It's Time to Register!

Can you believe it's already that time of year?  Time to register for another great year of Let's Play Music classes.

Fall class times are listed on the Let's Play Music website.  Be sure to search for my name by clicking the Find A Teacher button at the top of the page.

Enrollment instructions can be found HERE.  Don't delay, classes are filling fast!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

The holidays are upon us! What a glorious time of Thanksgiving, Peace, Love and Joy! There are exciting things happening this holiday season.

A visit from our last foster placement this summer.

First, most of you probably know that our family spent 4 years as licensed foster parents, hosting 10 children during that time.
Our hearts are full of love for these children who are separated from their families or seeking a forever family, especially during the holidays.  We are joining with some friends to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in foster care.  If you are interested in participating, you may bring a donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY to class anytime prior to December 6th. Gifts for babies (age 0-2) and older children (10+ including teens) are needed most.  For additional information, you may visit this Facebook page or make a donation online via Go Fund Me.  All donations will go to AASK.  Thanks in advance for your generosity.




Looking for a unique gift idea for a toddler or preschooler near you?  Consider the gift of music!

Registration for Silver Buttons has begun and this holiday I'm giving away a month's tuition to 2 lucky families!  Simply share this photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag (be sure to tag me) and then leave a comment on the original post tagging 2 friends who you would enjoy seeing each week in class. Be sure to register for class before December 3 to avoid late shipping fee and ensure materials delivery by Christmas! Silver Buttons will begin January 7. Good luck!

If you haven't yet experienced the joy of Sound Beginnings, come to a sample class on Wednesday 12/3 at 10am (Or ask about an alternate sample class time). My home studio is located in downtown Mesa near Country Club & University.  Just complete this form to register for the free sample class. 

Sample A Class

Curious About Let's Play Music?

Are you a little bit curious about Let's Play Music?  Maybe you'd like the opportunity to meet me and see my studio before registering for classes?  Well, here is your chance! Come on over and see if Let's Play Music is what you are looking for. 

Tuesday, March 25th at 4:00 p.m. or 5:15 p.m. join us in a live 1st Year Let's Play Music class. Get a first hand look at the curriculum, the fun, the PLAY! Your 4-5 year old child will absolutely LOVE this class and I guarantee you will be amazed at all the musical concepts the students are learning.  Not musical? You will learn right along-side your child! 

Current First Year students are invited to BRING A FRIEND to class to share in the fun (Please be sure their parents attend, too!).  Since we are already a full class, you may chose to attend at 4:00 p.m. or 5:15 p.m. which ever class time works best with your schedule.  Both classes will be Blue Bugs Lesson 11, and Sibling Care will be available for both classes.  Please email me to let me know when you are coming and who you are bringing with you. Remember, when your friend registers, you will receive a $15 tuition credit. Thanks for helping me spread the joy of music.

See you soon! 

Fall 2014 Registration is NOW OPEN!

Registration for Fall 2014 classes has officially begun.  If you are a continuing student, or interested in enrolling as a new student, you can save $10 off your registration fee by registering on or before Saturday, March 1.  

New students/families will need to complete this registration form, pay their registration fee ($20 after March 1) and then enroll in their class on the Let's Play Music website.  Simply search my last name "LOVELL" to see available class times.  When you enroll in a class, you will purchase your materials for the class. This will be paid directly to Let's Play Music via a credit card.  You will receive your materials at the mandatory parent orientation meeting held at the beginning of August (approximately 1 week before class begins). 

Returning students/families will simply need to enroll in the class of their choice on the Let's Play Music website.  Your registration fee will be charged to your account and will simply need to be paid prior to the recital.  You should have instructions in your email inbox.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

2014 Class Schedule: In an effort to simplify, I am combining my classes to just two days. As always, I try to accommodate student schedules as much as possible, however I also need to take in consideration my family schedule.  Please don't hesitate to ask if there is a change I can make that will help you.  I will do my best. Classes will fill up quickly, if you have a busy schedule reserve your spot TODAY! Available class times are:

Sound Beginnings: 

White Horses (Ages 2-4 and a parent)

(these class times are the easiest to change).

Wednesday 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. 

Wednesday 10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

Tuition: $140/semester ($35/month)

Materials: $30 + tax for AZ residents

Younger siblings are welcome to attend for a discounted fee

First Year Let's Play Music: 

Red Balloons & Blue Bugs (Ages 4-6)

Thursday 1:30 - 2:15 p.m.

Thursday 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Tuition: $180/semester ($45/month)

Materials: $88 + tax for AZ residents (sibling set $23 + tax)

No siblings in class, however sibling care is available for a small fee.

Second Year Let's Play Music: 

Green Turtle Shells & Yellow Arrows

Wednesday 5:00 -5:50 p.m.

Thursday 5:00 - 5:50 p.m.

Tuition: $220/semester ($55/month)

Materials: $63 + tax for AZ residents ($38 for siblings)

No siblings in class, however sibling care is available for a small fee

Third Year Let's Play Music: 

Purple Magic & Orange Roots

Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuition: $240/semester ($60/month)

Materials: $63 + tax for AZ residents ($38 for siblings)

No siblings in class, however sibling care is available for a small fee

Music Education in Early Childhood

5 Reasons to Teach Music to Young Children 

'Music education begins nine months before the birth of the mother'  - Zoltán Kodály 

Extra-curricular activities, like music class, tend to be reserved for school-aged children.  However, research has shown that the benefits of music education can be shared by children of all ages.  Establishing a home where music is heard and music education is valued can benefit even the youngest of children.  Here are the 5 main reasons I teach music to my children:

1. Improved Listening Skills

Music is an aural art; it stresses listening skills. It's no secret that young children love repetition.  My two-year old son asks for the same bedtime song over and over again.  This repetition helps strengthen his listening skills, which I often test by changing a word or phrase or the melody.  Children who participate in music education learn to be good listeners. They are more aware of the various sounds in the environment, and pay better attention in school.  Northwestern University researchers recently showed an association between musical training and better listening skills.  Adults who studied music as a child (even if just for a few years) had enhanced brain responses to complex sounds and were more effective at hearing the fundamental frequency (crucial for speech and music perception and enables recognition of sounds in complex and noisy hearing settings).  

2. Encouraging Language Development

From the instant children are born (and even while still in the womb), they begin decoding sounds and words.  Music education enhances these natural abilities.  Dr. Kyle Pruitt, clinical professor of child psychology at the Yale School of Medicine (and a practicing musician) said "The development of language over time tends to enhance parts of the brain that help process music.  Musical experience strengthens the capacity to be verbally competent."

3. A Harmonious Child

In music class we define harmony as: two or more things played at the same time that sound good together. As we study and participate in music, our awareness of others grows as does a sense of appreciation.  This is especially true as we participate in music ensembles.  Music education helps us become more sensitive and compassionate.  Self-esteem thrives, and we are more able to benefit others and society in general.

4.  We Can Do Hard Things!

One of the greatest lessons children can learn is how to stick-to-it when things get tough.  Learning to play an instrument (or sing) is not easy!  Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence.  As children participate in music education (and especially performance), they learn at a young age to overcome the anxiety and fear that naturally occur in everyday life.  The ability to overcome obstacles is valuable in all areas of life.

5. Maximize Cognitive Potential

Our brains are not fully developed at birth, but the experiences we provide thereafter improve the connections and neurological pathways.  Studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically alters the development of the brain.  Music requires both sides of the brain to work together simultaneously, increasing the connective pathways between these two hemispheres. So in essence, music improves the way your brain works, offering maximum cognitive potential.  Linking new information to a melody can also help imprint information on young minds (how did you learn your ABCs?) Music education is actually a means to achieving brighter, happier, more successful students.

  

Bonding Parent to Child

After my last Parent Orientation meeting on Saturday, one mom mentioned that I got a little choked up as I was reading the Let's Play Music vision statement:

Music is wonderful for so many reasons... it enriches our lives, as we perform our confidence increases, practice develops talent, and research has shown that learning music even enhances our intelligence.  With all these wonderful benefits to music education, it's easy to overlook that magical bonding that takes place as two people share in a musical experience together.  And THAT, is the vision of Let's Play Music.  

This amazing bonding opportunity is the reason I chose to send my children to another teacher. My favorite moments in the classroom have been watching my 6 month old smile and try to sing along, while bouncing in my lap, or as I snuggle with my child and sing "May There Always Be Sunshine," or the excitement of a "DO-bomb" shared the first time my son plays the blue-chord independently.  And, I'll admit, I may even get teary eyed as I watch you sharing these tender moments with your children.

   

My friend and fellow Let's Play Music teacher, Bekah Jennings, recently guest posted on the corporate Let's Play Music - Making Musicians blog: here.  She said: "If I can create an environment that strengthens the family by bonding the parent and child, I have succeeded as a teacher. And if the child happens to learn piano along the way--and they all do to varying degrees--that's a bonus!"  

I'm excited to see your children this week as classes begin, but more importantly, I'm excited to see YOU with your children. We are going to have a great time together!  Sure, you're learning how to help your child practice, and maybe even how to play the piano yourself.  But the one thing that is really going to make this year special, is the opportunity you have to strengthen your own relationship with your child.  

Fall class calendars

Fall class calendars are here!  Also, mark your calendars for our spring recital which will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 pm.  

Don't forget the mandatory parent orientation meetings scheduled for Saturday, August 10th.  This meeting is for parents only, so please make other arrangements for your children.  The parent who will be attending class and practicing with the children should plan to attend this meeting. However, both parents are welcome to attend.  Fall semester materials will be distributed at this meeting.

Third Year Parents 10:00 am

Second Year Parents 11:00 am

First Year Parents 1:00 pm

Congratulations on choosing the very best beginning piano instruction for your children-  Let's Play Music!