Programs: Music for Young Children
The Community School of Music & the Arts now offers Sunshine 1, Sunbeams 1 & 2 and Moonbeams 1 & 3 of the Music for Young Children program!
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Sunshine 1 (Ages 3 & 4) - New Class Starting October 16Sunshine 1 (SS1), the youngest of the keyboard programs, is the starting point of the MYC® Method building a foundation in music reading and playing the piano. Students experience movement through beats and rhythms, as well as developing their fine motor skills with rhythm instrument ensemble playing. Children start learning the geography of the piano and note-reading through our MYC Critters (and their stories that children can relate to). 4-6 students per class INSTRUCTORS: Cassidy Hall (Wednesday & Saturday) & Crizelyn Cubol (Saturday) LESSON FEES: $702.00 for the year (36 classes) MATERIAL FEES: $207.21 per student Time:Wednesday: 4:30-5:30 PM - Starting October 16 Saturdays: 9:00–10:00 AM - Full Saturdays: 1:00 - 2:00 PM - (2024-25)September – May |
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Sunbeams 1 (Ages 5 & 6)Sunbeams 1 (SB1) is the entry point of the MYC® Method for 5-6 year old beginners. They are first introduced to piano geography and rhythms through our MYC Critters to help set their foundation of music knowledge and education; however, the pace of learning for these Sunbeams matches their developmental stages. Vocabulary development is the focus for this age group- at this stage we introduce "big kid" terminology to introduce concepts, finger numbers, and keyboard geography. 4-6 students per class INSTRUCTOR: Cassidy Hall (Wednesday) & Crizelyn Cubol (Saturday) LESSON FEES: $702.00 for the year (36 classes) MATERIAL FEES: $207.21 per student Time Options:Mondays: 4:30–5:30 PM (Crizelyn) Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30 PM (Cassidy) Saturdays: 10:00–11:00 AM (Crizelyn)
(2024-25)September - May |
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Sunbeams 2Sunbeams 2 (SB2) builds off of sunbeams 1. They build coordination of hands together and crossing hands, learning key signatures, harmonization (adding chords to melody), staccato and using and identifying dynamics withing their music. (Students must have completed Sunbeams 1) 4-6 students per class INSTRUCTOR: Crizelyn Cubol LESSON FEES: $702.00 for the year (36 classes) MATERIAL FEES: $207.21 per student Time Options:Saturdays: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Mondays: 5:30–6:30 PM (2024-25)September - May |
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Moonbeams 1 (Ages 7-9 Older Beginner)Moonbeams 1 (MB1) is the entry point of the MYC® Method for 7-9 year olds. The older beginner program is designed to support the students' growing sense of independence. Reading becomes the primary focus for gathering information, while the songs, ensembles and keyboard repertoire incorporate early piano literature, folk songs, technique and harmonization. 4-6 students per class INSTRUCTOR: Crizelyn Cubol & Cassidy Hall LESSON FEES: $702.00 for the year (36 classes) MATERIAL FEES: $207.21 per student Time:Thursdays: 5:30–6:30 PM (Crizelyn) Saturdays: 2:00 - 3:00 PM (Cassidy) (2024-25)September – May |
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Moonbeams 3Moonbeams 3 (MB3) builds off of skills that are developed in Moonbeams 1. Students study three forms of minor scales: natural, harmonic and melody, they learn to invert triads, they learn about cadences, and they are introduced to simple analysis, just to name a few highlights of the curriculum. (students must have completed Moonbeams 2 or Sunbeams 3) 4-6 students per class INSTRUCTOR: Crizelyn Cubol LESSON FEES: $702.00 for the year (36 classes) MATERIAL FEES: $215.54 per student Time:Thursday 6:30–7:30 PM (2024-25)September – May |
Why Begin with MYC?
Because it's fun!
MYC has taken a child based approach to learning music through a clever merging of study and play. Our classes are small, our programs age-appropriate, and creativity and expression are nourished in every component of the program.
MYC builds family bonds
Parents are important participants, accompanying their children as part of the program. Parent and child are a music team during lessons, as they co-learn the concepts and material. This bond carries on at home during daily practice.
It's not just piano training
MYC builds a solid foundation of music learning. Our group lessons include singing, rhythm, music theory, composition, creative movement and more! Students come away with a superior knowledge of rhythm, theory, sight reading, composition and ear training as well as the ability to play. MYC is the only early childhood method that integrates and actively uses conservatory repertoire and theory to prepare our graduates for their first practical and theory exams.
We teach our teachers!
MYC teachers are energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate about music!
MYC is ideal for teachers who meet specific piano-performance and music-theory qualifications and are energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about music. Our teachers receive special program training and are assessed to ensure consistently high music education standards. Teachers are mentored through a network of field coordinators who provide ongoing support and guidance.
Because 24,000 happy students a year can't be wrong!
Foundation
Literacy in the language of music involves more than simply playing an instrument. MYC helps participants (children and parents) develop a firm, fundamental understanding of music. The multi-sensory approach involves note reading, theory, finger-play techniques, history, ear training, movement, solfege, harmonization, sight reading, composition and rhythm ensembles to provide students with a carefully layered skill set.
MYC's students are capable of ongoing success because of the investment made in music skills at the introductory level. Children who complete the most advanced level of MYC training are well prepared for early intermediate piano studies, or study of another instrument. They are prepared for Grade 1 theory and piano exams in The Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada.
"Many of the new students arriving each year in my studio are graduates of Music for Young Children. They arrive superbly prepared and well-motivated for further study" – Marc Widner, Chief Examiner emeritus, Royal Conservatory Music Examinations
The Music for Young Children Method
Since 1980, Music for Young Children has been introducing children to the world of music through a multi sensory approach that meets a child's learning styles and needs. It's the ideal way for kids to learn to play piano in an effective, supportive and fun way. Based around group keyboard lessons, we include singing, creative movement, theory, rhythm ensembles, composition and more. Our curriculum and program materials are specially designed and produced for the child's age and development, no matter what their learning style.
In MYC, children meet in small groups, in their own age category once a week for an hour, accompanied by an adult (parent, guardian or caregiver) who participates in the program. The program lasts for 3 – 5 years, depending on the age of the child, with each year consisting of a progressive curriculum.
But learning to play is more than just fun! Keyboard playing and rhythm ensembles nurture team skills while creative movement develops individual expressiveness. Music reading and theory are reinforced with group activities and with colorful, hands-on materials. Composing integrates aural written skills and gives children a sense of ownership.
The rewards of music reveal a child's creative potential, self-esteem, and confidence in ways that are fun and imaginative. Make music a part of your child's life with Music for Young Children!
Our Story
In March of 1980, Frances Balodis sat at her kitchen table in Dartmouth Nova Scotia with a clear goal in mind – to create a program that would fulfill the need for quality music education for young children. Everyone said it couldn't be done, that 3 year-olds couldn't learn to play and compose music, or to master difficult and theoretically obscure concepts. Taking the experience from her education and 21 years of teaching, Frances, along with her husband Gunars, set out and created a comprehensive music education program tailored to the strengths and abilities of young children. That first year there were 40 MYC students – including their own 2 young children.
Today, MYC has more than 24,000 students annually, 900 teachers and is taught on 3 continents. Over time the curriculum has been refined, reviewed, and mastered to ensure that it is consistent and current with conservatories and the music industry. Frances and Gunars have since retired and sold the business to their own child, Olivia Riddell, who along with her husband David, continue to take MYC into the future. But through it all, the core principles and dream has remained the same - music is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and that all children and families deserve quality music education.
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