Q:  Why should I choose MacPhail over another music program?
A:  There are many reasons why MacPhail is the best choice for you. 

• We use our own nationally recognized early childhood music curriculum. 
• We hire highly trained faculty who are both accomplished musicians as well as trained early childhood educators.  Most of our teachers hold Master’s degrees. 
• Our teachers both sing and play piano, guitar, or both in every class. 
• MacPhail classes teach parents and caregivers how to be musical at home with their children. 
• MacPhail classes are carefully constructed so as to teach real musical skills that give young children an excellent foundation for further musical study.
• Our classes move at a brisk, developmentally-appropriate pace that will keep your young child engaged and having fun while learning.

 
For additional information about why MacPhail is the choice for you, contact ECM Director Dianna Babcock at 612.767.5405

Q:  How can I remember the songs once I leave class?
A:  Our classes feature weekly repetition which is appropriate for children and helps grownups to learn the songs!  Each week your teacher will send you home with a lesson plan featuring the lyrics to several of that week’s selections.  In addition, you have the option of purchasing a CD which features our MacPhail ECM staff singing favorites from our curricula.

Q:  What are the class sizes for your program?
A:  Our classes typically range between five and ten students in parent-child classes and ten to fifteen students in child independent classes.

Q:  Who can accompany my child to class?
A:  A caregiver is required to accompany children to Baby and You, Musical Explorations, Musical Discoveries, and Musical Make Believe classes.  Once children begin the Musical Trolley curriculum, they attend class alone.  Parents are however invited to join for end of class sing-alongs every few weeks.  In addition, parents are invited to sign up to observe a class.  Parents and grandparents are always welcome to visit any class.  Let your child’s teacher know if you will have additional adults visiting.

Q:  What about classes for multiple children?
A:  Our Family Music class provides a great family music experience for you and your children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old.  There is a limit of one adult per 3 children.

Q:  What if I have twins or triplets, do I need to have a caregiver for each child?
A:  For parents of multiples we do allow for one caregiver to be present in class.  However, if at all possible we encourage you to bring a grandparent or second caregiver who can help to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Q:  What should I do if I my child needs to miss a class, can we do a make-up?
A:  Yes, all classes meet at several different times during the week.  To schedule a make-up, simply call the Student Services desk at 612.321.0100.  They will let you know what days/times are available for you to attend a different class.  We do ask that you limit your make-ups to four per semester so as to maintain consistency for your child’s learning experience.

Q:  Why would my child take two semesters of the same class?
A:  All of MacPhail’s Early Childhood Music curricula are designed to be year-long curricula.  The year includes the fall, spring, and summer classes.  However, children can  enter classes at MacPhail at the beginning of any semester.

Q: How will I know when my child is ready to move to the next curriculum?
A:  Your child’s teacher or the ECM director Dianna Babcock can assist you in making this decision.  Each class description includes an age requirement; children must be the age listed before they can enroll in a class.  For instance, to enroll in the Spring ‘08 Musical Discoveries class, the course catalog description reads “Must be 2 years old by February 11, 2008.”  However, we do want to ensure that your child is placed appropriately so please also consider your child’s developmental level when choosing a class.

Q:  What if my child is old enough to move to the next curriculum but hasn’t done a full year of the previous curriculum?
A:  Your child’s teacher can provide valuable insight into whether your child is developmentally ready to begin the new curriculum or would benefit from continued time with their current curriculum.  A child who meets the class age requirement and is developmentally ready is always welcome to move up to the next class.

Q:  Why is there an art project/sensory experience in my child’s music class?
A:  The majority of your child’s music class will consist of making music.  However, MacPhail was one of the first programs in the nation to teach music with an Integrated Arts Format.  Our program helps children learn musical concepts by reinforcing them through poetry, dance, literature, drama, and the visual arts.  For example, our students might experience a steady beat by playing it on an instrument, moving to the beat with their bodies, and then creating a picture that shows the repetitive pattern of steady beats.  This process is in accordance with the findings of many researchers who have studied how children learn best.

Q:  What’s next after ECM?

• A:  Group instrument classes are an option.  Children can experience the violin, piano, or both in one of MacPhail’s group classes.  Students age 5 to 8 can participate.

• Some students enroll in the Suzuki Talent Education program. Interested parents can attend one of the Suzuki informational meetings which are held monthly.

• Individual instrument lessons are also an option.  A child’s beginning age depends on the teacher, chosen instrument, and the child’s readiness level.

 

Q:  How will I know what instrument my child should take lessons on?
A:  We believe that children will have the most success with an instrument when they have been allowed to participate in the process of choosing.  Our ECM Make Believe and Musical Trolley classes allow children to see and play a broad variety of instruments including folk instruments such as the ukulele, and the full spectrum of orchestral instruments.  Many of our families report to us that their child fell in love with a specific instrument after taking one of these classes.

 

 

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