This fall, we are pleased to offer a pair of Musikgarten classes. The first, Sing With Me, is designed with younger kids (up to 4 years) in mind. The second, Cycle of Seasons, is intended to prepare children (ages 3 to 5) for success in learning an instrument. We recently spoke with the instructor, Marlene Markard of Markard Music, about the difference between the two classes, how music literacy is related to academic success, and the benefits of learning to play an instrument.
What are the main differences between Sing With Me and your new class, Cycle of Seasons?
The main difference between these classes is how the children’s input and ideas influences the course of each weekly class. In Sing with Me (which is for younger children), I present the children with options from which to choose. In the Cycle of Seasons series of classes (which is for designed for children ages 3 – 5), I ask the children to give their input, suggestions and ideas, which change the flow of each class. Cycle of Seasons allows the more independent child to begin telling stories and developing their imagination through music and musical games.
Generally, how does music literacy translate to success in school?
Studies have [shown] that learning and playing music improves coordination and motor control, strengthens memory, develops auditory processing and spatial intelligence, increases problem-solving ability, fosters persistence and diligence in learning, promotes self-expression and emotional intelligence, and improves vocabulary, reading, writing, science, math, and artistic skills across the board. On top of all of that, music has the power to help children self-soothe, control impulses, redirect energy, and change behavior.
What are some of the specific activities you do in your classes that develops music literacy and school preparedness?
By doing rhythm and tonal patterns, beat subdivision exercises, call-and response activities, traveling and stationary movement, prop manipulation, and instrument exploration, we develop a sense of rhythm and tonality and pattern recognition, strengthen gross and fine motor skills, promote body awareness, and improve balance, coordination, active listening, auditory processing. By taking turns using the instruments and doing rhythmic and tonal patterns, children learn to wait their turn and share the class materials. By asking each child to sing on her own and as part of a group, they learn to use their own voice to express themselves.
One of the goals of “Cycle of Seasons” is to prepare kids to play an instrument. What does that preparation entail?
The ability to play a musical instrument successfully requires a broad and rich set of skills that include physical, intellectual, and emotional abilities. The ability to hold the instrument properly, hold your hands and fingers in a certain way, pay attention for an extended period of time, listen actively, play in a coordinated manner, listen actively, cross the body’s mid-line, hold a steady beat and play in rhythm, follow articulation markings and other musical directions, recognize patterns, play musically and with emotion, and more.
Can you describe some of the benefits of learning to playing an instrument?
To me, the most compelling benefit of playing a musical instrument is the sheer joy of making and sharing music with others. As a musician myself, I can tell you that nothing is more thrilling than making and sharing the power of music with others. Music is still considered the universal language, spanning and transcending geographical, cultural, linguistic, religious, and ideological divides and differences throughout the world. By playing and making music with and for others, we share a part of ourselves and learn about others. Music unites us.
What instrument have you always wanted to play, but haven’t had the opportunity to study yet?
That’s a fun question. I love flamenco music and I’m also very percussive, so I’d have to say the guitar and the drums!