INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing Penrith Conservatorium's Early Childhood Music Program for your child. It is our aim to provide your child with a base from which their future musical education can grow. As the Penrith region's most recognised music education facility, it is our primary interest to encourage children to develop musically from the earliest beginnings.

In early childhood, the three areas of musical readiness are singing, rhythm and hearing. It is through  these areas that a child starts to perceive musical concepts such as beat or pulse; rhythm; in-tune singing; dynamics; inner hearing; tempo; form; and contrasts such as fast/slow, loud/soft.

It is important to remember that these classes are designed with a musical concept in mind and that the children are not just being entertained. The classes are a precursor to their future pursuits in music, be it singing or instrumental.

HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD?

Your child will be part of a class which may consist of up to 10 children. The children begin to participate socially within the group and peer modelling is an important part of their development. With this in mind please assist your child in transition stages to be aware of other children and their carers. Talk to your child about their special music class and that they are with their music friends.

It is important that you are able to have this special time with your child uninterrupted. Mobile phones should be turned off whilst the classes are being conducted. Siblings should be in prams or if they are older, to have suitable quiet activity that they can do on their own. It is understandable that children will have varying moods. On these days it is best if you are able to calm them and if necessary a short break outside of the music room may be of help.

Remember that the music class is for your child. At times, activities may seem repetitive or the songs are uninteresting - to you. It is part of the learning process that repetition of material is the best way for the child to learn and the songs are designed to help the children develop in-tune singing and the perception of pitch.

Do not expect your child to master all musical concepts in their preschool years. As we are meeting only once a week, you will still be your child’s biggest influence in their musical development. If you are able to have fun with your child at home singing the songs, playing the games and involving your child in music and movement as we do in class, you will be reinforcing musical concepts.

Allow your child to participate freely in class – encourage but not force them to do an activity. Sometimes they will be absorbing all of the musical activities in their own way and they will surprise you later in the car or at home by knowing all the words and actions of their favourite songs. As you are aware, children develop at different rates. Try not to worry about what milestone your child has to meet and instead, enjoy with your child their first musical experiences.