3s Physical Development

Yamaha had the daunting task of figuring out how to teach keyboard and music to three-year-olds.  Here's where 3s are physically:

• The children are growing.  You might have noticed their upper body is stretching, along with their legs and arms.  Sometimes, they grow at such a fast rate that they don't realize how much bigger they really are and bump into things.
• Physical development and coordination develops from the top down and from the midline out.  Guess what's the last thing to develop?  The tiny fingers!
• They learn "hand to head"- if I can't touch it, I can't learn it.  
• They can walk and run, but still have difficulty jumping, hopping, and balancing
• Fine motor skills are not there.
• The wrist joint is not hardened yet.  This limits their ability to rotate their wrist joint (making keyboard playing very tricky!).
• Visually, they are far-sighted.  It is difficult for them to shift focus from far to near.
• The keyboard appears 1.5 times bigger than it does to adults.
• Their hearing is well developed.  They can listen and concentrate.  This is the point of encounter with the child of Music Wonderland.

Music Wonderland is designed to create an ideal environment where the child can express their own ideas through singing and rhythmic response (movement).  During class, the children can really concentrate and focus on listening to music, and we help them develop this skill fully.  It is through imaginative play in music that we can motivate the children to use the keyboard concretely. 

The first keyboard activities use gross motor skills (whole fist playing 3 black-keys) where the keyboard represents a car's horn.  Gradually, more fine motor skills are introduced as the child develops more muscle control.  By the end of Music Wonderland, they will be able to move their fingers individually and will be ready for the next stage - Junior Music Course!

Throughout the course, the child will have many experiences playing the keyboard together.  Even though they are not moving their fingers individually at this stage, they still are acquiring important skills of ensemble playing (playing together) and keyboard geography.  This gives these children a distinct advantage over the average 4 year old.

All about 3 year-olds :)

Oh, the three-year-old - what a delightful age.  It's no accident that Yamaha's course for 3s is called "Music Wonderland" -  for being with these little children is like visiting another magical land :-)

Recently, I had the pleasure of teaching a very enthusiastic child, who, upon entering the room, announced that "I am three!  I get to go to music class!" (jumping the whole time!).

I am still surprised at how deeply and passionately a three-year-old experiences music.  The three-year-olds senses are so acute that they really can't do anything else but listen when music is playing.  I think many parents look see that blank stare as disinterest, but in fact, it's extreme concentration.

Something I struggle with is how to convince parents of a 3 year-old how vital it is that they start music now.  Yamaha Music Foundation has always known that the 3 year-old's aural abilities surpass that of a 4-5 year old, but they had to find a developmentally appropriate way to teach them to their full potential.  We have only had this course in the US since 2005, yet Junior Music Course (for 4-5 year olds) has been around since 1965!

Music Wonderland is a joy to teach - but it's not easy!  You wouldn't believe the amount of time I have spent listening and thinking about these pieces.  Every piece has a specific purpose  --- all presented in a fanciful and imaginative way that is irresistible to any three-year old!

I'm just getting started with these amazing little musicians - watch for more posts about their developmental characteristics.

The Power of One Song

So...be honest... how many hours have you spent watching  the Olympic Games on TV?  There have been amazing races, disappointing scores, and unexpected wins.  Of course, we are at the mercy of NBC about how much or how little we actually see of different events.  What I noticed, however, was that one event is never cut short  -  
                          the playing of the various national anthems from around the world.

Watching these amazing athletes standing on the podium as they listen or sing along to their country's song is a glimpse into their spirit.  They can usually hold it together when they have won - but the music always wins in the end.  That's what keeps us watching -  to see their raw emotions spill out as the song echoes through the air.  It speaks to all of us - no matter what country or what athlete.  You see all their dedication, hard work, sacrifice, competitive drive, amazing resilience, and humanity . . . but all you hear is music. 

This is a moment that makes me so proud to be part of the Yamaha Music Foundation.  

         "From the earliest days of human history, music has been one
          of the most natural and artistic forms of human expression.
          It has moved people throughout the ages.
          Yamaha Music Foundation strives to convey the joy of music
          across cultural and national boundaries, and to enhance the
          sensibility that allows people the freedom of expression through music.
          In so doing, we hope to contribute to the creation of a
          brighter and happier world."

          Shuji Ito
          President
          Yamaha Music Foundation

What's on your ipod?

You think I listen to classical music, right?

Nope. 

Let me tell you a bit about what my brain does when I listen to classical music.

(these are my thoughts talking now)

       This is Mozart, right, no I think it's Haydn..... there's the main theme.....oooh, deceptive          cadence....recapitulation.....I think it's in B flat....I wonder what movement this is....strings, woodwinds...this might make a nice ensemble...did they use this piece on Bugs Bunny cartoons?

At some point, if I'm actually familiar with the piece, my fingers will subconsciously start playing along.  As you can see, this is not exactly a relaxing choice for me, and that's what I want listening to music to be - relaxing. 

If you've been watching the Olympic games, I'm sure you've seen Michael Phelps with his earphones before his race.  Thanks to Google, I found out that he likes listening to Lil Wayne.  

So I looked at itunes and turns out I actually know ONE Lil Wayne song (it's like the only one on itunes that isn't explicit).

These amazing athletes use all different styles of music for all different reasons.  Check out this article:

Compete to the beat: Tunes take athletes to the top

I wrote this blog last night, but didn't publish it - and guess what was on GMA this morning?
London Olympic Games 2012: Team USA Athletes iPod Playlist Pump Them Up to Win Gold | Video - ABC News

Guess I'm not the only one who wants to know - what's on your ipod?

Please stop singing

After hearing yet another awful rendition of "Happy Birthday" in a local restaurant, I realized a few things :

1. The majority of the population does not sing well.
2. #1 doesn't stop all those people from singing in public.

Think about it.  Most people don't consider themselves singers, yet will always join in on "Happy Birthday" at the restaurant or "Don't Stop Believing" at the karaoke bar.  People love to sing!

First, let me just say that the two songs that are sung in public often - "Happy Birthday" and "The National Anthem"  - are both difficult songs to sing well.  They both have wide ranges, that is, there is a large distance between the lowest and the highest notes in the song.  

Actually, most people do ok on the first part of "Happy Birthday":

      (please listen along in your head :)  )

       "Happy Birthday to you, (green GO)

       Happy Birthday to you, (caution)

       Happy BIRTH (argh! STOP!) day dear whosie whatsit, 

       Happy Birthday to you!" (Congrats!  The song is in a new key - not a good thing :(  )

Did you hear it?  Next time you're in a restaurant, pay special attention to the third "Happy Birthday".  That's where the melody jumps up an octave.  Ok...no more music theory in this post...just know that's where it all goes downhill!

So, I know you're concerned about this.  You're probably wondering

• Am I one of those people who sings badly in public?
• How can I protect my child against these embarrassing experiences?

Fear not! If your child receives music training before the age of 7, they can develop their musical ear - that is the ability to tell if something is in tune, on key, or in other words - it sounds good.

But beware.....they might tell you to stop singing!