Laura Benjamin, Musical Beginnings, voice. Laura graduated Cum Laude from Yale University in 1999. Since 1995 she has been an instructor/tutor working with private students and group classes, and has developed and implemented music education programs for children ages 1-10. Laura has extensive experience performing with and directing vocal ensembles: In 1998 she was awarded “Best Soloist” at the New England A Cappella competition and was a semifinalist at the American Traditions Vocal Competition in Savannah GA. |
Courtney McDonald, Musical Beginnings, percussion. Courtney graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in percussion performance from Boston University. She currently serves on the faculty of Reinhardt College in Waleska, Georgia. She is also the principal percussionist with the Columbus Orchestra. She performs regularly with the Alabama Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as well as the Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Ballet. Courtney is a founding member of Chix with Stix-an all female group dedicated to innovative chamber music. |
Musical Beginnings
Featured Programs
Schedule for Muscial Beginnings and Mommy & Me:
Session 2 October 27-January 15
Session 3 January 19- March 26
Session 4 March 30-May 28
We are happy to involve your children in musical education at any time. We'll pro-rate the remaining classes for the quarter!
Contact the office for availabilty at 404-355-3451 or musicgam@bellsouth.net
"Musical Beginnings is a wonderful introduction for toddlers! After trying numerous programs in the greater Atlanta area, I cannot be more pleased with the fun and energetic learning environment. Each week my daughter is excited to go to class and comes home with a greater hands-on knowledge of different world instruments as well as variations in sounds, rhythm, and notes in which to build a strong musical foundation. Ultimately, it's just fun. " -- Kim
Musical Beginnings 1. Through activities such as singing, dancing, and playing instruments, preschoolers discover and develop their enjoyment of music, emotional as well as intellectual response to music, aural awareness and descrimination, coordination and muscle control. Studies show that the introduction of music into a child's life during the developmental years enhances not only the aural and muscular coordination, but also improves learning skills and increases the I.Q.
Musical Beginnings 2 offers an accelerated curriculum as the next step from our Musical Beginnings 1 program. Class participants are introduced to the world of composers and their craft. They study masterpieces from each musical era- from classical to romantic to jazz. Through storytelling, dance and playing of instruments, the student explores the world of music.
Classes are limited to twelve students and last fifty minutes. Each class includes the following activities: a simple, repeated opening exercise in a circle, singing of songs and ear training activities, listening to live and recorded music, experiences in rhythm instruments, orchestral and environmental instruments, educational filmstrips and videos.
There is an explorartory time guided by our teachers at the beginning of each class. This allows students to have hands on time on their favorite instruments. Many Musical Beginnings students go on to an early start studying piano, violin, cello, and flute here at the Academy!
Mommy and Me
The Mommy and Me program for children 6 months to 2 years old and their parent is a course offering now in its fifth year which allows the opportunity to explore and enjoy music together! Each thirty minute class includes fun opportunities to engage in song and dance while using rhythm and percussion instruments. Story telling is enhanced with props for child stimulation. Repetition is used to give your child a foundation for achievement! Your child learns important social and developmental skills through group interactions with other children, parents and the teacher.
The wonderful world of music will expose your baby to new sensory, verbal, and conceptual ideas necessary to give them a healthy head start. You'll revel in your baby's discoveries and new skills as much as they will!
Instructors
