Pre-School

Eurhythmics utilizes the natural desire for movement all children possess. Students are furnished with not just an understanding of music and knowledge of its written language, but a thorough sense and feeling for it. Among other benefits, the study of music through movement cultivates inner hearing and gives children a holistic understanding of musical elements such as pulse, meter, rhythm pattern, phrasing and form. This grounding in the basic language of music leads to a distinct advantage when learning a musical instrument.

MUSIC IS FUN classes are for 2-3 year olds, exploring rhythm, pitch, soft-loud, high-low and counting, with drums and piano. AVANT TOT is a group class for 4 and 5 year olds that teaches age appropriate musical concepts (loud-soft, high-low pitch, location of middle C, singing do-re-mi-fa-sol, do-re-mi-fa-sol fingers and do-re-mi-fa-sol piano keys + more) using the piano. The material is presented in a focused, logical stream of short segments, reinforced with the accompanying book AVANT TOT. Designed to help prepare your child for group or private music lessons.

MUSIC IS FUN classes are for 2-3 year olds, exploring rhythm, pitch, soft-loud, high-low and counting, with drums and piano. AVANT TOT is a group class for 4 and 5 year olds that teaches age appropriate musical concepts (loud-soft, high-low pitch, location of middle C, singing do-re-mi-fa-sol, do-re-mi-fa-sol fingers and do-re-mi-fa-sol piano keys + more) using the piano. The material is presented in a focused, logical stream of short segments, reinforced with the accompanying book AVANT TOT. Designed to help prepare your child for group or private music lessons.

Renowned guest faculty from Suzuki programs throughout the nation come together at Crowden to share their expertise with young musicians in this intensive and fun immersion experience. Daily activities include master classes, repertoire, technique, and enrichment classes. Intended for students who are already studying violin, viola, or cello with a Suzuki teacher; all students must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or adult childcare provider throughout the day.

The Suzuki program is intended for families who are committed to pursuing instrument study as a central activity in their family life. The cornerstone of the Suzuki program at Crowden is the creation of a cooperative relationship between teacher, parent, and student. Parents take an active role in the educational process by attending all lessons and classes, and by practicing daily with their children at home.

For the youngest singers, this chorus introduces group singing using songs from around the world and throughout time—from chants and canons to folk songs and spirituals. Students learn age-appropriate vocal technique in a fun atmosphere, with an emphasis on body movement, hand gestures, some sign language, and drama. Classes culminate in a casual recital during the last class of each session.

The voice is every child’s first instrument. Grounded in the philosophy of composer Zoltán Kodály, this playful class uses traditional songs, chants, and singing games in a systematic way to teach children the basic building blocks of music: the ability to hear, to feel and reproduce rhythm and melody, to understand dynamics and tempo, to sing in tune, and to create music of their own. Younger children learn solfège; older children learn to read and write basic musical notation. Both age groups use games, songs, movement, percussion instruments, and puppets.

The Orff approach weaves together musical concepts, creative movement, instrument exploration, singing games, and dramatic storytelling to build a foundation for a lifetime of joyful music making. Classes include introductions to improvisation, conducting, and notation using a wide repertoire of songs, games, and activities from around the world, as well as our collection of xylophones and world music instruments. Children will gain skills and experience both individually and within the group, equipping them for instrumental study and participation in ensemble music making.