top Underlying Philosophy "Movement is an integral part of any early childhood performing arts education". Music is for everyone. Everyone has an inner artistic talent that can be cultivated and nurtured. Only the highest quality of music should be used for instruction. The Methods and Repertoire are carefully combined to produce a richly textured and exhilarating learning experience. top Lesson Strategy and Classroom Goals Lesson strategies are based on the Dalcroze Eurythmics and Kodaly Methods. The class is intended as in primary introduction to more advanced music and dance study. After this class students should be able to: increase their skill in specific large and small motor movement learn elementary dance routines move more creatively and be able to improvise more freely increase their awareness of interpersonal, room and ensemble space demonstrate an understanding of the contrasts in music (fast, slow, loud, soft, etc.) improve their memory and concentration be fully prepared for further performing arts study top Class Structure and Repertoire Basic class structure: warmup ensemble activity rhythm activity movement activity creative dance activity Repertoire: The Suzuki and Kodaly Repertoire Selected Classical Music and American Folk Songs Selected Dances from Different Countries Concepts Overview top What makes this program special? There is a strong underlying philosophy to use the highest quality of traditional classical and folk repertoire; not newly-composed songs that are used just for the class. Learning about different cultures as well as our own is important for a well-rounded education. Songs from different countries are an essential element to this program Skills can be directly transferred to formal dance and music classes. This includes instrumental or vocal studies as well as ballet, tap, or modern dance. top Brief Background on the Methodologies Dalcroze Eurythmics Dalcroze education is music training comprised of the basic elements of music: rhythm, dynamics, tone and form. It has three branches: Eurhythmics trains the body in rhythm and dynamics; Solfčge trains the ear, eye and voice in pitch, melody and harmony; Improvisation puts it all together according to the student's own invention- in movements, with voice, at an instrument. Suzuki Method Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist and teacher, founded a music education movement in the 1950’s based on the premise that all children are born with musical ability. The Suzuki approach is modeled after the way young children learn to communicate in their native language. Suzuki believed in the high potential of every human being, not just those seemingly gifted. Kodaly The Kodály concept is an approach to music education inspired by a Hungarian composer and educator, Zoltan Kodály (1882-1967). Its primary goals are to make music accessible to all people and to cultivate a love and appreciation for music that is supported by understanding and direct musical experience. The focus is on in-tune singing and ear training using folk songs. The goal is musical literacy. top Teacher Background Kim Milai has been teaching and performing children’s music for over 12 years. She has a Masters from the Eastman School of Music and has had training and workshops in Kodaly, Eurhythmics, and Orff Methodologies. Places taught include the Palo Alto School District, Mountain View Community School of Arts and Music, Greenwich House Music School, Third Street Music School, New York City Public Schools. As well as teaching privately, she is currently teaching at Picker's Supply and at Planting the Seed Daycare. top Bibliography and Resources Note: No Materials are required for the class, This list is for your information only. Some Teacher Resources: Movement That Fits: Dalcroze Eurhythmics and the Suzuki Method by Joy Colin Yelin First Steps in Teaching Creative Dance to Children by Mary Joyce 120 Singing Games and Dances by Phyllis Weikart Some Recordings used in the Class: Classics for Kids: Solo Pieces for: Piano, Flute, Harp, Violin, and Cello Smithsonian Folkways Children’s Music Collection African Songs and Rhythms for Children World Playground, Putamayo World Music Suggested Readings: Ability Development from Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki and Mary Louise Nagata Kodaly Concept by Lorna Zemke For More Information: The Dalcroze Society of America Suzuki Association of the Americas Organization of American Kodaly Educators