Melodyway :: Music for Little Mozarts :: FAQ
1. Why should my child study music at a young age?
Recent studies suggest that playing and listening to music at a young
age improves learning, memory, reasoning ability and general
reativity.
Research also supports the theory that young children who are exposed
to music develop enhanced cognitive skills
Music teachers are aware that influences of music go far beyond the
intellectual and physical development of the child. Studying music
contributes to the growth of a well balanced child in sensitivity,
expressiveness and the spirit essential for functioning in a
complicated world.
2. What is the Music for Little Mozarts series?
Music Little Mozarts for was written to provide appropriate piano
instruction for very young children, hile simultaneously
developing listening skills. The series was designed to provide a
balance between the discipline necessary for playing the instrument and
the
enjoyment one gets from the process of music-making. The course centers
around the adventures of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse as they learn
about music.
3. How many levels are contained in Music for Little Mozarts?
Music for Little Mozarts is a two-year program. The time required for
completion of each of the four levels will vary from student to student
and class to class. On the average, each level can be completed in 18-22weeks.
4. What materials are included in each level?
Three books at each level guide children through a comprehensive
approach to musical learning. The Music Lesson Books introduce musical
concepts and contain keyboard performance music. The Music Workbooks
include coloring and ear training activities to reinforce musical
concepts. The Music Discovery Books feature singing, listening, music
appreciation, movement and rhythm activities. Other materials at each
level include compact disc recordings, General MIDI recordings and
flash cards. A starter kit (purchased at the beginning of the first
level only) contains a tote bag, Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse plush
animals and a music activity board.
5. What will my child learn in the course?
Music for Little Mozarts combines general musicianship activities with
those that develop performance skills at the piano. Skills taught in
the course focus on keyboard performance, listening, pitch matching,
keyboard technique, singing, rhythm, movement and music appreciation.
Children will play pieces at the piano throughout each level.
6. What is my role as a parent in music study?
Parents play a very important role in music lessons for young children.
Lessons are a total partnership between the child and the parents. Some
teachers encourage parents to attend lessons. Even if parents do not
attend lessons, they must keep in close contact with the teacher and
share in the learning process at home. Parents must supervise practice
and read directions to the student. In addition to practice sessions at
the piano, parents should discuss the pictures in the books with the
child, read the story in the Music Lesson Book to him/her, and listen
to the compact discs together as a family.
7. Should my child study privately or semi-privately?
Music for Little Mozarts works equally well in a private or semi-private setting.
Historically, pre-school music instruction has been conducted
in groups often with parents attending and assisting students in the
lessons. This approach is very effective as young students enjoy the
interaction with peers. Parents enjoy the opportunity to share these
experiences with their children. When children study privately, it is
very important that lessons include a variety of activities that get
the student away from the keyboard for listening, singing and movement
activities.
8. What types of things can I expect to happen in the lesson?
Each lesson will include a variety of activities chosen from keyboard
performance, singing, music appreciation, coloring, movement,
activities with magnetic/dry erase board, listening and rhythm
activities. The activities that occur in the lesson are structured to
take into consideration the young child’s small hands and limited
attention span.
9. How often and how long should my child practice?
After each lesson, your child will get an assignment for the week.
Children should practice daily for 10-15 minutes at a specific time
with no interference from the TV, computer or other family members. It
is wise to practice as early in the day as possible, keep a record of
practice time and establish a reward system for effective practice. Two
brief practice times are preferable to one longer session. The parent
should sit near the child during the practice time so that the child
doesn’t feel isolated.
10. How often should my child listen to the compact discs?
Students and parents should listen the compact discs on a daily basis.
Some days you will listen to specific examples from the child’s
assignment. Other days you should simply listen to the entire CD as
background music. Children absorb the music on the CD and it will
motivate them to excel in music study.
11. What is unique about Music for Little Mozarts?
The entire Music for Little Mozarts series was designed to develop
creativity in the young child. The story of Beethoven Bear and Mozart
Mouse continues through the entire series and the use of the stuffed
animals in the actual piano instruction brings the story to life. The
integration of the three books, the compact discs and flash cards at
each level is necessary to gain the most from the course. The Music
Discovery Books move beyond piano performance through materials for
singing, listening, music appreciation, movement and rhythm activities.
Unlike other courses that focus entirely on keyboard performance
activities (often beyond the natural technical skills and musical
understanding of the child), Music for Little Mozarts offers a variety
of activities to lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical
enjoyment.