Music can be an extremely powerful thing. It can bring together diverse crowds for hours at a time. It can help us relax when we start to feel a little too tense. For kids, this power becomes downright magical. Music helps take complex concepts and break them down so your child can actually understand them. It can help them learn lessons and boost their brain development. It can also be one of the fastest ways to help them forge friendships. If you are looking for an incredible way to use the power of music for your little one, you should consider checking out the EMU Musikgarten.
This engaging class has helped preschoolers all across the Harrisonburg area learn and grow. As a Harrisonburg family photographer, I get the chance to chat with parents and find out all about the best areas in the city. If you are looking for a new activity with your child, here’s why you should check out these classes!
1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802
EMU Musikgarten is a kids’ program that is sponsored by Eastern Mennonite University. For those who don’t know, this college is deeply passionate about making musical education available to all. While they have a robust college selection for their students, they also feature adolescent classes for kids all across the Shenandoah Valley. They have teacher training and preparatory music programs. Plus, they lead programs, including Harrisonburg City Schools Strings and the Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony. Their music department regularly puts on local performances, bringing the noise to gatherings like parades and festivals. They adore working with people to teach them how music can benefit them, whether they are teaching them about songwriting or music theory. With this program, your child is going to get the chance to connect with other kids while learning concepts that might help them become a musician in the near future!
With the EMU Musikgarten, your child can get started right away. Each semester, the program has a series that helps younger kids learn all about music. These sessions will typically last around 10 weeks. You can come in for their Music for Babies program for kids ages 0-3 years old. During these classes, your child is going to learn concepts such as clapping along with a steady beat, recognizing melody, and moving along to the sounds. Creativity is always prioritized, and your child will be invited to find ways to make these lessons fun.
As they get a little older, they can stop in for the preschool class for kids ages 2-5. During these sessions, the learning is really going to take off! Throughout each session, your child is going to have the chance to move around and dance. You are going to take an active role in these lessons and sing along with your child. You will help them as they are led through simple nursery rhymes and diverse global music. Chances are, you are going to learn a few extra things as well! The class has hands-on activities for your child, including hoops, bells, scarves, and rhythm sticks. Together, you will keep a steady beat as you are led through lessons that unleash the power of music.
Both the infant and toddler classes are led by Lindsay Lam, an instructor with years of experience. When Lindsay isn’t leading kids through engaging lessons, she is performing with groups such as the Waynesboro Symphony and the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society. Lindsay is a lifelong musician who started the double bass when she was 8. She has traveled all across the country, learning from different experts while lending her talent to different ensembles. You can regularly catch her performing with local folk bands or teaching private lessons. Lindsay also works as a leader amongst musicians, serving as a founding member of the League of Women Bass players, working with musicians across the States so they have an avenue for their music. Lindsay is a mom herself and understands how beneficial music can be for younger kids.
Musikgarten is available through the EMU preparatory music program located on the lower level of Lehman Auditorium. You will be able to sign up your child either online or via mail. The classes happen once a week in the mornings and will last for 45 minutes each.
If you decide you love the EMU kids’ program, be sure to look at the different options as your child gets older. This is going to be one of the top resources when it comes to nurturing your little musician! You will be able to use the school to sign up for private music lessons for your child. The instructors here know how to teach children to play instruments like violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, guitar, and flute.
They also have professionals who know all about percussion! They have private lessons that happen once a week and last between 30-60 minutes a session. Your child will be able to attend 7 classes per semester. These sessions are available to kids all across the area, and you can sign up either online or through the mail. You can find options for kids as young as 7. The school hosts regular performances so your child can showcase their talent. Additionally, they can join ensembles so they can grow alongside other students.
The program accepts donations so they can be sure every child has access to music. If you are interested, you can make a tax-deductible donation that can pay for students’ tuition, instrument rentals, ensemble fees, lessons, and music.
Through the EMU Musikgarten program, your child can get a headstart on music. Be sure to sign up soon so they can get started next semester!
Are you looking for more local recommendations? Then I would love it if you stuck around! I am a Harrisonburg family photographer, and when I am not helping parents freeze time, I’m making sure they can check out the best spots in the area. I can also chat with you about scheduling your photo session so you can remember all the major moments in your child’s life. If you are interested in learning more, send me a message. Let’s chat so you can see if my style matches yours!