by RENEE PATRICK Cascade A&E Editor
Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them — a world of work, culture, intellectual activity and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music. ~ Former President Gerald Ford
There are many resources available to help parents choose the right activities, environments and influences for their children. The development stages are prime time to introduce them to a variety of activities that will not only help them grow into productive and inquisitive individuals, but foster their creativity while having fun.
“Psychologists, neuroscientists and experts in early childhood development have done studies with children that show music education does more for children than just bring them joy,” explained Julie Hanney, liscensed Kindermusik instructor and director of early childhood education at Cascade School of Music. “It also helps their brain cells make the connections needed for just about every kind of intelligence, from literacy skills to emotional skills to physical control to enhanced creativity.”
The Cascade School of Music offers Kindermusik classes for children up to five years old, and is based on research done by early childhood experts. Each song, game, story, dance and instrument activity is designed for fun, and also benefits inhibitory control (putting a space between a thought and an action), quantitative and social skills; and physical and language development.
“With Kindermusik classes, each month you receive a new CD of music as well as other at-home digital materials to help parents (a child’s very best teacher!) continue their music education,” Hanney explained. “Children enrolled in Kindermusik classes also receive an age appropriate instrument each month…The quality of Kindermusik’s materials from the curriculum to the CDs is truly excellent and won’t make parents’ skin crawl when your child requests it over and over!
“Because music is fun, it engages children in a special way and provides the most wonderful platform for teaching so many skills: physical, emotional and mental,” she said. “Age-appropriate music education in a fun and socially accepting environment is truly one of the best gifts you can give your child or grandchild to help them have the skills they need to be successful in the future.”
The Cascade School of Music offers tuition assistance and discounts for siblings. 541-382-6866, www.ccschoolofmusic.org
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