“Great Day for Music” Musical classes in English for the youngest
Bonn · A relaxed and fun approach to appreciating music is key at “Great Day for Music”. Sessions are in English and cater mainly to little ones.
Stevie Wonder sings it best, “Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand, with an equal opportunity for all to sing, dance and clap their hands.” It’s true that music cuts across many borders and gives everyone a chance to get involved. The philosophy of “Great Day for Music,” which focuses on the very youngest of children is exactly that - everyone can learn to make music and have fun while they’re at it, they just need “the right kind of musical input.”
Expats are often looking for music classes in English, and this might fit the bill for some. Beginning with babies up to 8 months-old, parents can bring in their little ones and learn how their baby’s music development works. Founder of the music school, 35-year-old Anna Tagliabue says, “Most of our music classes are for 0 - 5-year-olds with their parents/grandparents/babysitter. They are devised so that whole families can join or parents can take turns.”
The music school uses a method called “Music Together” which resulted from early-childhood music development research from the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, New Jersey. It encourages a relaxed and playful atmosphere with plenty of room for experimentation. For children who outgrow the initial classes, recorder and violin lessons are offered. Tagliabue said they are considering “ a more general type of music class for 5-8-year-olds in the future.”
Tagliabue was born in Bonn but has an American and a German parent. After teaching Latin for several years, she decided “the joy of making music” was most important to her and she founded “Great Day for Music” in 2012. In the last year, they had about 40 families participating and there is steady growth as word gets out. Tagliabue is supported by Philippa Matthaei, who lived in the U.S. for 2 1/2 years, and Gabriela Vilchez, who sang in a university choir in her native Peru, and fronted a small rockband in Bilbao. New this fall, Vilchez will conduct one class in Spanish.
A new class is also offered for expectant mothers; the idea is that babies already develop a sense of hearing by the 23rd week. Birthday parties are also on the radar and the music teachers will come to your home for a 30 minute or 45 minute session to make music with the kids at your child’s Birthday party.
Classes are in the Bonn Südstadt and registration is open now. Start-up is less than two weeks with classes beginning on September 13. For more information and how to register, check out their website at: http://www.greatdayformusic.de/engl/index.html
