LuAnn Longenecker, Department Head 

Student ages: 4 months-9 years

New Location!
On March 20, 2012, Westminster Conservatory of Music begins a new, 10-week Early Childhood Music series at Princeton Presbyterian Church on Meadow Road -  "East of U.S. Route One!" 

Join us for an Open House and free classes on:

• Tuesday, February 21, 2012 | 4-6 p.m.
• Saturday, February 25, 2012 | 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Spring 2012 classes at this new location will be held on Tuesdays.  Click here for class offerings. 

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 9 years of age. Classes are taught by faculty trained in music and early childhood education. Our philosophy is to provide child-centered, 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 meet the birthdate range (see below). Progression to the next level will be at the teacher’s recommendation. Fall early childhood classes begin September 17, 2011. Spring early childhood classes begin on January 30, 2012.

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 10 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.

• Rhymes and Rhythms
  Ages 4 – 12 months (birthdates: 6/30/10-4/1/11)
  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: $330
  Materials fee: $40 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Playground
  Ages 12 months – 3 years (birthdates: 9/2/08-7/1/10)
  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 a variety of 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: $492
  Materials fee: $40 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Threes
  Age 3 (birthdates: 1/2/08-9/1/08)
  While this class is for children and 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. Children who are age 3½ years and in preschool 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: $492
  Materials fee: $40 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Stepping Tones
  Ages 3½-4½ (birthdates: 1/2/07-1/1/08)
  This class presents various concepts to foster children’s musical development. Children will combine movement with instruments and singing to create simple ensembles and 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. 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: $492
  Materials fee: $48 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Gateways
  Ages 4½-6 (Levels 1-2 birthdate: 1/1/06-1/1/07; 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 to make music in a creative setting while developing entry-level 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: $585
  Materials fee: $80 (non-refundable after Week 4 of the academic year)
• Musical Explorations
  Grades 1-2
  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: $585
  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: $624
  Materials fee: $30 plus applicable instrument rental fees

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