As you look around for music schools for very young children, here’s an established organization in San Francisco. Started in 1971. Nonprofit. Which means the effort here is to make music affordable; discounts up to 80 percent off class prices.
Very worthwhile whatever you pay, particularly because these classes are taught by dancers (including a member of the San Francisco Ballet) and musicians, using thier instruments. No CDs for the background. Moreover, teachers develop their own lesson plans, nothing is rote.
Seven to 10 week classes occur once a week and last 45 minutes. Start times 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Subjects include beginning to advanced ukulele; Acoustic Jam; and guitar.
Levels include:
1. Baby Bears. From age four months to one year old. Parents/care givers bring blankets and child to hear lullabies, finger play, lap songs, introductions to rhythm and melody. “The whole effort here is to be soothing and gentle,” Elizabeth Lee, the program director, told us.
2. Bouncy Bears. One to three years old. Moving to the music. The “parachute game.” Working with rhythms. Parents are warned: There’s a lot of “moving, grooving, and playing” in this class.
3. Boogie Bears. Three to five years old. Explore singing voice, instruments, moving to a rhythm. There are also music and dance classes for ages two to five.
And then there are group classes for adults. One member is a 90-year-old woman learning to play blues piano. (Also “Mixed bears,” for parents with children of different young ages.)
Many young students beyond the age of five go on to take private lessons. Lee suggests parents interested in the school read the teacher bios to get the best fit. Several of the teachers are former students. All are accomplished musicians and many play in various ensembles. The school also provides birthday party performances for kids. At Ft. Mason or in your home. Basically, a musician comes and gives a 45 minutes class. Price is $200 and up, depending on the number of kids.
Also, for rock musicians in grades 6 to 10, auditions will be held for the schools’ All-Star Band Program, on Sept. 15 and 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ft. Mason and Calvary Presbyterian Church, S.F.