberg, founder of LPM, and Nicci Lovell will be team teaching a Connections Presentation to help DVMTA teachers learn techniques needed to help Let's Play Music students best make the transition into a private piano setting. This presentation will give you an inside look at what Let's Play Music students learn and what you can expect graduates to be able to do once they come to your studio. We will also introduce DVMTA teachers to the exciting new Sound Beginnings curriculum. |
| Let's Play Music founder, Shelle Soelberg |
Why do YOU need to know about Let's Play Music?
Currently there are around 1100 Let's Play Music Students in the East Valley and our student base is constantly expanding. Many of the young students in our area seeking a piano teacher will have a Let's Play Music background, so you can see the need for us to Connect and get to know one another, and help you understand our teaching philosophies and curriculum foundation.
What is Let's Play Music?
Let's Play Music is a music theory course that emphasizes total musicianship through piano playing, singing, classical music, note reading and ear training - and all accomplished through PLAY! One key philosophy of the Let's Play Music curriculum is the premise that the music learning window is ages 3-9. Musical exposure and instruction during this time will be more readily absorbed and internalized. The Let's Play Music curriculum leads 4-5 year old child from very basic music introduction using singing and simple instruments through a three-year program.
The Let's Play Music Curriculum
Young children learn most effectively when they are playing! If you were to peek in on a Let's Play Music class, you would see jumping, singing skipping, storytelling and laughing. Music educators have long taught tha tthe young child learns best through play, experience and discovery. As musical concepts and skills are presented in a playful, joyful setting, children abosrb knowledge and ability quickly.
The curriculum is organized into three sequential years. The first year, we use engaging games and songs and incorporate Tone Bells to teach staff awareness and rhythm reading skills. The second year, we transfer these skills to playing the piano where we also learn chord notation, intervals, and harmonic improvisation. By the end of the third year, students are playing piano at level 1-2, transposing music,
composing their own music, sight-reading music, and are prepared to excel in further private piano instruction.
The Sound Beginnings Curriculum
The fun new Sound Beginnings curriculum (designed for children ages 2-4 and a parent) takes further advantage of the music learning window. By providing a solid music and preschool foundation, Sound Beginnings prepares students for success in Let’s Play Music and Kindergarten! The curriculum is organized into four non-sequential semesters. Each semester is four months long and explores all the elements of music: rhythm, pitch, harmony, form, dynamics and tone color. Students are encouraged to sing, play simple percussion instruments, listen, and move to music. Children are exposed to music vocabulary and music notation. Specific concepts and skills taught include in-tune singing, timbre, beat, playing simple percussion instruments, fast/slow, theme and form, counting, primary colors, name-recognition, and much more!
Connect with Let's Play Music
Connections Piano Teachers are certified in the Let's Play Music method, providing the perfect transition from group classes to private lessons. Connections presentations are completely FREE! The more YOU know about the prior experience of these students, the better you can help continue their education. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Connections teacher, here are the steps:
Request Certification Information from Let's Play Music HERE. Download, print and read the materials and bring them with you to the March 28th DVMTA meeting.
Step 2: Observe
Come to the March 28th DVMTA meeting to view the Connections Presentation and observe a 3rd year Let's Play Music class.
Step 3: Get the Tools
Purchase an exclusive Connections songbook and CD for your private studio.
Step 4: Get the word out!
Once you habe completed steps 1-3, you can become listed on the Let's Play Music Website as an official Connections teacher.
For additional information visit: http://letsplaymusicsite.com
