The learning styles and needs of children are met through a multi-sensory approach. The understanding of music will expand into positive problem-solving skills, areas of self-expression, the growth of memory skills and excellent self-confidence and self-esteem. With these natural outcomes children can easily take on the skills required to read other languages and master other tasks.

In MYC, children meet in small groups, in their own age category, once a week for an hour, accompanied by an adult (parent, grandparent or caregiver) who participates in the program.

The program lasts from three to five years, depending on the age of the child, with each year consisting of 36 lessons.

Development of ear training and sight-singing is an integral part of the program. Songs are also used for expressive singing and to reinforce dynamics and the teaching of concepts.

Because listening is essential to musical literacy, each level includes listening activities ranging from:

• By-ear playbacks to melodic dictation
• Rhythm pattern identification to dictation
• Listening for dynamics
• Chord quality identification
• ‘Well-known melodies and composer or style identification

Developmentally appropriate written materials are provided for each level as confirmation and review of rudiments and theory. Homework for the youngest learner might be a gluing and coloring task while the Sunbeams’ work may include theory pages reinforcing what had been reviewed in class and the Moonbeams’ homework might include note and rhythm notation, vocabulary, chord study, scale writing and simple analysis.

The keyboard geography begins in a D-centered approach. Keyboard reading skills are developed through careful, incremental introduction of note reading with constant review to motivate and confirm for the child his/her own developing sight-playing skills.

Final year keyboard includes playing Grade One Conservatory repertoire and folk songs. Technique, scale and full chord studies, ensemble playing and arranging and harmonization are emphasized.

Rhythm and keyboard ensembles are used throughout the course for:

• Reinforcement of rhythm reading
• Ensemble practice
• Exposure to great melodies
• Introduction to periods and styles
• Fun

A composition unit of study is included in each level of MYC. However simple or elaborate in construction, each composition is reviewed and the student’s effort is appropriately rewarded and encouraged. Creativity and expression are nourished.

Sunshines

According to Dr. Rauscher, a well-known music researcher, musical training, specifically piano instruction, appears to dramatically enhance abstract thinking skills and spatial-temporal abilty - skills necessary for mathematics and science.  Ongoing research into the field point to one conclusion:  music has an obvious impact on the brain and should be supported and encouraged in childhood education.

The Sunshine program for four & five year old children, includes large muscle experiences in beat and rhythms as well as fine motor experiences in rhythm instrument ensemble playing.  By the end of the first year, Sunshines are playing in C major and middle C positions and are reading from the staff.  Pre-reading experiences - such as like and different sorting, looking for patterns with colorful visual aids, gluing and coloring - are part of the program.

The program for kindergartners and first graders provides "big kid" lyrics to introduce concepts, finger numbers and keyboard geography. Puppets, songs and games are used to encourage and reinforce listening.

For the older beginner, ages seven through nine, the program lasts three years. Our Moonbeams want "quick results" and the songs, ensembles and keyboard repertoire are designed to support their growing sense of independence.

Students at the final level, Moonbeams Three, are thoroughly prepared for Grade One Conservatory examinations and have, in many cases, been awarded the Conservatory Silver Medal, the highest mark provincially, for Grade One Piano.

Even more important, the MYC graduates (and parents) are very highly motivated for further study in music and private teachers have found many of the students so well prepared for private lessons that they have accelerated them through Conservatory Grades Two and Three in one year!