Youth
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Kids and parents gather together to sing, play and learn. STSN photos by Tim Sealy
Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015
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Musicology teachers Alix Turner (in blue) and Mary Goodman lead the welcome song with enthusiasm. STSN photos by Tim Sealy
Ellie Takawaki peers through her fuchsia scarf.
interest in their program. They opened “Musicology” in the Chandler Dance Center about two years ago and have seen their business expand. Between the two locations, eight instructors teach 50 musicology classes per week. “Musicology” has also partnered with community organizations such as New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development, Thrive to Five, Chandler Unified School District, Deer Valley Unified School District, Mercy Gilbert Hospital and Chandler Regional Medical Center, just to name a few. They are written into grants from these organizations to give this unique learning experience to children who could not otherwise afford it. They teach between 80 and 100 classes per year for these various organizations. See page 59 for more photos.
Krista Tillman is a public relations student at ASU. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.
STSN photos by Tim Sealy
‘Musicology’ opens children’s eyes to music BY KRISTA TILLMAN
Watching his “Musicology” teacher play the xylophone, 10 1/2-month-old Brooks flashes a wide smile as he imitates her. “I can definitely tell that he is developing and understanding concepts a lot quicker than a lot of babies his age and I attribute it mostly to this class,” said Brooks’ mother, Brittney Perry. “Musicology” is a music-based learning environment for kids ages infant through 5. Classes are taught in two East Valley locations—Chandler Dance Center, 1987 W. Elliot Road, Suite 1, and in Scottsdale at 13802 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 129. Children in these classes are learning language development, physical coordination and rhythm and pattern awareness. Simple pattern awareness can help them with problem solving, critical thinking, mathematics, focus and attention. Therefore, it can get these young children on the correct path for entering school. “The foundation of ‘Musicology’ is rooted in how the brain wires up for learning in the first three to five years,” said co-founder Mary Goodman. “Music is the one activity that lights up the entire brain.” Children and instructors—as well as parents—use music, dance, musical instruments and other toys to interact and communicate. Parents will show
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their children rhythm through sound and touch. The instructors teach repetition to the children so they can master the material. Teachers play a different musical genre every three weeks to create a novel learning environment. “This one is just special,” said Amy Simon, who brings Emerson to “Musicology.” “Mary is special and her curriculum is. I think it’s really well thought out.” Not only is “Musicology” a helpful tool in developing children’s brains, it helps hone children’s social skills. They begin socialization in these classes at a very young age. “These little 2 or 3-month-olds who can just barely hold their head up are looking on their left at the baby on their left, looking on the right at the baby on their right, smiling at other babies,” Goodman said. Parents learn socialization, too. They are brought together for these 10- to 12week sessions and really bond because of it. They create playgroups outside of class. “When you are a new parent, it is really important to have a support group around you,” Goodman said. Musicology began when co-founders Goodman and Missy Powers started their business in Scottsdale six years ago. Their popularity grew by word of mouth and the East Valley expressed a lot of
Here is a list of “Musicology” classes offered at the East Valley location: • Infant Rhythms: Newborn to 5 months • Baby Beats: 6 months to 14 months • Mini Mozarts: 15 months to 2 1/2 years old • Beethovens: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 • KiddyKeys: 3 to 5 years old To schedule a free trial class, contact “Musicology” at www. musicologyaz.com or (480) 596-4020.
VISITING THE LITTLE ONES
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Wee Blessings Preschool was “blessed” with a visit in mid-September from Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department Station No. 10. The fire personnel taught the children about fire, water and helmet safety. The students had fun watching the firefighters dress for their jobs, learning about how important firefighters are in the community and sitting in a fire truck. Wee Blessings Preschool is located at 1751 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 634-4788.