Happy Summer! We are very excited to be offering classes this Summer to all of you! Our new "drop-in" style 6-week session will allow you to choose which days will work best for your busy Summer schedule. You will also have the choice of attending one class per week for a total of 6 classes or more. This means you and your child have the ability to take up to 12 classes with us this Summer if you choose. The more classes you sign up for the more you save!
We know Summer is a busy time and Bellingham is a wonderful city with many family friendly activities to choose from for you and your family. There are many reasons to continue, begin or restart your child's musical education and our flexible Summer schedule is a great time to do it!
From the moment their first child is born, parents become teachers. Most parents and primary caregivers are aware that supporting their children in the development of basic life skills, such as talking, moving, and living with others, is one of their most important roles.Many may not realize, however, that they are also their child’s first and most importantmusic teacher!
Music ability is a basic life skill. When we immerse our young children in a rich music environment, they learn to sing and dance as naturally as they learn to walk and talk. Regardless of your musical background or ability, you can nurture your child’s musical development, just as you support their development of other basic life skills. Here are some tips on how to incorporate musical education in your home!
How to Teach Your Child Music (in 3 Easy Steps!)
Step 1: Believe your child is musical–and you are, too!
Every one of us is musical – we’re born that way! When you believeyour childis musical, you are more likely to participate in daily activities that help them explore their musicality. When you believeyouare musical, you’ll be more likely to act musical around your child. Young children want to be like their parents and enjoy the same things they do—if parents make music, children will, too!
Step 2: Participate in music actively and frequently.
Make music every day, and give your child the opportunity to experience and play with music in many different ways. Show them that music is a natural, enjoyable, and important part of daily living!
Sing with your little one.Sing a lullaby every night before bed. Sing a silly song while you change a diaper or prepare dinner.
Dance with your little one.Hold your baby close while you dance to your favorite music. Imitate your toddler’s dance moves to his or her favorite tune. Play a freeze dance game with your preschooler.
Keep a basket of instruments on hand, and play them while you sing or listen to music.It doesn’t have to be fancy – pots, pans, and kitchen utensils create a fantastic family band!
Listen to a variety of music while you work and play.Exposure to all kinds of music is an excellent way to build your child’s music vocabulary and enrich their ability to think musically.
Attend live concerts.Take advantage of Bellingham’s myriad opportunities to catch a live show! There are so many opportunities this Summer to experence live music and the outdoors with a variety of outdoor concerts around town!
Enroll in a music class, and become part of a community of music makers. Music Together classesare playful, rich, and engaging. They support communities of parents and caregivers in helping their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers discover their inner music-makers
Step 3: Have fun!
Play is the work of early childhood. Children are play experts!This magical process is absolutely necessary for them to teach themselves what they need to know about their world. Whatever you choose to do musically with your child, be sure to keep it light-hearted, and engage them with playful silliness and joy!
We are so grateful to have you as part of our musical community and hope we will see you and your child in classes this Summer!
