Music For Young Children

Children are the center of MYC

Individual learning styles and needs are met through a multi-sensory approach. The understanding of music will expand into positive problem-solving skills, areas of self-expression, the growth of memory skills and excellent self-confidence and self-esteem. With these natural outcomes, children can easily take on the skills required to read other languages and master other tasks.

In MYC, children meet in small groups, in their own age category, once a week for an hour, accompanied by an adult (parent, grandparent or caregiver) who participates in the program.

MYC Programs

Sunshines 1-2

Sunshine 1, the youngest of the keyboard programs, is the starting point of the MYC® Method for 3-4 year-old beginners, building their foundation in music reading and playing the piano. Students experience movement through beats and rhythms, as well as developing their fine motor skills with rhythm instrument ensemble playing. Children start learning the geography of the piano and note-reading through our MYC Critters (and their stories that children can relate to). By the end of the SS1 level (after 36 weeks), children are able to play their first scale (C Major) and are reading from the staff.

Sunbeams 1-3

Sunbeams 1 (SB1) is the entry point of the MYC® Method for 5-6 year old beginners. They are first introduced to piano geography and rhythms through our MYC Critters to help set their foundation of music knowledge and education; however, the pace of learning for these Sunbeams matches their developmental stages. Vocabulary development is the focus for this age group- at this stage, we introduce “big kid” terminology to introduce concepts, finger numbers, and keyboard geography.

Moonbeams 1-3

Moonbeams 1 (MB1) is the entry point of the MYC® Method for 7-9 year olds. The older beginner program is designed to support the students’ growing sense of independence. Reading becomes the primary focus for gathering information, while the songs, ensembles and keyboard repertoire incorporate early piano literature, folk songs, technique and harmonization.

Program Overview

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Age Appropriate Programs

All MYC programs cover certain material, designed for the development learning abilities appropriate to the age of the children in the program. The curriculum for each level is carefully geared and paced to the abilities and learning styles for that particular age.

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Curriculum

The concepts and skills that are covered in each week’s lessons are provided by certified MYC teachers who create their own lesson plans. Teachers are able to modify lessons based on the needs of the children in their classes while following an international “map”. It also allows the teachers to strengthen their presentations by using their own creative ideas. No matter how individualized the presentation, however, the following activities are incorporated into the curriculum to teach or reinforce the concepts.

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Materials

Program materials are designed and produced for the child’s age and development. The text is beautifully and cheerfully illustrated and exciting for the young child. Texts provide: singing, warm-ups, keyboard, listening, rhythm and keyboard ensembles and home assignment sections. In addition to the comprehensive student manual, the student receives a carrying bag, magnetic board with grand staff on one side and keyboard on the other, magnets, and a parent guide

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Rhythm And Keyboard Ensembles

Reinforcement of rhythm reading
Ensemble practice
Exposure to great melodies
Introduction to periods and styles
Fun
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Composition

A composition unit of study is included in each level of MYC. However simple or elaborate in construction, each composition is reviewed and the student’s effort is appropriately rewarded and encouraged. Creativity and expression are nourished.

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Keyboard

The keyboard geography begins in a D-centered approach. Keyboard reading skills are developed through careful, incremental introduction of note reading with constant review to motivate and confirm for the child his/her own developing sight-playing skills. Final year keyboard includes playing grade one conservatory or late-elementary standard piano repertoire and folk songs. Technique, scale and full chord studies, ensemble playing and arranging and harmonization are emphasized.

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Homework

Developmentally appropriate written materials are provided for each level as confirmation and review of rudiments and theory. Homework for the youngest learner might be a gluing and coloring task while the Sunbeams’ work may include theory pages reinforcing what had been reviewed in class and the Moonbeams’ homework might include note and rhythm notation, vocabulary, chord study, scale writing and simple analysis.
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Listening

By-ear playbacks to melodic dictation
Rhythm pattern identification to dictation
Listening for dynamics
Chord quality identification
Well-known melodies and composer or style identification

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Singing

By-ear playbacks to melodic dictation
Rhythm pattern identification to dictation
Listening for dynamics
Chord quality identification
Well-known melodies and composer or style identification

Get In Touch

North York: 2900 Steeles Ave East, Suite 217, Thornhill, ON L3T4X1

Telephone: (905) 881-2226

Email: myallegroacademy@yahoo.ca