LuAnn Longenecker, Department Head 

Student ages: 4 months to 8 years

Offerings at the Conservatory

• Download the Class Schedule for all locations (PDF)

The early childhood department specializes in bringing developmentally appropriate music instruction to children from 4 months to 8 years of age. Classes are facilitated by faculty trained in music and early childhood education. Our philosophy is to provide child-centered instruction while nurturing natural ability, curiosity, 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 meet the birthdate range (see below). Progression to the next level will be at the teacher’s recommendation. Fall early childhood classes begin September 15, 2012. Spring early childhood classes begin on February 2, 2013.

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 8 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, along with sample activities. Enrolled and prospective families are encouraged to attend.

New students will be accepted in Rhymes and Rhythms, Musical Playground, Musical Threes, Stepping Tones, and Musical Gateways through March 2013 at a pro-rated tuition.

• Rhymes and Rhythms
  Ages 4 – 12 months (birthdates: 6/30/11–4/1/12)
  This class for child and caregiver is designed to start little ones on their musical journey. Drawn from current 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: $330
  Materials fee: $45 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Playground
  Ages 12 months – 3 years (birthdates: 9/2/09–7/1/11)
  This class is designed to invite young children to explore music in a playful setting. In each session the child and adult caregiver sing, move, and play instruments in activities that incorporate 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 a variety of new 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: 45 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $501
  Materials fee: $45 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Threes
  Age 3 (birthdates: 1/2/09-9/1/09)
  While this class is for children with an adult partner, a cooperative learning environment is designed for children to begin to discover musical independence with some adult support. Working together on musical stories and longer songs, family units will learn individual musical components that will fit together with others in the class. The goal is to transition from continuous whole-group activities to those in which subgroups work together, such as in an orchestra. Children who are age 3½ years and in preschool are encouraged to enter the Stepping Tones class, where they attend on their own without caregivers. Princeton location only.
  Number of classes: 30
  Class length: 45 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $501
  Materials fee: $45 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Stepping Tones
  Ages 3½-4½ (birthdates: 1/2/08-1/1/09)
  This class presents various activities to foster children’s independent musical development. Children will combine movement with instruments and song to create simple ensembles and musical stories. Children’s literature is a key component, and classes incorporate folk songs and repertoire from the United States and other cultures. Each week the students are invited to bring an item from home relating to that week’s theme; these items are then incorporated into the day’s musical experiences. Books and music will be recommended for families to continue the weekly themes at home. Children attend the class on their own, with families 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: $501
  Materials fee: $50 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Gateways
  Ages 4½-6 (Levels 1-2 birthdate: 1/1/07-1/1/08; 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 class provides opportunities for students to make music in a creative setting while developing entry-level musical concepts and skills. Written by the Conservatory’s early childhood faculty, the curricula 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). Levels 1-2 must be completed before entering Levels 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: $600
  Materials fee: $80 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Explorations
  Grades 1-2
  In this group class children will learn basic musical skills and theory needed to play an instrument. Recorders and choir chimes are used to introduce beginning note reading. 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 appropriate for children who love to make music in a group setting before moving on to private instruction. Princeton location only.
  Number of classes: 30
  Class length: 60 minutes (4-person minimum)
  Tuition: $600
  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: $640
  Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees

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