Pre-Lesson Series: Piano Play! Recap

Pre-Lesson Class - Piano Play!

Music Therapy Connections’ Listen & Learn Into Lessons: Pre-Lesson Preparatory Series, for ages 4-7, recently finished its first session, and the outcome was remarkable! Interest was soaring and we ended up needing to open a second section!

During this first session, titled Piano Play!, students listened to, participated in, and sang 8 original songs while learning about a multitude of information to prepare them for 1:1 piano lessons. They played on keyboards and wiggled with delight as each skill became easier to accomplish!

All goals were met as students discovered:

  • melody vs. harmony
  • low, middle, and high sounds in music
  • the musical alphabet
  • the low, middle, and high parts of the keyboard
  • piano fingers and finger bracing.

Up next is Rhythm Time! This second session will provide students with a basic understanding of:

  • steady beat
  • counting patterns in music (3s & 4s)
  • basic rhythmic patterns
  • loud vs soft
  • rests -or- moments of silence
  • basic note values

They’ll again sing several original songs with some familiar ones incorporated as well. Be prepared to play on various drums and rhythm instruments, while dancing to the beat!

Pre-Lesson Class - Piano Play!

Are you unsure if your child is ready to attend piano lessons on their own? Does your child show some interest in music classes but might not be ready to participate in 1:1 instruction?

Register for Rhythm Time! to open your 4-7 year old to the next level of music exploration. Classes begin the week of July 16th. Both sections are filling up fast, so don’t wait too long!

Listen & Learn Into Lessons: Preparatory Music Classes | Music Therapy Connections | Springfield, IL

A Truly Meaningful Experience: Why Our Classes Are Unique

Music Classes for Children | Springfield, IL

One day I entered the doors of Music Therapy Connections as a music therapy intern, and the next (after passing my board certification), I entered as music therapist. The entire building looked and felt different. Though I was nervous and still a bit unsure, I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. It was easy for me to fall in love with what we do here.

I love that I have the opportunity to serve everyone from birth through adulthood and all of life. I have the pleasure of working with people in the lesson setting, group setting, and individual therapeutic setting.

I love that I am able to serve people of all ages and all abilities within these walls. Everyone needs a safe place to experience something meaningful, create a sense of purpose, and even just be heard. Providing that safe place is the heartbeat of what we do here.

Early Childhood and Preschool Music Classes | Springfield, IL

For many of our students and clients, their Music Therapy Connections experience begins in our Listen & Learn for Little Ones class where children ages 0-3 explore music with their parents, grandparents, and loved ones. We focus on supporting their precious development and creating bonding opportunities for every family.

When our students are 3 years old and ready for the move, they often graduate to our Listen & Learn a Little More class! This class is still developmentally supportive, but we also continue to work on social skills, reading, counting and so much more! Plus, Listen & Learn a Little More is for children only. Parents can relax and listen to our preschoolers laughing and singing from the comfort of our waiting area.

Music Therapy | Springfield, IL | Music Therapy Connections

And, of course, when you feel that your 4 or 5 year old is ready, they can graduate yet again to our pre-lessons class Listen and Learn Into Lessons. This course was made for our very active 4-7 year olds who want to learn a new instrument but aren’t quite ready to sit for a 30 minute lesson. Students will learn piano basics, rhythmic counting, musical genres, terms and application in a fun and interactive environment with peers.

Finally, when your young learner is ready, they can register for their very own individual lessons with one of our teachers specializing in a variety of styles and instruments. Students can learn to play ukulele, guitar, piano, or sing!

Keep in mind, our lessons are individualized. Whether you are an adult or fresh out of our Listen & Learn Into Lessons course, we will create an environment to facilitate your success, growth, and love of music.

To register for lessons, click on the link below. If you would like to learn more about Music Therapy Connections, what we do, and our various services, we welcome you to our Open House on Sunday, May 6th between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm for refreshments, fun activities, a drumming experience, and a giveaway you don’t want to miss!

Register for music lessons or music therapy

The Gift of Music

As a music therapist, I am a strong believer in the ability of music to support development, cognition, and motor skills. I am very proud to be a part of our amazing team at Music Therapy Connections, which includes teachers and music therapists offering opportunities to grow and learn in a fun and engaging environment.

This holiday season, we are offering gift certificates on all of our services here at Music Therapy Connections!

Adult Piano Lessons in Springfield Illinois

We offer individualized lessons for guitar, voice, piano, and ukulele. These lessons are for children, teens, and adults! We pair our students with a teacher who best complements their personality, interests and schedules. Your lesson experience is truly your own!

Sign Zoo Animals

For those under the age of five, we offer Listen & Learn for Little Ones developmental music classes. These classes support both the musical and nonmusical development of your very special little ones. We play instruments like shakers and drums, dance, explore social skills, and offer opportunities for bonding with parents, grandparents and other family members!

Now through the first week of January, you can purchase an All-Access Class Pass for your family — including multiple children — for just $165. By registering for the rest of the school year, you’ll save the cost of an entire session (or more, if you have 2 children). With an all-access class pass, your family can attend all 4 remaining sessions AND receive a USB flash drive containing the entire collection of Listen & Learn class music.

Self-Care Advent | 12 Ways to Gift Yourself in Preparation for the Holidays

Giving a series of classes or lessons is the gift that continues to support and nourish the lives of the people you love! Sending you joy for a very happy holidays!

Why All-Access? Your Guide to the MTC All-Access Class Pass

Using-a-Parachute-in-Early-Childhood-Music-Class

The short and sweet answer: consistency is key.

You may be wondering…does it really matter if my little ones attend every session? The answer is yes! Consistency in class attendance not only provides your little ones with the opportunity to begin loving, playing, and creating music, but is also a great resource to continue supporting your little ones’ development and continually working toward those ever changing developmental markers!

We love to facilitate classes which instill a love of music in our young people. But, did you know that we build these classes to help children grow toward their academic, social, and motor skills as well? Rachel Rambach & Katey Kamerad are our Music Therapy Connections co-owners and music therapists. They put their expertise to work creating specialized classes for your unique little ones ages birth to five years.

Early Childhood Music Class in Springfield, Illinois

When you register for a class, you have the choice of a variety of morning and late afternoon/evening times and days. You can choose the most appropriate 45-minute class for your family’s busy schedule.

Here is the best part: when you purchase the All-Access Class Pass you are invited to attend every class session for the next year! Included in the purchase price of the pass is a free class session, AND the price does not change for any additional little ones.

If you have a little one (ages birth to five years old) in your life, please consider registering for access to a whole year of developmental, fun, and playful music classes. We hope to see you soon!

All Access Class Pass | Music Class | Springfield, IL

I Want to Try Music Therapy, But…

So you have heard about Music Therapy online, through a friend, or even on Facebook and you are interested in services for you or a family member but you have a few questions first. We completely understand and we want to help you to determine if Music Therapy is right for you and your family!

Here it is, these are the three big concerns we hear when asking about Music Therapy services.

1. I can’t play an instrument!– This is a big one and I’m going to keep it short and sweet. A client does not need to understand music, or know how to play an instrument to be successful in Music Therapy! Between the three Music Therapists I have the opportunity of collaborating with I know that we have Music Therapists working with people from infancy to older adulthood. You need only to be open to a new experience and growth!

2. I don’t think I can afford it if insurance does not cover it. – Unfortunately, at this time there are not many Music Therapy practices in Illinois in which you can bill insurance for services. But don’t let that keep you from pursuing services! Our owners here at Music Therapy Connections are conscientious of the cost and purposely price our services at the cost of a co-pay. That’s right, you are paying the same rate as you would if you were billing insurance. It is important to us that those who need services have access to them.

3. I don’t know if Music Therapy can help me.– As Music Therapists we assess and treat goals which are academic, psychological, motor, speech, memory, and work with people who have diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, Depression, Anxiety, and the list goes on. The bottom line is that, if you’re interested go ahead and see a Music Therapist. Do an assessment and give it a try. You may just find a fantastic resource for you and your family!

Click here to learn more about Music Therapy for you and your family!

3 Day Hand Drumming Camp

Next week we have a very special mini-camp happening!!

I am so excited to have the opportunity to share my love of music and playing hand drums during the 3 DAYS of drumming camp!

Hand-Drumming-Camp

This isn’t your typical drum-set style drumming!  No drumsticks or experience needed!  The group is open to people of all abilities and levels of musical experience.  Whether you are looking to just have fun, learn something new, or add to your current skills, we would love to have you join the group!  Over the 3 days, group members will:

  • explore different kinds of drums
  • play rhythm instruments from around the world
  • learn basic hand drumming techniques
  • become familiar with simple rhythmic patterns
  • play instruments in a group
  • learn a few ways to lead a drum circle
  • improvise on a variety of percusion instruments
  • and build confidence

 

Not only is hand drumming and participating in a drum circle a fun experience, it’s also a great way to make new friends, build relationships, work on focused attention and listening, learn new skills, relax, and more. The hour-long group will be from 6:30 – 7:30 pm June 28th, 29th, and 30th.  I hope to see lots of new and familiar faces!