Music Discovery Program: Ages 5-10

During the first two weeks, students are immersed in the world of the piano, an instrument synonymous with music learning and celebrated for its versatility across genres. They’ll explore its mechanics, understanding how pressing keys produces a beautiful array of sounds. As they delve into the fundamentals of melody creation, rhythm, and basic finger placement, these weeks aim to instill an appreciation for the piano’s harmonic richness and inspire a lasting enthusiasm for music.

Weeks 3 and 4 turn the spotlight onto the voice, our most innate instrument. Students will learn to harness their voices by exploring fundamental principles of singing, such as pitch control and proper breathing techniques. They’ll discover how to shape vocal tone and volume to convey emotion in their singing. Through interactive vocal exercises and simple song practice, the goal is to nurture their vocal abilities and build confidence in their unique musical identity.

The journey of musical exploration continues with hand percussion in Weeks 5 and 6. Students will explore a variety of percussion instruments, including tambourines, bongos, claves, maracas, and more, developing an understanding of the distinct sounds each instrument creates. Through group rhythm coordination and engaging games that reinforce foundational rhythmic skills, these weeks are full of fun.

Weeks 7 and 8 introduce students to the energetic world of drums, one of the most physically engaging and rhythmically essential instruments in music. They’ll become familiar with the components of a drum set—the snare, bass drum, and cymbals—and gain hands-on experience with basic drumming patterns and stick techniques. By practicing fundamental drumming techniques and playing simple rhythms, students will develop coordination and timing, fostering a rhythmic intuition essential to any musical genre.

In Weeks 9 and 10, students dive into the ukulele, a compact stringed instrument renowned for its delightful tone and accessibility, making it an ideal introduction to stringed instruments. Students will become familiar with its parts, like the fretboard and tuning pegs, while learning about sound production and basic chord formation. Engaging games will enhance chord transition skills, and interactive strumming exercises and melody practice will inspire a love for the ukulele.

Naturally progressing from the ukulele, students venture into the captivating world of the guitar in Weeks 11 and 12. They will learn about the guitar’s anatomy and tuning, while gaining hands-on experience with strumming and finger placement techniques. By learning basic chords and practicing simple tunes, the goal is to ignite an appreciation for the guitar’s expressive potential.

Weeks 13 and 14 introduce the elegant violin, an instrument prized for its high-pitched, emotive sounds. Students will learn about the violin’s key components and how they work together to create music. They’ll explore fundamental playing techniques, such as proper bow hold, finger positioning, and basic note production. As they practice simple tunes, students will develop aural skills through note recognition exercises.

In Weeks 15 and 16, students are introduced to the clarinet, a staple of orchestras and jazz bands. They’ll familiarize themselves with its mouthpiece, reed, keys, and assembly, understanding how their coordination produces a range of pitches. By learning correct embouchure, finger placement, and sound production, students will gain hands-on experience with this versatile instrument. The goal is to spark a love for the clarinet’s warm, expressive sound.

Entering the realm of wind instruments, Weeks 17 and 18 introduce the enchanting world of the flute. During this time, students will learn about the flute’s parts, assembly, and correct playing posture, while exploring sound production techniques like proper embouchure and breath control. They’ll also refine finger placement to produce various notes and play simple melodies. These guided instructions and interactive activities will foster a fascination with the flute’s enchanting sounds and provide a broader understanding of music.

In the final weeks of our Music Discovery Program, students will explore the vibrant world of the trumpet, an instrument renowned for its bold, resonant sound and its integral role in various music genres. They’ll learn about the trumpet’s key parts and how to produce sound by varying breath pressure and lip tension. By mastering basic fingerings to play different pitches and practicing simple melodies, the goal is to ignite a love for the trumpet’s powerful voice and conclude their musical journey on a high note.