Music for Little Mozarts

Research shows that 4, 5, and 6 year old children benefit from piano lessons in many developmental ways that produce lifelong results.

The Right Chord Piano Studio uses Alfred's Music for Little Mozarts series, as well as the Midisaurus Series, to teach piano to these very young musicians. Both methods use computers with interactive software, and loveable animal forms to teach music to students even before they can read. Rhythm activities, singing, and use of a magnet board reinforce the learning process. MIDI keyboards are linked to computers for students to actually play interactively with the software.

What is the Music for Little Mozarts series?

Music for Little Mozarts was written to provide appropriate piano instruction for four-, five-, and six-year-olds while simultaneously developing listening skills. The series was designed to provide a balance between the discipline necessary for playing the instrument and the enjoyment one gets from the process of music-making. The course centers around the adventures of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse as they learn about music.

Why should my child study music at a young age?

Recent studies suggest that playing and listening to music at a young age improves learning, memory, reasoning ability, and general creativity. Research also supports the theory that young children who are exposed to music develop enhanced cognitive skills. Music teachers are aware that influences of music go far beyond the intellectual and physical development of the child. Studying music contributes to the growth of a well-balanced child in sensitivity, expressiveness, and the spirit essential for functioning in a complicated world.

How many levels are contained in Music for Little Mozarts?

Music for Little Mozarts is a two-year program. The time required for completion of each of the four levels will vary from student to student and from class to class. On an average, each level can be completed in 18-22 weeks.

What will my child learn in the course?

Music for Little Mozarts combines general musicianship activities with those that develop performance skills at the piano. Skills taught in the course focus on keyboard performance, listening, pitch matching, keyboard technique, singing, rhythm, movement, and music appreciation. Children will play pieces at the piano throughout each level.

What is my role as a parent in music study?

Parents play a very important role in music lessons for young children. Lessons are a total partnership between the child and the parents. Some teachers encourage parents to attend lessons. Even if parents do not attend lessons, they must keep in close contact with the teacher and share in the learning process at home. Parents must supervise practice and read directions to the student. In addition to practice sessions at the piano, parents should discuss the pictures in the books with the child, read the story in the Music Lesson Book to him/her, and listen to the compact discs together as a family.

What types of things can I expect to happen in the lesson?

Each lesson will include a variety of activities chosen from keyboard performance, singing, music appreciation, coloring, movement, listening, rhythm, and use of the magnetic/dry-erase board. The activities that occur in the lesson are structured to take into consideration the young child's small hands and limited attention span.

How often and how long should my child practice?

After each lesson, your child will get an assignment for the week. Children should practice daily for 10-15 minutes at a specific time with no interference from other family members, the television, nor the computer. It is wise to practice as early in the day as possible, keep a record of practice time, and establish a reward system for effective practice. Two brief practice times are preferable to one longer session. The parent should sit near the child during the practice time so that the child doesn't feel isolated.

What is unique about Music for Little Mozarts?

The entire Music for Little Mozarts series was designed to develop creativity in the young child. The story of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse continues through the entire series and the use of the stuffed animals in the actual piano instruction brings the story to life. The integration of the three books, the compact discs, and flash cards at each level is necessary to gain the most from the course. The Music Discovery Books offer the most opportunities for self-expression. These books move beyond piano performance through materials for singing, listening, music appreciation, movement, and rhythm activities. Unlike other courses that focus entirely on keyboard performance activities (often beyond the natural technical skills and musical understanding of the child), Music for Little Mozarts offers a variety of activities to lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.