Next Steps
As the summer Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® classes have come to a close, you might be wondering what next?
If you are, you are not alone; we have created this guide to aid you in your next steps.
- Listen to your intuition.
Parents and caregivers are children’s first teachers! You know your child best. Pick something that sounds fun, consult other parents and caregivers in your current classes. Perhaps your child has established a friendship with a peer, so there may be an opportunity to stay with at least one familiar person and continue forming that friendship. Finally, do what is best for you and your child. All our teaching artists are highly trained in our curricula and there really is something for everyone.
- Ask your teacher.
Your SPL teacher is a wealth of knowledge about our other programs and will be more than happy to discuss with you what would be a good fit for the next steps in you and your child’s musical journey. They have also been observing and getting to know your child for some time now and will have a clear idea about what would suit them best.
Summer Listings and appropriate progressions:
Music for Babies
If you currently have a child in a Music for Babies class, first, how old are they? Will they be turning 12-months in a few weeks? If so, how are they interacting with other peers and the teacher in the class? Are they more reserved, or are they ready to get into things in the classroom? If you find that your child is more reserved in nature and would like to continue with a quieter class for a while, continuing with another Music for Babies class is perfectly reasonable. If your baby is 9 months old and crawling all over (or even walking) an online Music for Toddler’s class, or in person Music for 1s and 2s class might be what your child needs. The pacing is a little faster, classes are longer, and there might be some age-appropriate art components added into the curriculum. If you have multiple children and would like them all to participate together, a Music for Families class might just be the perfect fit. This class is catered to 0-5 years old. It is a wonderful opportunity for older children to practice leadership skills, and for younger children to learn from and with older children.
These are possible next steps from Music for Babies classes:
Music for Babies (in person)
Music for 1s and 2s (in person)
Music for Toddlers (online)
Music for Families (online or in person)
Music for Toddlers
Toddler music classes are a great step into more independent learning, yet still parent-child-focused. These classes focus on the specific needs and development of the toddler. There may be art added in. There will be lots of movement, and work on fostering fine motor skill development. Some children may be comfortably walking, and others may still be crawling. For those with toddlers who may be aging into the preschool age group, here are the possible next steps for you:
Music for 1s and 2s (in person)
Music for 2s and 3s (in person)
Music for 3s and 4s (in person)
Suzuki Stars (online or in person)
Music for Toddlers (online)
Music for Preschoolers (online)
Music for Families (online or in person)
Music for Preschoolers
As children mature, so do their needs and focus. The songs will be familiar, (unless you are new, and that is ok, you will learn them just as well!) Developmental skills will continue to evolve. Your preschooler may have more creative ideas to share in the classroom. They may come with stories and ideas to share with the class. These class offerings are a mix of parent-child classes, where you would continue to be in the class with your child for the entire time and child independent classes, where parents and caregivers will be involved at the beginning and end of each class but will leave the child in the classroom with the teacher and possible assistant depending on the class size.
* We of course welcome parents to stay in those classes if needed, but typically this is a time to start practicing separating. *
**For children who are participating online, a parent/caregiver guide is required for preschool classes for safety and navigating the technology.**
Music for 3s and 4s (in person)
Musical Trolley (in person) *child-independent
Suzuki Stars (online or in person)
Music for Preschoolers (online) *child-independent
Music for Families (online or in person)
Musical World (in person) *child-independent
Ukulele and More (in person) *child-independent
Suzuki Stars
This class is suited for 3–5-year Olds. If your family is interested in our Suzuki Talent Education program, this class is for you. You and your child will build musical readiness skills specific to prepare for success in our Suzuki program. Activities will focus on vocal development, steady beat, and exposure to Suzuki rhythms, repertoire and instruments. Families that participate in this class will take priority in the Suzuki placement process.
For those children who are currently in Suzuki Stars: Any class can be repeated, so if this is a great fit you of course can stay in it. For those looking for a change, here are some possible options:
Suzuki Stars (online or in person w/caregiver)
Musical Trolley (in person) *child-independent
Music for Preschoolers (online)
Music for Families (online or in person)
Musical World (in person) *child-independent
Ukulele and More (in person) *child-independent
Music for Families
Our Music for Families class features activities for adults and children from babies through age five. Children of various ages gain exposure to melody, rhythm, and a wide variety of musical instruments that ring, shake, and tap. Each week will include plenty of singing, movement activities, creative projects, and hands-on creative play. Experience the joy of creating a musical community.
For those of you who have been in Music for Families classes, these offerings are suitable for your children. You can choose to continue with a Families class, or you can choose a different offering based on location , and/ or need.
Music for Families (online or in person)
Music for 1s and 2s (in person)
Music for 2s and 3s (in person)
Music for 3s and 4s (in person)
Musical Trolley (in person) *child-independent
Suzuki Stars (online or in person)
Music for Toddlers (online)
Music for Preschoolers (online)
Musical World (in person) *child-independent
Ukulele and More (in person) *child-independent
World Beats
These classes are designed for children ages 5-8. Parent/caregiver participation is possible, but these are child independent classes. Take a musical journey around the world! Students and their families will explore the ways children of different cultures make and play with music. We will “travel” to such destinations as Africa, Central and South America, and much more! Students will experience world music through sound exploration, song, stories, and culturally indigenous dance.
Musical World (in person) *child-independent
Ukulele and More (in person) *child-independent
