Early Childhood Music Classes

BENEFITS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC:

• Focus on developing tuneful, rhythmic, and artistic children.
• Inspire children to listen, feel and move to music of all kinds.
• Develop a child’s imagination through songs and movement.
• Encourage constructive social interactions with other children.
• Are fun for kids and parents alike!

PARTICIPATION INFORMATION:

• Classes: Music Now Ages 3 and Younger and Music Now Ages 4-5
• Ages: Students must be ages 5 and younger.
• Scheduling: Classes are on Tuesdays from 4:40-5:10 during the Fall and Winter semesters. Students registering for classes are committing to attend for the entire semester. Please refer to the calendar for the semester start and end dates. Classes should only be missed for illness or family emergencies.
• Enroll: Please mark "early childhood class" on the enrollment form.
• Tuition: Students may register for Early Childhood Music and Movement Classes for a fee of $22.80/month (4 payments/12 week semester). Classes are free for siblings/children of students taking private lessons at Music Prep.

Private Lessons

• Instruments: Lessons are available for piano, violin, viola, and cello. Lessons for ukulele, winds, brass, percussion, and voice depend on teacher availability (to inquire about teacher availability, email musicprep@mbu.edu).
• Ages: Private Lessons are offered for students ages 6 through Adult (younger ages by special permission only). Violin students may start as early as age 3.
• Length: Beginners generally take 30 minute lessons. Non-beginners are strongly encouraged to take 45 minute lessons.
• Scheduling: Private lessons are scheduled at a mutually convenient time for the student and instructor. Please refer to the calendar for the semester start and end dates.
• Teachers: Students are assigned instructors based on their learning style and personality. Students may request an instructor; however, requests will be approved based on instructor availability.
• Content: The lesson content will be adjusted to meet the needs of each individual student. Depending on the goals of the student, private lessons may consist of a combination of any or all of the following: technique, educational repertoire, ear training, sight-reading, improvisation, hymn improvisation (piano), music theory, and/or music history.
• Enroll: Please indicate private lessons on the enrollment form.
• Tuition: Please see tuition for the various rates.

Theory Classes

• Levels: Four levels of theory are offered - Intro to Theory and Musicianship, Theory Foundations, Functional Harmony, and Advanced Theory. A minimum of two semesters are needed to complete each level. New students must take a diagnostic test.
• Ages: Students must be ages 6 and up.
• Scheduling: Classes are on Tuesdays from 4:40-5:10 during the Fall and Winter semesters. Students registering for theory classes are committing to attend for the entire semester. Please refer to the calendar for the semester start and end dates. Classes should only be missed for illness or family emergencies.
• Enroll: Please mark "theory class" on the enrollment form.
• Tuition: Classes are free for students taking private lessons. Students not enrolled in private lessons may register for Theory Classes for a fee of $22.80/month (4 payments a semester).

Piano and String Ensembles

BENEFITS OF ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION:

• Provide motivation: students who participate in ensemble playing tend to be more motivated to practice, improve, and continue playing when they regularly see and play with their peers.
• Develop ensemble skills: playing in an ensemble requires a completely different set of skills, several of which cannot be taught in the private lesson. These skills also enable musicians to more effectively use their music skills as adults in church ministries and the like.
• Reduce performance anxiety: participating in ensembles offers students additional performance opportunities to help develop the skills necessary for performing confidently.
• Develop general skills: students learn valuable life skills such as team-work and communication.
• Make memories: participants build relationships that last beyond their days at Music Prep.

PARTICIPATION INFORMATION:

• Levels: Students participating in piano and string ensembles are grouped by age and ability level. We typically have approximately 10 ensembles each semester.
• Ages: Pianists must be ages 6 and up, and string players must be ages 4 and up.
• Scheduling: Ensembles are offered during the Fall and Winter semesters. Piano ensembles are on Mondays from 3:45-4:30. String ensembles are on Tuesdays from 3:45-4:30. Students registering for ensembles are committing to participate for the entire semester and are required to play in the ensemble concert at the end of the semester. Please refer to the calendar for the semester start and end dates. Ensemble rehearsals should only be missed for illness or family emergencies.
• Enroll: Please mark "ensembles" on the enrollment form.
• Tuition: Ensemble participation is free for students taking private lessons. Students not enrolled in private lessons make register for Ensembles for a fee of $22.80/month (4 payments a semester).

Maranatha Baptist University Pedagogy

MBU PEDAGOGY DEGREE OPTIONS:

• Music Major:: students majoring in music choose two of seven concentrations to prepare for the diversity demanded of today's music professionals - piano pedagogy, string pedagogy, vocal pedagogy, early childhood music music, performance, arranging, and church music.
• Music Minor: students may opt for a major in another field and choose a minor in piano, string, or vocal pedagogy.
• Music Education Major: students majoring in music education may add on a piano or string pedagogy concentration for optimal career
• For Additional Information: see MBU's catalog mbu.edu/catalog or email musicprep@mbu.edu.