MusicTime for Babies brings parents together in a non-stressful, non-competitive, non-judgmental
environment, to enjoy being with their babies and to share a musical play time. It
is important for parents to understand that by sharing this time together they are participating
in vital, life-supporting and developmentally appropriate activities for the baby. Emphasis is
on relaxing, growing and having fun with the baby beyond encouraging parent and baby to
be there for each other. Classes meet thirty minutes once a week for fourteen weeks and are
designed for 10-12 children. The curriculum is non-sequential and three available semesters
may be taken in any order. Parent receives an instrument pouch (containing rhythm sticks, a
rattle, and a scarf) that is brought to class each week. In addition, the parent receives a small book and a CD of songs and rhymes to share with the baby at home.
MusicTime 1 is designed to nurture perceptual learning. Presented in four fourteen-week
semesters, the non-sequential program provides rich music experiences in an environment that
strengthens the bonding of parent and child. A parent or caregiver who participates fully in all
the activities must accompany each child. Classes meet thirty-five minutes once a week for
fourteen weeks and are designed for groups of 10-12 children.
Each parent and child receives a book and CD featuring many of the curriculums
themes, songs, and activities to enjoy at home. The CD includes many of the songs and verses
that have been learned and enjoyed in class. Materials include a small rhythm instrument or a
colored scarf. Because this curriculum is non-sequential the four semesters may be taken in any
order. Children should be fifteen months old by the first class to enroll in this curriculum.
MusicTime 2 also nurtures perceptual and holistic learning. Many of the activities in this
curriculum are very similar to the experiences in MusicTime 1. A parent or caregiver who participates fully in all activities must accompany each child. However, there will be some times during each class when the children will be invited to work independently from the adults and function as their own group. Classes are forty-five minutes in length and meet once a week for fourteen weeks. Each MusicTime 2 class is designed for groups of 10-12 children. To enroll,
each child must have had his or her third birthday before class sessions begin.
As a companion to this curriculum, materials are available for use in the home. The
materials for each semester are presented in two hand-woven pouches with each including a
CD of songs, stories, poetry, and listening games, in addition to eight full-color family activity cards.
MusicTime 3 is designed for the older preschooler. Children must be 4 or 5 years of age to begin
Level 1. Children may remain in the program for Levels 2, 3, and 4. Each level is progressive and builds on the foundation of previous instruction. Each level is designed for a fourteen-week commitment, meeting once a week for one hour. Lessons make use of a variety of musical activities to awaken your childs imagination and to enhance language development, symbolic thinking, motor skills, and social interaction. Classes are limited to 12 students in order to ensure personal attention and maximum participation.
Stories, songs, listening and movement activities center around the theme of Home
Environments. Materials include a CD of songs, stories, and games presented in the classes, several miniature posters of various home settings, instrument and ensemble pictures, and notation cards. In Levels 3 and 4, children explore styles of music and characteristics of other cultures. A glockenspiel is also used as the musical instrument for all children participating in MusicTime 3.
This MusicTime series of classes is a readiness for whatever musical direction the child
will take laterpiano instruction, singing in a choir, participating in movement classes, or joining an instrumental ensemble. Many veteran parents enrolling children in these early enrichment classes have commented that subsequent private lessons were very successful.
MusicTime 4 introduces children ages 6 to 8 to the keyboard. Capitalizing on the childs love
of group music making, this program incorporates singing, dancing, drumming, composing, and
improvising with keyboard playing. Limited to eight children per class, this class meets one hour weekly for fourteen weeks. Children may continue in Levels 2, 3, and 4 after completing Level 1. A piano or keyboard is required for home practice.
305-284-3176
www.Music.Miami.edu
