Free music

One of biggest music philosophies is that music should be available to everyone. That is part of the reason why I used to charge so little for piano lessons (comparatively) - I really wanted to open the doors to people who might not otherwise have been able to afford it.

Now I have the opportunity to do something I've been dreaming about for at least 5 years: free music classes for children. Learning a specific instrument is something I think can effectively be started between the ages of 6 and 8. But success at playing an instrument comes from already having a love for music, and that starts from birth.

5 years ago I took a fantastic course offered through the Royal Conservatory of Music. Their philosophy was helping young children learn basic music concepts through singing and games. My eyes were opened to a new way of teaching and learning and I absolutely fell in love with it

So while I can see that private music lessons would have a cost associated with it, I really believe that instilling that love of music in really young children should happen without the restriction of a family's pocketbook. The only problem with my philosophy is this: how can I afford to rent a space without charging the students a fee? I was more than willing to forgo earning my own salary. We are blessed right now in James' job to make what money we need for our home. While we are not floating in piles of cash, we have enough if we carefully manage it, budgeting along the way, and relying on God for the rest. So I did not feel the desire to charge for my time.

The answer came in a Mommy's group that is starting up at our church, for the community. Mothers can come and hang out together, have their children play together, and hear different baby and children experts talk about their field of expertise (like sleeping, natural cleaning, food, etc.) Meanwhile, in the next room, I am going to be able to run FREE music classes!

I'm starting with one class for 2-3 year olds (with a parent) and one class for 4-6 year olds. I completed my first lesson plan for the 2-3 class last night, and I am ever so excited! Leafing through my music books, brushing up on the different games, working musical concepts into it all...I'm totally in my element. I also purchased a bunch of silk-like scarves for movement exercises, and I'm hoping to hit up the hardware store to make some rhythm sticks. Again, I will be a bit limited in supplies, since I am buying them out of my own, very small, pocket. But I hope to gather a good collection as I go.

I am beyond excited to realize a dream like this one! I have been doing my best through my limited network of people to get the word out, and I was all over town last week putting up posters. I hope people come! The first class is Monday!