Preschool and Elementary School Programs

Classes

Early Childhood classes

Theory classes
Strings classes
Guitar classes

Ensembles

Chorus

Classes by Department

Early Childhood Music

Young children aged 4 months to 6 years can begin their study at the Eastman School through our renowned, sequential classes for preschoolers and kindergarteners. This four-level program was established by Eastman School Eisenhart Professor of Music Education Donna Brink Fox, a leading authority on early childhood music education.

Early Childhood Music classes meet for 45 minutes once a week, for a period of 10 weeks. There are three sessions during the year: fall, winter, and spring. All classes are on Saturday mornings.  We are now accepting registration forms for students who wish to enroll in the Spring 2009 session.

The 2008/2009 Early Childhood Music Program brochure and student registration form is available to download or you may call the Eastman Community Music School Office.  (585-274.1400) to request that a brochure and registration form be mailed to you. 

Schedule for 2008-09

Fall Session - September 20 - November 22

Winter Session - January 10 - March 14

Spring Session - March 21 - May 23

Tuition: $125

          MusicTIME

Toddler/Infant Music at Eastman. For children 4 months to 2 years old, with parent
Saturdays: 9, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15, noon

Music Times Two

For children 2 and 3 years old, with parent
Saturdays: 9, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15, noon, 12:45

Music Makers

Children 3 and 4 years old, without parental participation
Saturdays: 9, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15, noon, 12:45

Clef Club

Kindergarteners or children at least 5 years old
Saturdays: 9, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15, noon, 12:45

 

Theory in Motion

Grades 1–6

Theory in Motion is a five-level program that focuses on aural skills training, music literacy, and musicianship. Terminology and analysis also are introduced. This program is sequential and consistent throughout the levels and is designed to interrelate and coordinate with the other ECMS courses. Our innovative syllabus builds on the methods of Kodàly, Orff, and Dalcroze, as well as the research of Edwin Gordon. In all levels, students will enjoy active, fun-filled lessons that develop and expand their musical skills and understanding.

Students will grow in their ability to:

• inner-hear and internalize melody, rhythm, beat and meter,

• sing with independence, good intonation and expression,

• improvise melodically, rhythmically, and through movement,

• move with expression

• and communicate through music.  

Enrollment in Theory in Motion is required for Young Children's Chorus and Children's Chorus members in grades 2-6 and is strongly advised for all elementary students.  All parents and students in grades K-1 should attend the first session of Theory in Motion on September 6 at 10:30 a.m. All parents and students in grades 2-4 should attend the first session of Theory in Motion on September 6 at 8:50 a.m. All parents and students in grades 5-6 should attend the first session of Theory in Motion on September 6 at 9:40 a.m. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes with staff instructors. 

Adam Foley, Director
Tuition: $134, included in Children’s Chorus and Young Children’s Chorus tuition.

Theory in Motion A

Grades K–1

Teachers: Leah Arington/Meghan Attridge and Adam Foley

Saturdays: 9:40-10:25 a.m., 10:30-11:15 a.m.

the section at 11:15 a.m.-noon has been CANCELLED.
Prerequisite for those in kindergarten: Clef Club, see Early Childhood classes above.

Theory in Motion B

Grade 2

Teacher: Adam Foley

Saturdays: 8:50-9:35 a.m.

Theory in Motion C

Grades 3–6

Teachers: Leah Arington/Meghan Attridge
Saturdays: 8:50-9:35 a.m.

Grades 5–6

Teacher TBA
Saturdays: 9:40-10:25 a.m.  CANCELLED

Theory in Motion D

Grade 4

Teacher: Tom Vendafreddo
Saturdays: 8:50-9:35 a.m.

Grades 5–6

Teacher: Tom Vendafreddo
Saturdays: 9:40-10:25 a.m.

Theory in Motion E

Grades 5–6

Teacher: Jason Holmes
Saturdays: 9:40-10:25 a.m.

New!
Eastman Beginning Strings

The Eastman Community Music School Beginning Strings Program is a blend of Suzuki, traditional and contemporary teaching methods for young children beginning violin, viola, or cello. Students, ages four and up, will learn the fundamentals of string playing in a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere. All areas of traditional string education will be explored, including facility, healthy posture, listening to and imitating beautiful tone, music reading, and elements of pitch and rhythm.

The complete weekly program consists of two parts:

1. a half-hour lesson with a private teacher (Instructor or Intern) and an accompanying parent, and
2. an ensemble/group class

All students will start their studies in this program with a weekly half-hour lesson. When their private teacher feels they are ready for a group class, they will be recommended for a specific class. Once placed in a group class, the classroom teacher, in consultation with the private teacher, will make recommendations for moving to the next group.

The weekly half-hour lessons will focus on the techniques of how to play the instrument correctly and comfortably while exploring music that children love. Parent training for at-home practice, vital to the learning process, will be addressed in the lessons, as well. Students may request either an Instructor or Intern for their private lessons.

The 60-minute weekly ensemble/group class will focus on specific skills needed for playing with others. Listening and following a leader will serve as the primary emphasis, with the introduction of reading notes to follow, as the student’s facility develops. Learning will be reinforced and confidence gained through group interaction and the use of musical games.

The four group classes (Level I, Level II, Level III, Level IV) are each available for violin/viola and cello. All are scheduled for Saturday afternoons between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.  Group Class Details

Private 30-minute Lesson Tuition:

$480 per semester with an instructor; $335 with an intern

Ensemble Tuition: $134 per semester;

$123 or less with private lessons

 

New!

Pickin' and Grinnin'

Beginning Guitar Class; 2 units

        

Grades 1–3: September 8-October 27.

Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

Grades 4-6: January 19-March 15

Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Tuition: $134 per session; $123 or less with private lessons

 

 

Ensembles

Eastman Young Children’s Chorus

Grades 2–4; 3 units

Brent Talbot, Director
Saturdays: 9:40-10:40 a.m.

This introductory choral program offers singers the opportunity to learn about choral singing. Using a variety of music from diverse cultures, these young singers will work on vocal techniques and ensemble singing. Unison singing, partner songs, and simple 2 part arrangements will be used. The choir will perform 2-3 times throughout the school year at Eastman.

Tuition includes a weekly rehearsal and a weekly theory musicianship class (Theory in Motion). Auditions for new students (required) will be held Saturday, September 6, 2008, Please call 585.274.1400 to set up a 10-minute audition. Students should plan on singing a simple song (folk song, musical theater, classical or hymn--no pop music) a cappella or accompanied. Please bring the music to the audition. A parent/student meeting will be held Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. Rehearsals will begin Saturday, September 20. All parents and students should attend the first session of Theory in Motion September 6 at 8:50 a.m.

Tuition: $201 per semester (includes required theory class); $183 or less with private lessons.

Eastman Children’s Chorus

See Middle and High School – Ensembles – Voice

Eastman Kaleidoscope Community Orchestra

See Middle and High School – Ensemble - Strings