The Laurel School of Music is proud to announce the introduction of it’s Tot-Tunes program for children.  The KinderMusik of Laurel program had previously been the Early Childhood Music development program at the Laurel School of Music.  We are no longer offering KinderMusik (although we may again offer it in the future).

However, the Tot-Tunes Program that we are offering features the same musical and developmental philosophy as KinderMusik and other child development musical programs. But Tot-Tunes goes far beyond KinderMusik and other child development musical programs.

Tot-Tunes is offered for one year olds to 3 years old and another class for  3-1/2 to 4-1/2 year olds.

  Tot-Tunes believes that:

Music is naturally  inherent in all children and humans.

Through music and musical experiences such as Tot-Tunes children can enhance development of many important skills – motor skills, cognitive skills; associative skill, movement to music skills, as well as an exposure to many different musical instruments;

          Through the shared experience with parents and other Tot-Tunes children, the parent-child bond can be enhanced through the shared movements, activities and music of Tot-Tunes;

          That the above developmental features are best shared in a non-performance, non-competitive, involvement centric atmosphere.  In other words, the emphasis is on the participation, not the performance of activities, songs, and movements;

          That with Music as the underlying context, the musical experience is incorporated into the many skills and developmental dynamics of Tot-Tunes;

          Most importantly, children and parents simply have tremendous fun learning music together and discovering the musical experience;

          Tot-Tunes features in its classes:

          Fun, involved, child-parent movements and musical activities.  We all learn to move (and sing) to simple, familiar tunes that teach body movement activity and some musical theory (music that is loud/soft, high/low, fast/slow)

          Musical Instrument exposure – this is a feature that makes Tot-Tunes different than other music development classes.  Tot-Tunes is taught by skilled musicians who will play many of the songs on musical instruments.  Instruments featured by the teachers in the class include violins, guitars, cellos, trumpets, saxophones, drums, pianos, flutes and others. At least five of these instruments will be presented to the Tot-Tuners.   The Tot-Tuners will gain exposure to the sounds, the look of the instrument, and the different ways music is made with the instrument.  Tot-Tunes believes this exposure develops not only a familiarity to the instrument, but a curiosity about the instrument.

          In addition, there will be at least one craft day where Tot-Tuners will spend half the class creating a neat little craft item (for example decorating a picture frame) that they will take home.

          There is no pressure or expectation for any Tot-Tuner to be musical or to perform any of the songs or activities involved.  However, the classes are so fun that the Tot-Tuner assuredly gets involved and excited.

          Parental participation is needed.  Parents or the care-giver learn the movements and the activities along with the Tot-Tuner. All the songs can be learned in the first session. Noone is required or expected to sing.  Tot-Tunes only asks for whole-hearted participation.  Tot-Tunes teachers provide the music – you provide the fun.

          The classes for this program are taught by Aliki N. Arbach, a music educator, flautist, and coordinator of a Children/Musical class in Columbia.  The second educator is Mr. Alvin Roda, Director of the Laurel School of Music who plays trumpet, guitar, violin, cello, saxophone, drums, and piano for the Tot-Tunes program.  Both educators have many years of instructing children in private lessons as well as being parents of small children themselves.

          There are no materials to buy in addition to the program fee. (This is another difference between Tot-Tunes and other programs which often require participants to buy additional materials of up to $50).

We sincerely hope that you and your child join us in this wonderful musical journey.

Please feel free to call the Director, Al Roda, 301 560-2396 or e-mail at aroda@laurelschoolofmusic.com or visit our web-site www.laurelschoolofmusic.com.

A quick note as to behavior in the class –

            Tot-Tuners are asked to remove their shoes during class activities.

            There is a “no touching” policy that we request parents to monitor.  Obviously, Tot-Tuners will occasionally bump or contact each other during the activity and interaction and socialization is an important part of the Tot-Tunes activity.  We only ask the parent or guardian to monitor the Tot-Tuners’ movements so that all Tot-Tuners can enjoy the class.  Examples of activities to avoid are:

            Hurtful actions – hitting, kicking, etc.

            Actions that may cause distress – hugging, tumbling, wild running, kissing.

In the past, we have had very, very little difficulty in maintaining a safe and fun environment for all our Tot-Tuners – this has been due to the close and attentive watch that the instructors and parents/guardians have used in the class.  We look forward to seeing you at the next Tot-Tunes session.  Please do not hesitate to contact tht Director, Al Roda, 301 560 2396 for any questions or comments you may have on these matters.