Ten years ago, Dr. Lisa Huisman Koops was on the floor with several toddlers during a Music & Movement class at The Music Settlement, singing and watching a parachute go up and down when she wondered what would happen if the parents and caregivers in the class took a turn leading part of the next activity. This moment of wondering about family involvement in music development sparked nine research studies on young children and family music-making, particularly musical play and enjoyment, all of which inform the Arts for the Young (AFY) classes at The Music Settlement.
Koops, also a faculty member at CWRU, is one of four music instructors at The Music Settlement in Cleveland with experience and expertise guiding our littlest music learners. Miss Lisa, Miss Pam, Miss Kim, and Miss Melanie lead classes each week for young children and caregivers that include moving, singing, and playing instruments, all in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. Classes are held both at the University Circle campus (11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106 | P: (216) 421-5806 x100) and the Bop Stop (2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113). Free parking is available at both locations.
“One of the great joys is hearing how families use the music activities at home that we do in class,” said Koops. “We firmly believe that everyone is musical and there are many ways to be musical – in class we demonstrate activities and approaches to interaction with children from birth to age 4. We have a lot of fun!” she adds. In addition to following the early childhood music instruction approach developed by Dr. Edwin Gordon called Music Learning Theory, AFY music teachers at The Music Settlement continuously incorporate research by Dr. Koops and others on how young children learn, how to equip families to participate in musical experiences with their children, and the importance of enjoyment in musical play.
The Music Settlement offers Music & Movement for children birth to age 2.5. For older toddlers and preschoolers, the next course in the sequence is Music Explorers Learn Together, which builds on the foundational activities in Music & Movement, and adds instruments such as xylophones and boom whackers. “Watching children grow from year to year, and return to The Music Settlement is a great privilege,” notes Dr. Koops. “The Music Settlement has more than a century of experience guiding children and adults of all ages in making music a more meaningful part of their lives. We have grandmothers who bring their grandchildren to class, having also brought their children to The Music Settlement – the musical legacy here is truly inspiring.”
Registration is now open for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 sessions of Music and Movement (for children birth to age 2.5) and Music Explorers Learn Together (age 2.5 to 4). Parents may register by clicking HERE or by calling 216-421-5806 x160. For priority registration, please register by Friday morning, Sept. 22.
Note: if your child is not yet 2.5 but you are interested in Music Explorers, call the office and they will help you enroll. For more information on the many other outstanding programs offered through The Music Settlement, visit www.themusicsettlement.org. If you have questions about the early childhood music program, email Dr. Koops.
