Frequently Asked Questions
My early childhood aged children are in two different levels, but we can only take one class. What course should we enroll in together?
**Right now we are offering only one Early Childhood Class, for ages birth through Kindergarten. Eventually we will offer classes for specific ages. Right now, we are offering a very special rate that and additional siblings are only $100 per family (not per additional sibling) to help make music class more affordable so more families can join us!
When we are able to offer classes specific to early childhood stages, the answer will be:
No problem! The absolute best option is to enroll your children in the classes designed for their age and level. If you absolutely must choose only one, it depends on the courses and ages of the children. If one child is Preschool age, and the other a Toddler or Baby, enroll in the Cycle of Seasons (Preschool class).
The curriculum becomes much more age-specific and challenging as children grow, so children in Pre-K and Kindergarten should take the Pre-Piano: Music Makers class, and children in first through fifth grade should take Piano I.
Younger/older siblings who are enrolled in a different early childhood class are welcome to sit in on their sibling's class for double their musical fun!
When we are able to offer classes specific to early childhood stages, the answer will be:
No problem! The absolute best option is to enroll your children in the classes designed for their age and level. If you absolutely must choose only one, it depends on the courses and ages of the children. If one child is Preschool age, and the other a Toddler or Baby, enroll in the Cycle of Seasons (Preschool class).
The curriculum becomes much more age-specific and challenging as children grow, so children in Pre-K and Kindergarten should take the Pre-Piano: Music Makers class, and children in first through fifth grade should take Piano I.
Younger/older siblings who are enrolled in a different early childhood class are welcome to sit in on their sibling's class for double their musical fun!
Can my younger child sit in on piano or pre-piano with my older child?
Absolutely! As long as they are not disruptive, they may even participate to the level they are capable of, with your direct supervision. We never want to stop anyone from singing and making music!
What does SLIM mean?
SLIM stands for "Singing, Listening, playing Instruments, and Movement." Every Musikgarten class includes all four of these elements to explore music making and the world around us!
What kinds of instruments will children play?
All classes use shakers, rhythm sticks, jingle bells, scarves, and drums. Most classes also use resonator bars (think just one bar of a xylophone). Of course students in group piano use pianos!
What does the price of the class include?
All class prices include the price of i and course instruction for the specified session. Materials are listed separately, and prices vary by course. We make absolutely ZERO money on materials, which are purchased and shipped directly from Musikgarten, and we save you money by purchasing them for you and combining shipping.
What is the price of the class?
Class prices can be found on the registration form for that class.
What if we didn't take the classes for younger kids? Can my child still join the preschool class, Pre-Piano, and Group Piano?
Absolutely! Courses are cumulative in knowledge, but also easily accommodate students entering the curriculum at any time.
**A child does need to start piano with Piano I, regardless of students age.
**A child does need to start piano with Piano I, regardless of students age.
It's the middle of the session and we want to join! Can we join? Are classes pro-rated?
Absolutely! Just register using the registration form. If registering after the 4th class of the semester, please contact [email protected] for the pro-rated fee. Songs that have become familiar to other students will simply be new, but still fun for students joining mid-semester or mid-year!
**The only exception is Group Piano. Because of the cumulative and more serious nature of Group Piano, students must being with Group Piano I, regardless of age. This year (2024-2025), since we are just getting started, students joining group Piano I at the beginning of the spring session will be offered some additional "Booster Pack" days to get their students momentum to join the in-progress classes.
Most years, midway through the Fall semester there will be a cutoff date, after which new students will need to join the next Fall Group Piano. Please send an email to [email protected] to be added to our email list for notification of when new classes open!
**The only exception is Group Piano. Because of the cumulative and more serious nature of Group Piano, students must being with Group Piano I, regardless of age. This year (2024-2025), since we are just getting started, students joining group Piano I at the beginning of the spring session will be offered some additional "Booster Pack" days to get their students momentum to join the in-progress classes.
Most years, midway through the Fall semester there will be a cutoff date, after which new students will need to join the next Fall Group Piano. Please send an email to [email protected] to be added to our email list for notification of when new classes open!
Do we need a piano at home to take Group Piano?
Yes, but don't worry! There are many affordable options, and you don't need an expensive piano to start. I am working on posting a list of electric keyboards that will work, but if you borrow or buy a cheap piano, that will work until you are sure your child is going to stick with it. ***Keep in mind that with keyboards, quality does matter, and higher-quality instruments are more fun to play. It is easier to play the right notes consistently on a keyboard with touch-sensitive keys (where how hard you press on a key determines how loud or soft it is).
Costco and Amazon are great places to start looking.
If your family cannot afford to buy a keyboard, please reach out to me at [email protected] ASAP.
Costco and Amazon are great places to start looking.
If your family cannot afford to buy a keyboard, please reach out to me at [email protected] ASAP.
Are your locations handicap accessible?
Yes!
Oriole Park Field House has no steps. Class is in the club room, which is the long room across from the gym.
South Park Church has an accessible ramp from the parking lot. Please email [email protected] if you will be using the accessible route so someone can be on hand to assist you in finding your way, if needed.
Oriole Park Field House has no steps. Class is in the club room, which is the long room across from the gym.
South Park Church has an accessible ramp from the parking lot. Please email [email protected] if you will be using the accessible route so someone can be on hand to assist you in finding your way, if needed.
