Sound Beginnings or Let's Play Music?
Is your child ready for
Let's Play Music?
You may be wondering whether to enroll your child in Sound Beginnings or Let’s Play Music since both programs welcome 4-year-olds. Here you will find more information and guidance to help you decide which class is the best fit for you and your child.
Every child is different, and the best choice ultimately depends on your child’s maturity and interest level. Read through the information to help you make the best decision for your family.
1
Student Age
Many families choose to start Let’s Play Music at age 5 since slightly older children are often able to grasp concepts and develop skills more easily. In general, I recommend that younger 4-year-olds enjoy another year of Sound Beginnings before starting Let’s Play Music. Usually children between the ages of 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 are often the perfect age to start.
2
Finger Dexterity
Can your child hold a pencil correctly, thread a shoelace through a small hole, and show “3” on his/her fingers? If so, those fingers are likely ready for Let's Play Music!
In the second year of Let’s Play Music, children begin playing the keyboard/piano both in class and at home. With consistent practice and strong parental support, even the youngest students can make truly amazing progress.
3
Emotional & Cognitive Readiness
You know your child best. If you feel he/she may struggle in a slightly more structured class where there is an expectation to practice at home, retain and build on skills each week, and attend class independently on alternating weeks, then another year of Sound Beginnings may be the best fit.
However, if your child is excited about learning at a higher level and eager to begin playing the piano, Let’s Play Music could be a great choice.
4
Class Length
Sound Beginnings classes meet weekly for 30 minutes.
First Year Let’s Play Music classes meet weekly for 45 minutes and increase to 50–55 minutes in Second and Third Years.
5
Parental Involvement
In addition to attending class, participating with your child, and listening to the albums together, both programs include at-home activities designed to enhance learning.
In Sound Beginnings, these at-home activities are optional and are meant to create fun opportunities for parent-child bonding at home.
In Let’s Play Music, at-home activities and regular practice are both essential for success. First Year students practice tone bells at least once per week and complete a simple weekly theory assignment.
During Second Year, students begin practicing piano for about 5 minutes per day, increasing to 15–20 minutes per day in Third Year.
6
Commitment
For Let’s Play Music, it is expected that your child will remain enrolled in the program for the full three-year curriculum in order to experience the complete sequence of musical learning. Sound Beginnings, on the other hand, is a commitment of one semester at a time, offering families flexibility to enroll on a semester-by-semester basis.
Sound Beginnings tuition is $180/semester with a $20 registration fee per semester.
Let’s Play Music tuition is $600 per year ($300/semester) with a $50 annual registration fee.
7
Music Exposure
Whichever program you choose, any music exposure and participation is incredibly beneficial. It nurtures inner musicianship, so you really can’t go wrong!
If you’re looking for your child to simply enjoy experiencing music while developing preschool and social skills in a fun, learning-rich environment, Sound Beginnings is a wonderful fit. If your goal is for your child to begin building a strong musical foundation and develop skills that will prepare them for success on piano and other instruments, Let’s Play Musicis an excellent choice.