Music Class

On special days during the week our morning routine is a little more rushed to make sure we are ready in time to go. But I can't actually tell the girls where we are going until just before we leave or they are too excited to actually get anything done. But Butterfly is smart and each morning she asks, "gym music? go to gym music?" which is her way of asking if today is the day to go to either gymnastics or our music class. Well today happens to be music class today. And even better, it was bring your daddy to music class day. :)

The music class they are in is a mixed age group that allows them to learn, explore and experience music through a structured playgroup. This class is a great way for them to socialize with other kids, learn to follow directions from an instructor and is building an excellent musical foundation. Our fabulous teacher (also a musical therapist) leads them through a curriculum of music in which we imitate actions, use our imagination, dance, sing and play with instruments. They get exposed to different tempos (upbeat to lullabies) and experience music in different ways such as seeing rhythm with colored scarves or acting out a bear hunt. My girls LOVE it. In fact, we have a cd of the songs used for each semester that we listen to in the car and as soon as the first song comes on, both girls recognize the opening notes and bounce with excitement. If they are crying, it's a quick and easy way to change the mood.

My girls have long since demonstrated a response to music, bouncing in rhythm at an early age and especially love to play the drums during a rockband family night. In class, Butterfly's favorite part is the guided actions like imitating a spaceship or swaying like trees. I can tell she is progressing musically and I'm so proud of the way she will imitate and demonstrate tonal patterns, an important step to understanding musical intervals. Ladybug likes when I hold her and dance and especially loves when we get to explore with instruments. An observant learner, she loves to watch the other kids and study each item. But usually ends up at her favorite--a drum. Both of my girls LOVE when our teacher plays the guitar (Ladybug will stand at the counter, reaching up for it when its sitting on its stand which is her version of a subtle hint, much like she does for her grandpa when he stops by on an occasional evening). Many of the other kids stay close to their mom, enjoying the class in their small comfort zone. Not my kids. Super friendly and active, they love to take off like crazy people, interacting with others and eager to dance, jump and bounce at full energy. Today was especially fun since it was the first time daddy has been able to come. I think he was especially excited to see how much Ladybug loves it and responds so clearly. We've admired our Butterfly's musical response for a long time now so it's fun to see both of them becoming so excited about and responsive to music. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing that develop over the years and I hope it continues to be an important interest and passion to them.