Early Childhood Program
LuAnn Longenecker, Department Head
Ages 6 months-9 years
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of June 2, 2008
The early childhood department specializes in bringing developmentally appropriate music instruction to children from 6 months to 9 years of age. Classes are taught by faculty trained in music and early childhood education. Our philosophy is to provide child-centered, developmentally-appropriate instruction while nurturing natural ability and love of music. Families enrolled in these classes will explore the world of music and the world of the child together with the support and guidance of our experienced faculty.
For each class, children must have reached the required age by July 1, 2008. Progression to the next level will be at the teacher’s recommendation. Fall early childhood classes begin September 8, 2008. Spring early childhood classes begin on January 28, 2009.
Class length is based upon minimum enrollment. Some classes may be offered with a smaller enrollment by reducing the class length. In this case, the tuition remains the same.
Questions about early childhood offerings may be directed to LuAnn Longenecker at the main Conservatory office at 609-921-7104 or by e-mail at LLongenecker@rider.edu.
Parent meetings will be held in Princeton on Saturday, September 6 at the following times: 10:00 a.m. (Rhymes and Rhythms, Musical Playground, Musical Threes), 11:30 a.m. (Stepping Tones, Musical Gateways). The early childhood faculty will present overviews of the programs. Enrolled and prospective families are encouraged to attend.
Rhymes and Rhythms New!
Ages 6-12 months
(birthdate: 6/30/07 - 1/1/08)
This class for child and caregiver is designed to start little ones on their musical journey. Drawn from recent research in music education and child development, each session will include singing, recorded music, poetry/nursery rhymes, movement, and instrument play specifically for the very young. Classes are designed to appeal to lap babies as well as crawlers and early walkers. Through the teacher's guidance, caregivers will learn repertoire and receive ideas for extending the music-making time into the home. A book and CD will be part of the class materials. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 30
Class length: 30 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $315
Materials fee: $40 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
Musical Playground
Section A: Ages 12-24 months
(birthdate: 7/2/06 - 7/1/07)
Section B: Ages 2-3 years
(birthdate: 7/2/05 - 7/1/06)
This class is designed for young children to explore music in a fun setting. Two age-appropriate sections are offered; in each section the child and an adult caregiver sing, move, and play instruments using nursery rhymes and folk songs, both familiar and new. Musical Playground encourages the whole family to enjoy making music at home. While the teacher uses different activities each week to incorporate musical concepts and basic skills, there is some repetition needed by children at this early age. Everyone attending is encouraged to participate freely in a wide range of musical-play activities.
Number of classes: 30
Class length: 30 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $315
Materials fee: $40 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
Musical Threes
Age 3
(birthdate: 1/2/05 - 7/1/05)
This class is for 3 year olds and an adult partner. Working together on longer songs and musical stories, each student will learn individual musical components that will fit together with others in the class. This cooperative learning environment is designed for the children in the class to begin to discover musical independence with some adult support. Children who are age 3½ years are encouraged to enter the Stepping Tones class, where they attend on their own without the caregivers. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 30
Class length: 45 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $468
Materials fee: $30 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
Stepping Tones
Ages 3½-4½
(birthdate: 1/2/04 - 1/1/05)
This class presents various concepts that will encourage children’s musical development and prepare them for future study. Each week students and families are invited to complete a small project at home that will relate to the next week’s theme. Children will combine movement with instruments and singing to create simple ensembles and stories. The class incorporates folk songs and repertoire from the United States and other cultures. Books and music will be recommended for families to continue the themes at home. Children attend the class on their own, with the caregivers returning for the last few minutes of each session to share in group music making.
Number of classes: 30
Class length: 45 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $468
Materials fee: $45 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
Musical Gateways
Ages 4-1/2-6
(Levels 1-2 birthdate: 1/1/03 - 1/1/04; Levels 3-4: returning students)
This class is for children who enjoy making music but are waiting to begin traditional formal instruction. Through attention to the child’s singing voice, listening skills and movement development, this child-centered class provides opportunities to make music in a creative environment while developing basic musical concepts and skills. Originally written in 1997, Levels 1 and 2 have been updated to reflect current philosophy and practice. Level 1: Stories and Song; Level 2: Music and You; Level 3: Global Music; Level 4: Music Through Time. Students complete two levels per academic year (15 classes per level). Level 1-2 must be completed before entering Level 3-4. New students entering kindergarten may be admitted to Level 3-4 on approval from the department head.
Number of classes: 30
Class length: 60 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $80 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
Musical Explorations
Grades 1-3
In this group class children will learn the beginning musical skills needed to play an instrument. Recorders and choir chimes are used in class to develop note reading readiness. Each class includes singing, movement, folk dances and speech/instrumental ensembles. Children will experience different musical styles from classical to jazz. While the approach and philosophy draw primarily on that of Carl Orff, other music education philosophies are evident throughout the program. This class is well suited to children who love to make music but are not ready for one-on-one instruction. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 30
Class length: 60 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $30 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
Pianos and Pizzicati
Grades 1-2 (beginners only)
This class will introduce students to keyboard, strings, and beginning music theory. Using a group-class format, students will spend 8 weeks exploring each type of instrument and setting practice goals for reinforcement at home. While the class will meet at the same time each week, the students will be divided into two groups and meet in separate rooms for each instrument. At the mid-point of the fall term, students will switch instruments—for example, piano for 8 weeks and then cello for 8 weeks. In the spring term, students will continue with more advanced activities in their rotation; the violin will replace the cello. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 55 minutes (8-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees
Pizzicati Encore Strings New!
Carol Vizzini, Instructor
For returning Pianos and Pizzicati students only
This class is for violin and cello students who have taken the Pianos and Pizzicati class and want to continue playing in a group setting. Students will learn new repertoire with an emphasis on pieces (canons and rounds) which can be played in unison but can also be broken up into individual parts which will harmonize. Note reading will be introduced, but the focus will be on learning pieces by ear. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees
Children’s Voice Class
Grades 1-4
This class will consist of three components. The first will focus on music reading as children learn the basics of music theory (notes, rests, values) and sight singing. The second will include vocalizes; personal attention will be given to each child as the class learns basic breathing and tone-production skills. In the final component of the class, children will learn proper singing techniques and critical listening skills. This class will also help to prepare children for auditioned choral experiences. Class size is limited.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 55 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $576
Materials fee: $10
EARLY CHILDHOOD FACULTY
Fiorella Araya
Donna Pierce Copti
Jennifer Garr
Matthew LaPine
Teresa Lim
LuAnn Longenecker
Sandy Reedy
Kathy Shanklin
Dauri Shippey
Carol Vizzini
Jean Marie Whaley
To view faculty bios, click here.
*All PDF files require Adobe Reader (free).
Westminster Conservatory of Music - (609) 921-7104 - wccConserv@rider.edu
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