the program
The program combines Kodály, Orff, Dalcroze and Waldorf into one comprehensive curriculum that teaches theory, singing and piano technique to allow kids to become fluent in total music.
program cost
Registration fee (covers the whole year, both semesters) — $20
Tuition per term (September to December, January to April) — $350 (or can be paid in monthly installments)
*Materials first time (covers the whole year, both semesters) — $98
*Materials for future siblings — $25
program details
register by semester | full program runs 3 years
45-min weekly classes
in the first year, parents attend every second week to participate in the class alongside the kids.
by the end of 3 years, kids will be able to…
keep a steady beat
play melodies on piano
play chords on piano
play right hand melody and accompany themselves with chords in left hand on piano
sight-read on piano
sight-sing
sing in tune
sing in harmony with others
sing and play in ensemble with others
improvise
compose
be fluent in movable do solfege
recognize themes and motives in any new piece of classical music they encounter
pick up any instrument with ease based on their universal musical background
but in class, this is all done through play, in such a sneaky, age-specific way that they don’t even notice they’re learning all this!
the teacher
Eszter: conductor, teacher, mother. Loves being playful and loves music. Overjoyed to have found a curriculum that teaches music to young children in a way that is high quality and designed by an expert in early childhood education.
The long version:
I’ve finally found the curriculum I’ve been dreaming of for decades! This is the program I wish I’d had as a kid.
As a Hungarian growing up in Germany, I started with Kodály and Orff training; two years of singing, solfege and recorder before ever touching my “main instrument”. It was fun, and I learned tons! Then we moved to Canada, and music became 1. the music in the public school system, which was fun but just singing pop songs from lyrics sheets, and 2. my private violin lessons, which were stressful and all about perfectionism. Music is clearly my language if I ended up pursuing it after that!!
I have a BMus in violin performance and conducting (orchestral and choral), and an MMus in orchestral conducting. I’ve conducted community choirs and orchestras for 20 years (I started young, but still, ouch!), and conducting non-professionals is in large part teaching. I was nominated for a Theatre Nova Scotia Merritt Award for Outstanding Musical Direction for a children’s opera I conducted in Halifax (Nova Scotia) with children ages 5-12, and taught them basic staff reading as part of our time preparing for our performances.
We found Let’s Play Music while looking for a music class for my 5 year old. It’s the third class for young children that we tried, and finally we found a program that he loved (and me too!). After a year with her, our wonderful teacher moved out of state, and asked whether I would be willing to take over her studio. Despite being busy with my orchestra and my own young children, I knew this program had to continue in Ann Arbor, so I did my training and certification, and am now ready to enroll students!
When working with adult musicians, pros and amateurs, I’ve always said that the real value is done by music teachers working with kids. They’re the ones that make it possible to have professional musicians, amateur musicians, and audiences who appreciate music. I’m honoured to step into this role, and so excited to HAVE FUN with music and to share in the playful approach that every child deserves.