Students will learn and sing the names of the notes in the diatonic solfège scale, as well as learn the corresponding hand signs that represent these notes.  In addition to solfège, students will also explore beginning musical dynamics.

Every few lessons, I will read a chapter of the accompanying novella aloud. Students are encouraged to follow along as I read, or even contribute by reading a few paragraphs aloud if desired. This class is inclusive of various reading levels, so emergent readers are more than welcome to just listen! 

To reinforce some of the musical concepts, there will be 5 recommended culinary extension activities to be completed outside of class time. Yes...culinary!  These activities are entirely optional, but are highly recommended to reinforce the musical ideas in a fun and unconventional way!

(This is the first of two sessions.  In the second session, we will read together the last 5 chapters of the novella, and explore the remaining solfège and dynamics.)

I have been teaching music to children and adults alike for a very long time.  Somewhere along the way, many have lost the belief that everyday people are capable of beautiful music-making with each other.  But music is not solely a performance art... it is a form of communication in which humans have been participating for thousands of years.  Along with establishing a joyful foundation in music literacy for children, it is my hope that these classes will encourage children to share their love of music-making with each other, and even the grown-ups in their lives.  Let us sing together!