Happy Minot Monday! Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Today we’re talking about kid’s music classes in Minot at Children’s Music Academy. For more league and activity ideas check out BeLOCAL’s listings here.
It’s my absolute pleasure to bring businesses, activities, organizations and Minot fun of all kinds to your attention. You know I love life here, but there’s definitely a learning curve if you’re new in town–or a transplant. Sometimes you can live here for a few years and still not know everything our town has to offer. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a wonderful resource in Minot: The Children’s Music Academy.
I sat down with CMA owner, Terri Aldrich to learn about the Academy. Then, Gideon and I were able to sit in on a class (even though he’s still a little too young). The Children’s Music Academy is exactly what it sounds like: musical training for children. But there are a few things that set CMA apart from basic piano lessons. If you are looking for a way to begin exposing your little to music, maybe you’ll discover that this is a great fit for you and your littles.
Children’s Music Academy: The Basics
- CMA is a national franchise with a curriculum proven affective for teaching children the fundamentals of music.
- Classes take place in a group setting, focused on learning together, socializing and having fun.
- There are four courses offered plus a “Master’s Course” for graduates. Courses are age based and run from 3.5 years old through 4th grade. For course descriptions see here.
- CMA’s curriculum is multi-dimensional and teaches keyboard, singing, theory, ear training, composition, ensemble playing, guitar and recorder.
- CMA believes in and supports private lessons, but also understands these may be best for older students with a longer attention span and an understanding of the basics.
- Research has proven that “music affects virtually every aspect of development …” from math and reading to emotional expression. For more on the benefits of music for children, see here.
This is Something to do With Your Child
This might be my favorite part of CMA. Unlike other activities that require a parent to wait after the child is dropped off, classes here are interactive for both child and parent. This is something you can do with your child. The parent learns alongside the child and can help them in their training.
Now, don’t get me wrong–I appreciate activities (see other leagues and activities in town here) that let the parent watch while the child learns. (Sometimes we need an hour to talk to other parents or drink a cup of coffee.) But CMA is unique in that as a parent you’ll understand everything your child is learning. This is an activity you’ll bond through and look forward to doing together.
Classes Are Based on Age, Not Skill Level
Another thing that makes Children’s Music Academy so attractive is that classes are based on age, not skill level. Each course begins with the basics–even if a child has previously taken lessons, or is more advanced. This ensures that no one is left behind, or feels left out. And, it means that an older child with no experience will never be in the uncomfortable situation of sitting in a class with much younger kids.
Age based classes tailor curriculum to teach kids in a way they are able to comprehend. In the Pre Junior class this means lots of short activities (because their attention span isn’t very long) and activities that don’t require reading.
Students Learn Theory That Prepares Them For A Future in Music
From the very beginning–even in the youngest groups, CMA starts teaching music fundamentals and theory. In the Pre Junior class that meant stories that illustrated the difference between low notes and high notes, drumming simple rhythms that mimicked croaking frogs (“frogs” was the theme of the week) and reading a rhythm depicted in pictures. Big frogs are a long croak, little frogs are a two beat rib-bit.
I really like that the focus isn’t solely on learning the piano or another single instrument. Rather they learn fundamentals that will transfer as a student grows and chooses which instrument they’d like to play.
Kid’s Music Classes in Minot
We had a great time at our Pre Junior class. Gideon played the piano and drum. He socialized with other kids. We listened to stories and made a quick craft and played games. Going in, I wasn’t so sure how CMA would actually teach the fundamentals of music to children so young. However, after class I saw that by teaching at a level they understand, children can begin to grasp musical foundations. It’s really cool.
If you’re looking for kid’s music classes in Minot, I encourage you to check it out. Children’s Music Academy is a great resource and we are lucky to have it in our community. You can contact CMA for more information or specific class dates, times and registration.
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