Every Thursday afternoon the sounds I hear coming from the music classroom next to my office wall raise my curiosity. Squeals of delight, singing, laughter, rhythmic drumming, little feet pattering across the floor, interspersed with the sound of... quiet. Then I remember... it’s the Music PlayHouse class.

Music PlayHouse is a class where 4 and 5-year-olds explore and fall in love with music. They sing, move with the music, tell story songs and play rhythm instruments. They also make new friends and learn to listen to and follow directions. It's designed to be fun and exciting. But while the kids are having fun, they're also learning concepts that will help prepare them to start learning to play an instrument, such as piano, when they turn six.

Recently, I talked with several of our Music PlayHouse parents to get a feel for what they and their kids think of the program.

What do the parents think?

Darren Mortensen brings his grandson Landon to the class each week. He also brings Landon’s older brother, so he can attend his piano class, which is right after the Music PlayHouse class. According to Darren, Landon loves the class! He continues, “He is always excited both before and after class! He has made good friends in class and with the staff.” During both classes, Darren enjoys spending some special time with the “grandmonster” that isn’t in class--playing Legos and talking.

When asked why he feels this class is important, Darren explains, “Music is everywhere, surrounding us. Children hear music every day, and like sponges, they absorb it. They remember lyrics, beats, and instinctively move their bodies in rhythm. Children should begin understanding music early to develop their talents.”

Children hear music every day, and like sponges, they absorb it. They remember lyrics, beats, and instinctively move their bodies in rhythm. Children should begin understanding music early to develop their talents.

Another parent, Kristin Moore, brings her son Finley to the class because she “thinks an early education in music helps with all sorts of things, like math and art, etc. Finley loves to sing, dance and play instruments, so fostering that is important.”

Lindsay Dutton feels that “music is great for language and cognitive development. Dancing, finding the beat, and following directions are also great skills [he’s learning.]” Lindsay’s son Grant is “always excited to go to class. He saw his brother take this class and couldn’t wait for his turn.” Grant’s brother Noah is now 6 years old and taking the Piano Foundations class.

Other reasons the parents have for taking the class include getting the opportunity to interact with other kids, learning to follow directions, and understanding that music is fun. It’s a way to make music a part of their life.

What do the kids think?

All of the parents I talked to say that their child is excited to go to class each week and looks forward to it. At home, they often sing the songs they’ve learned. One student even puts on “concerts” at home, and says “they’ll be even better when I learn to play!”

Learning to play an instrument is the next step in the process. At Music House, students are encouraged to start learning to play piano when they turn 6. And these Music PlayHouse students will be ready for that.

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