Preparing children for Music Lessons!

Around the ages of 3-7 years old, parents start dreaming of their children taking their first piano lesson.  I often get calls asking if their 3, 4 or 5 year old can do a trial lesson and I usually will try to accommodate.  In general, most children are not ready for formal music instruction until at least 5 years old.  This varies from child to child.

In this blog, I'd like to go over some key activities you can do as a family to prepare for private lessons.

1.  START EARLY -  "Mommy and Me" Music classes were one of the first activities to start for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.  They have opened the door for dance classes, gymnastics and other sport classes starting earlier.  While many of these programs offer a musical experience, a true music and movement program, run by an experienced musician will give you more musical benefits.  These days there are many programs to choose from so pick something that suits you and your child.  Getting them involved in a Parent/Child music class can help pave the way for future music experiences.  Many of these programs focus on the child, (and family), developing a natural love of music and including it in your life.  If you are reading this and have a baby, get yourself enrolled in a music class!  There are also many FREE opportunities at local libraries!

2.  MAKE MUSIC - SING TO YOUR CHILDREN! Lots of parents say, "My voice is terrible." Your child doesn't think so!  Sing, sing, sing.  Play music in the car and house.  Play songs you like.  Play various styles of music.  Explore music in your world.  Create steady beats and make up rhythms on your pots, pans and tupperware.  Jingle the car keys or make your own egg shaker.  Dance around the room.  Let your child express themselves through music.

3.  EARLY MUSIC PROGRAMS - Before you decide to sign up for those private music lessons, find a preschool or school-age music program.  While they are not as popular as the "parent/child class" look around for a group class that offers the basics of music through singing, written notation and play.  This class should introduce the child to the staff, music notes while including game songs and other activities that develop musicianship.  My own children took a class like this and it has really helped with their ability to read and understand music.  Combined with what they received in their school programs, they were very ready for private music lessons.

4.  SO, WHEN CAN THEY START LESSONS? - I hate to see people waste their money.  Maybe it's because I'm too honest but not all children are ready at the same age.  Your child should be able to attend the lesson independently.  They should be able to focus for a 30-minute lesson.  They NEED to practice.  At a young age, the parent needs to make time for practice each day.  The parent doesn't need to have any musical background but set up a place to practice that has everything they need like their instrument, book and good lightening.  This place should be free of distractions.  Encourage your child to play through the songs several times.  For younger children, keep sessions short and sweet.  Be positive and encouraging.  Let the teacher fix any mistakes.  (This is coming from a music teacher parent!)  I find my children respond much better to corrections from their music teachers then me!     

Be sure to set up that trial lessons, talk with the teacher and decide if it's the right time.  After the trial lesson, give your child at least 3 months.  Communicate with the teacher about your expectations.  A teacher should give you updates on progress.  If things aren't working, take a break and try again in a few months.   

Here are some samples of the classes I have taught with preschool and elementary music concepts.

Exploring a dulcimer in Music Explorers Class at First Roots Music Studio!

Reading, Writing, Clapping and Playing basic rhythm patterns in Music Class!

For more information about Ms Jenni and her classes visit www.first-roots.com

                   

How to enjoy ANY parent-child class!

Parent-child classes are a huge hit.  Almost everywhere you go now offers something for the toddler set.  It seems to be a growing market trend.  Today I'm going to give you advice on how to enjoy any toddler class.

1.  Follow Your Child's Lead.  This is the single most important tip I have.  Does it mean let your child do what they want?  Does it mean let your child run around?  Does I mean I have to walk around the room after my child?  It means focus on your child.  Observe what they are doing in class.  Give them a change to do the activities on their own.  Listen to what they are saying.  Sit or Stand with them and speak to them at eye-level as you are engaging with them.  Actively play with them showing your interest..  Give them opportunities to show you new things.  

2.  Have Realistic Expectations.  It's important to truly know your child.  Try not to compare them to other children who are the same age.  All children develop at their own pace and while you can sometimes see developmental delays, it's best to talk to a professional if you have big concerns.  All children, should be able to enjoy the class with modifications for their developmental stage.  The teacher or you should create ways to enjoy the activities.

3.  Don't Force Them To Perform.  Classes for babies and young child should have some structure and introduce concepts but not force them to perform.  If your child balks, let them explore it on their terms.  Let them watch others do it.  Take them to the side and take a break until the next activities.  All good things come to those who wait so give them a chance to learn over the weeks they are in class.  Most classes build on skills and concepts so that activity should be reintroduced and changed up for them to explore it in a new way.  

4.  Pick A Time That Works.  Be sure to select a class time that give you plenty of time to transition your child from their daily schedule.  Don't rush to daycare to pick them up at 5pm for a 5:30pm class and then rush across town to get them ready.  Make sure it's a time that works around their schedule or make your schedule work for the class.  You might want to feed them or give them a snack earlier if class runs into lunch or dinner time.

5.  It's All For The Children.  Expect some repetition and a sense of schedule.  Expect there to be transitions in class from doing one activity to the next.  Follow your child's lead and have realistic expectations based on your child's age as you move through the activities.  If your child starts to meltdown find a way to transition them.  If you have questions about your child in class, find time to discuss them with the instructor.  Expect the instructor to make modifications and walk around the facilitate different ideas for the needs of the children.  Expect the instructor to focus on the children but include tidbits and information about ways this might incorporate into daily life.  Remember, this activity should be for they overall enjoyment and fun.

Remember, these tips can help you enjoy any parent-child class.  It's important to go in with a calm spirit and open mind.  Take a trial class, if possible.  Just because "everybody" goes to a certain class doesn't mean it will be the right fit for you and your child.  Try various places and instructors.  Find a flow that works for you.  Many classes run in a set number of weeks or have a month-to-month option.  I strongly suggest committing to a whole semester and attending regularly.  

Good Luck and Enjoy Your New Class!

For more information on classes and programs with First Roots Music,

please visit www.first-roots.com    

Getting Kids To Sing!

LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LAAAAAAAA!

Most kids are naturally interested in music and will sing and respond to it.  I have taught babies up through high school aged children and here are SIX tips to get your children to sing.

1.  Start early!  From the moment they are in utero, sing.  Sing to them as babies.  Tons of parents complain, "I'm not a good singer!" but your baby DOES NOT CARE!  Your baby heard your voice from the womb.  They LOVE your voice.  Your voice is your voice. 

2.  Music Classes!  Early music classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and young school age children are packed with so many beneficial activities.  Many times they are gaining more skills than just music skills which make them a popular choice for many parents. Children should not be expected to perform but they should be surrounded by musical activities that encourage them to join in on their level.  A baby will enjoy rocking or bouncing to the beat and babbling along to the music.  A toddler will enjoy moving their bodies and starting to add their own voice.  Preschoolers and school-age children can explore using their voices, instruments and bodies in the music making process.  Children shouldn't be forced to participate and they can experience the class in many ways.

3.  Singing!  Sing with recorded music.  Sing acapella.  Just sing.

4.  Be Creative!  Let your child fill in the blank.  Sing a phrase and leave out the word and wait for their response.  Create new verses.  Create new rhymes.  Clap.  Move.  Play instruments.  Dance.  This all encourages musically.

5.  Explore The Voice!  One of the things kids love is singing in different voices.  With my preschoolers we often experiment singing in loud and soft voices.  Sometimes we sing like robots or monsters.  We sing fast and slow.  You can take the simplest songs to explore the voice.

6.  Consistency & Repetition!  I always start with a Hello song and end with a Goodbye song.  My preschool kids can sing the Hello Song REALLY well and it makes me SO proud!  It wasn't always like that.  For the first few times, they were pretty quiet but as the year progressed they gained confidence.  We also sing to each friend which they truly look forward to.  Consistency and repetition is the key.  Sometimes we can't stand to hear a song ONE MORE TIME or read a book ONE MORE TIME but that's all the kids want.  Kids learn best from consistency and repetition.  Go ahead and sing that song again!  Your child's brain is learning so much and gaining more and more knowledge. 

The most important key is to make music making a part of your life.  Play music, sing songs and encourage kids to join in.  Any kind of music helps but it's best to choose a variety, Build their confidence.  As babies grow into toddlers and young children, we sometimes zap that confidence.  Start young, build that confidence and let them know there is "no wrong note".  The more they sing and create, the more they develop their voice and confidence.  

Make music making fun and positive!

If you are interested in classes, programs or parties through First Roots Music, visit us at www.first-roots.com   

How we work together in Music!

One of my many goals I have in mind when developing music class activities is finding ways to enhance their overall musical development.  For younger children, I want them to experience learning about music by listening, watching and actively engaging in activities.  As children get further in their musical studies, creating music is really like having your own team.  Each member of the team is valuable to create the overall sound.

We start this in one of the most simplistic ways:  working together.

By learning to hold one side of the scarf while a friend holds the other side, we begin to build teamwork.  Then we add a small beach ball and the duo needs to roll the ball back and forth.  This is often a challenge because kids are naturally excited about parachutes, scarves and beach balls and now we need them to focus their excitement on a task with a friend.  Trust me, this is big for preschoolers!  Since it's summer time, we listen to music that reminds us of the rolling waves.  The goal, work together to get your ball rolling back and forth like the waves.

This focused and concentrated work really help build so many valuable skills in music and in life.  You have everything from teamwork, verbal and non-verbal communication, moving to a steady beat and fine and gross motor skills!

Sometimes we have so much fun playing and moving to music, we over look the amazing value it contributes to life.  Come and explore all the benefits of teamwork and moving appropriately to the music.  

  

Hello & Goodbye: The importance of names!

Once upon a time I worked my first elementary general music job.  Prior to that position, I had only worked with older elementary, middle school and high school instrumental students.  The only general music class I had was 7th grade.  I wanted to be a middle school/high school band director, after all.  Here I was in a new school teaching something I never thought I'd want to do!

Oh, now we can all really laugh as 

I'm Ms. Jenni 

the musical toddler whisper!  

Back then I had A LOT of music classes in the school I was in.  I had to take attendance every class and I felt like the 50 minutes they had music each week made it nearly impossible for me to remember their names.  Plus it's very hard when you're trying to manage a class saying, "Hey, kid in the orange shirt!"  Then I started to sing hello to the kids each week using their names.  Every kid.  Every class.  It helped!

One of the things I still do is sing Hello!

Today I was teaching one of my preschool classes and they sang my hello so beautifully with great energy.  I just had that moment where I played the guitar, listened and smiled.  They have come so far and truly were enjoying making music and singing to each other. 

If I have toddlers or big kids, I try to get to know there names and use them throughout class.

At the end of class I sing Goodbye to all the kids too.

I feel that singing Hello and greeting them each time I see them, using their names throughout class and singing Goodbye using their names makes them feel that they are a part of class.  It also makes them feel that I truly care.  (I do!)  Knowing their names really helps with the overall dynamics of class because I can point out the children that are good models and the other children can follow suit. 

Don't over look the importance of learning and using names!  

 

Saying Goodbye.....

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my physical studio.

As I was sifting through pictures, I found this one of my 3 children while we were setting up for one of my Saturday classes at Saint Mary's Church back in 2011-2012.  At that time my son was around 2 and my daughters were 4 & 5.  I've been teaching classes for more than 5 years!

I started my journey teaching music and movement classes because I was inspired by the teacher I took classes with when my oldest was an infant.  When I had my 3 kids, I felt it was something I could do because I love making music and sharing it with other people.  I wanted them involved too.

I've had quite the journey of success.

Back in 2011, I used spaces in my community but then I found a space in Hillsborough that was perfect for my vision of my studio.  My first class ended their session at my new studio back in June 2012.  I held many parties, playdates and classes over my 2 years there.

I stayed in my Township Line Road location until 2014 when I moved my studio closer to home so it would be easier for me and my family.  With the demands of them being in school, the 10-15 minute drive across Hillsborough was very time consuming on a tight schedule.

I relocated my studio to Manville and had a Grand Opening where I invited Jason Didner to play and also had an appearance by Elsa.  I loved my small, bright green studio that I decorated with fun wall art that the kids enjoyed.

At the end of June 2016, I say goodbye to my studio.

Looking back it has been a long road.  Making this decision has not been easy.

I think of all the families that I have met over the years.  If you stayed one semester or more, you made a difference.  I kept teaching my classes because I was inspired by your children.  I'd show up to class and their smiles and laughter would inspire me.  

It's really hard to even think about not having my own space!

I've been going through a grieving process over my decision.

If you've been with me a longer time, you might have noticed that I didn't do as much this past semester.  You might have noticed that I didn't say much about the upcoming summer or fall session.  It was hard for me to tell you to your faces that I had come to a decision.

My decision came because of my family - my children.

I have spent 5 years arranging my schedule to create a wide range of classes for families to enjoy the benefits of music.  I have had to put my kids in aftercare, get babysitters or even include them in class.  Sometimes they were not all that cooperative about it which was challenging.  I gave up a lot of my time with my family when they were young making memories for other families.  While I truly loved every minute of what I did, it is very time-consuming when you have 3 children.

This past year my kids have been getting more involved with their own interests.  We have dance, 

4-H, Religious Education classes, soccer and school activities.  My youngest also has speech/OT once a week outside of school.  It has become very hard to create a schedule where I can give enough time to my studio AND be there for my family.

The reality of it was, I really couldn't run many more classes then the few I did and there were few afternoon or evening options because of commitments with my own kids.  

I do love my studio like my family so it was very difficult to make a decision.

In the end, I decided it was best not to renew my lease.

I will continue to teach in the libraries and preschools.  I will also continue to write and create my own music.  I plan on continuing the Hillsborough Recreation class on Monday mornings.  I will continue with birthday parties and other entertaining opportunities.  I will focus on writing some more original kid's music and also doing my videos.

I don't look at this decision as an end, by an opening to more new opportunities.

I've been blessed by my family and my children.

I've been blessed to get to know so many wonderful families communities.

Thank you for your support over the years!

Continue to follow me on my website, facebook and youtube!

Making Strong Bodies....and music too!

1, 2, 3!HOP WITH ME!

It's Spring and our classes have been bouncing like bunnies and hopping like frogs.  Bouncing is a great way for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to feel the sense of a steady beat when they sit on their grow-up's lap.  We do that a lot in class.  It's also a way to bring children and caregivers together.  Children feel safe in the arms of their beloved caregiver.

How many times can we bounce on a lap?

A few years ago I brought in exercise balls but they were hard to store and big.  The parents had to hold them which was more challenging for the bigger kids.  I looked around and I found the ball hoppers.  I had one when I was a kid and I have found memories of hopping all over the backyard.  I liked that they have a handle.

I introduced the ball hoppers last year and they were a HIT!

The babies can be supported and many of them actually hold the handles too.  Some of the holder children can do it themselves.

WHY BALL HOPPERS?

Music making is a full body process, especially for kids.  They get more out of class when they can move their bodies while singing or listening to a song.  The ball also helps them strengthen those core body muscles.  For babies, those are the muscles that help them pull up, sit up, start to crawl and then pull up to standing to walk.  Bouncing on a ball helps their little bodies develop balance.  I haven't had a class that wasn't full of laughter and smiles when we have the ball hoppers out!  It really is such a fun and great activity for the kids. 

My class is always creatively intertwined with musical activities that also benefit the child's over-all development.

To learn more about my classes please visit:

www.first-roots.com

Jennifer Esposito is the owner of First Roots Music Studio.  She has a BA in Music Education and is an NJ certified music teacher.  She taught in the public schools before starting her own family.  She took Kindermusik training and taught for them or several years before developing her own curriculum.  She creates her own children's songs and videos on youtube.  Her goal is to introduce children and families to a musical life.  She creatively adapts lessons to fit the children in her class. 

The Kindie Community

When my children were younger and we watched TV I heard the music of Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, Choo Choo Soul and They Might Be Giants.  I actually enjoyed their musical segues during the morning cartoons.

As I got involved with children's classes, I liked to search for a variety of songs.  I started going on the internet and searching itunes for different types of children's music.  I was thrilled to actually find some fun music that wasn't the traditional children's music.

When I decided to move my studio closer to home, I got in touch with Kindie perform, Jason Didner, of Jason Didner and The Jungle Gym Jam.  I did a Grand Opening event and hired him to play.  Sure it's fun to offer free classes live music is an amazing opportunity for families.

One of the things I like to do in my class is play guitar and sing - A LOT.  I like to incorporate lots of opportunities to explore making music by being actively engaged.

I felt like Jason's music worked well with my philosophies.

Through Jason, I met Marc Bazerman the head man of Baze and His Silly Friends.  My kids really liked Baze's silly performance because it was so interactive.

I love the fact that my kids and my families in my studio have had the opportunity to experience live music that is not only fun but appropriate for their children.

Every year these children's musicians get together for a huge conference called Kindiecomm.  This year Jason said a few bands were looking for some more places to gig on their way home.  He organized SIX Kindie Musicians to come and perform at my studio.

In addition to Jason Didner and Baze I met Chibi Kodama, The Green Orbs, Jumpin' Jamie and Sonshine & Broccoli.  (You HAVE to click on each of these links and learn more about them!)

Each of these groups are SO different and SO amazing.  My kids enjoyed every second and quickly got into the various performances they did!

What I loved most about the performance is, I learned about the Kindie Community.  It's a community of passionate musicians who write amazing music for children.  They love seeing the kids jamming to their music!  I am blessed to have gotten to know these people.  Their music has made an impact with my kids who beg to hear some of the songs over and over again!

If you are looking for children's music that you can enjoy, check out some of these bands.  Get to their shows.  Watch their videos online.  Buy their music.  Share the music with your children.

The Kindie Community is an amazing place with a wealth of new music for your child to explore.

Science Experiment: Calming Effect of Music

My daughter was asked to come up with a Science project to do with her friend.  They had a few ideas written down like "Does milk get you sleepy?", "Does a soap bar dissolve in water" and "Why does popcorn pop?".  The one they went with was "Does music really get you to sleep?"

Their idea was to play 3 different types of music, something from the radio, quiet music and loud music but the needed to figure out HOW to see the results.  

As part of my classes, we often include a time to relax and rock to calming music each week.  The kids are use to the routine.  Normally I play calming music.  Well, the other day, we changed things up a bit.  

We played Happy by Pharrell Williams first and the kids started getting up and dancing and jump.  We played it for about a minute and then I switched to a classical suite by J.S. Bach.  The children began to respond by laying down and relaxing.  Last we turned on Back in Black by AC/DC and the kids got up and jumped around again....without prompting.

My daughter and her friends were amazed by the results.

As a music teacher, I see the effects of music on the children I teach each day.  Knowing the way children respond to music helps me plan and structure their lessons to give them as many learning opportunities as possible.

Check out the brief video to see the results: 

The next time you are out in a store, party or at a concert, watch and listen to the people around you as different music comes on.  Maybe you even want to make your own play list of calming and loud, fast songs to see a response. 

That natural response and love of music encourages me to continue teaching every day.

     

  

Exploring Instruments!

As a child I remember my church, preschool and school would always have a box of instruments.  They would pull them out, ask everyone to grab an instrument, turn on the music and march around.  The box would be filled with cymbals, drums, rhythm sticks, triangles, sand blocks and tambourines.  We would all eagerly rush to the box to pick out our favorite.  I never remember really learning about the names of the instruments but this box of instruments seemed to be a staple in the classroom. 

A few weeks ago, I was using the triangle in my classes.  I always try to highlight different instruments, say their name and show how it's played.  The triangle is a great instrument to represent bell sounds so it fit well with a train song and a song about morning bells ringing we were working on.

This lessonwe were also working on turn taking so we would sing the song and each child got a chance to play the triangle. 

As an educator, I am always watching, assessing and ready to alter the lesson.

Sharing is always a difficult concept, especially with young toddlers, but I found that they were all watching and eagerly waiting their turn.

When it came to getting their turn, I could see this spark in their eyes as they held the triangle with one hand and tapped it with the metal stick.  The look was often priceless.  You can see how proud they were to get the instrument and hear it's sound coming.  They each played it with such excitement.

It's something so simple.  A triangle.  An instrument.  Yet it was magical to them.

That's what instrument exploration is about.  That opportunity to hear and see cause and effect.  When I tap loud, it's loud.  When I tap gently it's soft.  When I tap fast, it's fast and when I tap slow, it's slow.  It's also one of the most natural ways to experience a steady beat and rhythmic patterns.

Each time I see a class, from babies to big kids, instrument play and exploration has such an important part.  When we look past the fact that they kids are playing instruments and truly watch them, you see how much they are learning.  The beauty of instrument play and exploration is watching the learning unfold with the light in their eyes and the expression of joy on the face. 

Won't you try a class at our studio and give your child the joy music has to offer?

www.first-roots.com  

Embracing your unique child in class!

We just returned for a new semester of Kindermusik music and movement classes.  I have been teaching these classes since 2011 and I have experienced a lot of different families and children.  As an educator, I am looking around and watching the interactions between children and their caretakers and the children with each other.  I really enjoy getting to know each family and child.  It's fun to see them learn and grow!

The beauty of these classes that always makes me smile is the uniqueness of each child.

As a society we have a desire to fit in and as adults we know what is expected and then we have a child who turns this upside down.  We have a child who says, "I won't give Daddy a kiss because his face is hairy!" or asks loudly a question loudly about someone you see while out.  Once vocal, child have their way of telling us exactly how they feel.  Before they are too vocal, it might come out in their actions.  

I have seen it all in class!

I can empathize with my families and often talk about my youngest child, who at 6, STILL struggles in group-like settings.  The best piece of advice I can say is: stay calm, consistent and keep trying.  

Families come in with all sort of expectations and I try to paint a clear picture of what they might expect and how the activities do benefit in many ways.  The class is somewhat structured with lots of ways to explore and learn.  The point of class is that they are surrounded by familiar and new activities through music, steady beat, instrument play and prop play.  Caretakers participate to give the children a model.  Even if you think your child is NOT looking, they might be OR they might be watching another parent or child.  This is why parents are there - to participate with the educator leading the class.  

I don't want caretakers to FORCE their child to do things but be positive and model.  Sometimes kids decide to stand back and watch but if you keep participating, they eventually join.  Other kids like to be in the middle or socialize with other children and families.  Sometimes this is upsetting because the caretaker wants more one-on-one time.  Having a curious, confident child is never a bad thing! When you have to leave them at school, you know they will have no problem interacting with the teacher or other students.  Even if you have the track runner that wants to walk around during "circle time" moments, they are listening and watching.  I often see them stop and do their favorite moments.  If your child is dancing while everyone plays the rhythm sticks, it doesn't mean they aren't interested but they are taking it all in.  You can see some children just soaking in every piece of what is happening. 

As long as children are being safe, I encourage you to let them explore at their level and intervene only when necessary.  Be that model for social interactions and provide any support to make it a positive learning environment.  Most importantly:  Let loose and have fun!    

Class is about providing a musical foundation through many teachable moments.  We are singing, listening, creating a steady beat, playing, talking, using props and being creative to inspire the children.  Follow your child's lead and let them explore, create and be unique.    

Embrace your child for this moment will soon pass. 

Do you have moments you'd like to share from your class experience?

Comment below, email us or visit us on facebook!