Preschool and Elementary School Programs
Theory in Motion classes
Strings classes
Guitar classes
Chorus
Early Childhood & Elementary
Classes & Ensembles
Early Childhood Music
Children’s programs offered by the Eastman Community Music School have been developed by Donna Brink Fox, an Eastman School of Music professor who is a nationally recognized authority on early childhood music education. The program has attracted attention throughout the United States and abroad, and has been featured on network television.
Eastman early childhood music classes are 45 minutes each and meet on Saturdays for 10 weeks. Class times are 9:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:30 am., 11:15, a.m., 12:00-noon, and 12:45 p.m. (class times may be adjusted depending on enrollment)
The 10-week sessions are offered
in the fall, winter, and spring.
Fall Session – September 19-November 21
Winter Session – January 9-March 13
Spring Session – March 20-May 22
Early Childhood Music Registration Form
Registration Instructions
Spaces in our classes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at the beginning of each school year. The registration form is available above or by calling the Eastman Community Music School Office. (585.274.1400). Complete the registration form, detach and return it either
by mail to
Eastman Community Music School
Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY 14604
fax
585-274-1005
or in person to the
Community Music School Office
on the 3rd floor of 10 Gibbs Street.
Registration is not possible by phone. Please do not include payment with your form. We will bill you. You will receive notification of your class time and room location on or by September 12th. Notification will be made by email or phone. Because we have a limited number of spaces in our classes, please understand that once a student has been enrolled,
we are unable to give any refunds.
Click here
for complete information
about the program
MusicTIME
Toddler/Infant Music at Eastman.
A unique program for infants and toddlers (ages 4 months to 2 years) and their parents/caregivers. MusicTIME features musical activities that include songs, rhymes, bounces, tickles, moving to music, and listening. Information and guidance on musical development in young children and home-based activities is also provided.
Tuition: $125 per 10-week session
Music Times Two
A continuation of the objectives of MusicTIME for parents/caregivers and children (ages 2 to 3½-years). Children develop rhythmic and vocal skills as they engage in more independent music making activities that include: singing, movement, and playing instruments.
Tuition: $125 per 10-week session
Music Makers
Designed for 3½- and 4-year-old children without parental participation in the classes. Skills in singing, listening, and musical vocabulary are emphasized, with opportunities to play classroom percussion instruments. Visiting musicians demonstrate instruments throughout the session.
Tuition: $125 per 10-week session
Clef Club
This fourth level of the early childhood music program is intended for children who are enrolled in kindergarten or first grade or are 5-6 years old. The class focuses on individual musical skills and includes singing, rhythmic activities, moving to music, musical concepts, musical games, and playing small percussion instruments. Children will begin activities in reading and writing music.
Tuition: $125 per 10-week session
Dates to Remember
September 12, 2009 Notification of Fall Session class time and location September 19, 2009 Fall Session begins November 7, 2009 End of current student Priority Re-Registration for Winter Session
November 8, 2009 Placement of new students for Winter Session begins November 21, 2009 Fall Session ends January 2, 2010 Notification of Winter Session class time and location January 9, 2010 Winter Session begins
February 27, 2010 End of current student Priority Re-Registration for Spring Session February 28, 2010 Placement of new students for Spring Session begins March 13, 2010 Winter Session ends March 13, 2010 Notification of Spring Session class time and location
March 20, 2010 Spring Session begins May 22, 2010 Spring Session ends
Theory in Motion
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 12 at 10:30 a.m. All parents and students in grades 2-4 should attend the first session of Theory in Motion on September 12 at 8:50 a.m. All parents and students in grades 5-6 should attend the first session of Theory in Motion on September 12 at 9:40 a.m. All students should meet for the 1st class on September 12 to room A902. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes with staff instructors.
Adam Foley, Director
Tuition: $134, included in Children’s Chorus andYoung Children’s Chorus tuition.
Theory in Motion A
Grades K–1
Teachers: TBA
Saturdays: 9:40-10:25 a.m., 10:30-11:15 a.m.
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 3–4
Teachers: TBA
Saturdays: 8:50-9:35 a.m.
Theory in Motion DGrade 4
Teacher: TBA
Saturdays: 8:50-9:35 a.m.
Grades 5–6Teacher: TBA
Saturdays: 9:40-10:25 a.m.Theory in Motion E
Grades 5–6
Teacher: TBA
Saturdays: 9:40-10:25 a.m.
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:
- a half-hour lesson with a private teacher (Instructor or Intern) and an accompanying parent, and
- 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 1–6: September 14-November 2.
Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Tuition: $134 per session; $123 or less with private lessons
Eastman Kaleidoscope Community Orchestra
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 12, 2009, 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 19 at 10:30 a.m. Rehearsals will begin Saturday, September 26. All parents and students should attend the first session of Theory in Motion September 12 at 8:50 a.m.
Tuition: $201 per semester (includes required theory class); $183 or less with private lessons.
Eastman Children’s Chorus
Introductory Music Theory A
Introductory Music Theory B
See Classes & Ensembles - Theory
Last updated: May 1, 2009