*How many Music Moose or Music & More Classes comprise The Program?
*How many students are allowed per Class?
*Where can Music Moose or Music & More Classes be offered?

*How much do Music Moose or Music & More Classes cost?

*How do I Best Support My Child’s Interest in Music?

*How do I Know When My Child is Ready for Music Lessons?
 

 

How many Music Moose or Music & More Classes comprise The Music Moose Program?

• There are a total of 60 Music Moose or Music & More Classes divided into 10 units.  Each unit is comprised of 6 45-minute classes.  Students are not required to begin classes at a certain unit; Both Music Education Programs are designed so each student may easily begin classes at the beginning of any unit.

• Each individual Music Moose or Music & More Class utilizes different activities to teach students about a different  music concept, composer and (classical) music piece--which makes not only each and every class different and educational in its own way, but every Unit completely unique to ensure that students gain a broad exposure to lots of different components of music.

• When offered privately, Music Moose Classes are offered once per week; making each unit 6-weeks in duration. 
  

• When offered as an enrichment class on-site for other facilities, the frequency of Music Moose or Music & More Classes may be varied from once per week to once or twice per month.  Classes may also be offered in semesters, or even as a summer class depending upon the needs of the contract facility.  Also, either Music Moose or Music & More Classes can be offered as a one time special occasion.

• For information about where Music Moose Classes are offered, please visit the Sign Up/Contract Info Tab at the top of the page.

• The number of students in an on-site Music Moose or Music & More Class may vary with the needs of the contract facility.  Up to 25 students have been successfully accommodated at one time.
   
• Private Music Moose Classes are usually kept small to ensure the best learning environment for all.  Usually, the maximum number of students allowed per class is 8; however, this number may be less depending upon the room space available for Music Moose Classes.  For working with the special needs population, it is encouraged to keep the number at a maximum of 8 to ensure the best learning environment possible. 

Where can Music Moose or Music & More Classes be offered?

• Belle Chanson Studio of Music makes its services available to childcare facilities (daycare/preschools), public/private schools, developmental supports centers, mental healthcare facilities, music stores, churches, geriatric facilities, nursing homes, residences and more throughout the areas of Johnson and Franklin counties in Kansas. 
• If you don't see your facility or organization listed here, but would like to have Music Moose Classes offered on-site at your location, please don't hesitate to contact The Music Moose Music Studio, as the instructor would be happy to help!

How much do Music Moose or Music & More Classes cost?

• When offered privately, Music Moose Classes are $15.00 per class (1 class per week); $90 per 6-week unit.  (This price may vary slightly depending upon certain variables.)

•  When offered for contract on-site, certain group discounts usually apply.  Usually it is a flat rate around $50 per 30- or 45-minute class.  Please see the 'Sign Up/Contract Info' tab for more specific information or contact Tiffany for further questions as she would be delighted to help!
  

How do I best support my child’s interest in music? 

Ages 0 - 3 1/2 (infant-toddler):               Throughout your child’s earliest years (infant-toddler) is a wonderful time to introduce musical activities to your home environment.  Even though children in this age group are too young for group classes such as Music Moose, it is certainly not too young for you to bond with your child through adding music to your daily routine (dancing, singing, making home-made instruments, etc.) to encourage a healthy musical interest in your child.  Also, check for music programs in your area that serve infants and toddlers to add a social component to your child's developing musical experiences with you! 

Ages 3 1/2 - 6+ (preschool/kindergarten):         The preschool/kindergarten child will generally thrive best in a group music setting such as Music Moose Classes, as it is tailored to the young child’s very active nature and attention span.  It is most important at this early age for children to enjoy, develop and learn about music in a class that really helps them “fall in love” with music!  Through fun, positive, active and age-appropriate educational music activities such as what are offered in Music Moose Classes, children are not only engaged in music but are actually much better prepared for future musical learning when they are ready to transition into traditional lessons.

Ages 7-9 (early elementary):         This early elementary age is often an excellent time to explore traditional lessons.  Children in this age group tend to be mentally, physically and emotionally developed enough to begin learning certain instruments*--and for the child that has taken Music Moose Classes, he/she is also better prepared.  Research also indicates that children begin to understand the concept of “delayed rewards” beginning around age 7, which is very helpful to grasp prior to learning an instrument, as it requires much work and patience on behalf of the student.  Also, children in this age group possess a more developed attention span, motor skills and more overall brain development than the preschool/kindergartner, which makes ages 7-9 an excellent time for exploring traditional lessons*.

**Certain strings instruments or piano may be started earlier.  See “When is my child ready for lessons?” guidelines below.

Ages 10+ (middle elementary and older):                 It’s definitely not too late for children 10 years or older to begin lessons!  In fact, the older child will have even more focus, better motor skills, and more overall mental, physical and emotional development, which tends to make the older child progress more rapidly in music lessons.  Also, research indicates that children around age 10 tend to start grasping the concept of fractions, which helps enormously in reading and understanding how music is organized.  It is worth considering that the benefits reaped from starting a child at a later age in terms of overall readiness far outweigh any delay in beginning music lessons.  Each child is different, and starting him/her when he/she is truly ready is the goal, whether he/she begins earlier or later.

How do I know when my child is ready for traditional music lessons?

While learning an instrument can be a wonderful pursuit full of long-term reward, it is important to make sure that your child is really ready for what traditional music lessons entail.  Instruments can be fun, but they are also a lot of work, patience and discomfort before they become fun and beautiful.  Starting your child too early can result in the pain and frustration of him/her giving up on music temporarily or even permanently.  Positive and age-appropriate educational music experiences are key to best nurturing your child’s growth and interest in music.  Below are listed some guidelines to help determine your child’s overall level of readiness for traditional music lessons:

*Certain strings instruments or piano may be started earlier based upon the child’s overall readiness